Not all hardwood floors are created equal – not when it comes to properties and certainly not when it comes to refinishing. While some can be revitalized and made to look new with relative ease, others are just resource sinks and, as such, better left as-is – or replaced entirely. But, how do you determine eligible candidates for hardwood floor refinishing in Winston-Salem, ensuring you’re not wasting your time, money, and nerves? This guide is an excellent starting point, so let’s dive in and explore!

What hardwood floors can be refinished?

The eligibility criteria for hardwood floor refinishing primarily depend on:

• Thickness of the boards;
• Material (wood type);
• Condition of the floor;
• Type & quantity of pre-existing finishes.

With these factors in mind, we can single out the three ideal refinishing candidates.

Solid hardwood floors

Whether oak, maple, teak, or otherwise, solid hardwood offers an ideal base for refinishing. The density and thickness of the boards make them incredibly durable and capable of withstanding multiple procedures.

Provided that the wood is in good condition (i.e., no water damage, rot, or structural issues), you can refinish it 3-5 times without problem (or more, but that’s pushing it).

Engineered hardwood floors (conditional)

While they are not perfect candidates, engineered floors can sometimes be refinished. This type of flooring is created by “stacking” layers of wood, which can vary in thickness depending on the specific material and manufacturing process. However, if the topmost layer is thick enough (i.e., 5/64” or more), refinishing can be a feasible option. Still, to avoid risks (and costly repairs), it is highly recommended to consult with experts before committing.

Bamboo hardwood floors

Not only are they highly renewable (and affordable!), but bamboo floors are also great candidates for refinishing. The density of the wood enables it to withstand sanding, albeit not as “aggressive” or as frequent as solid hardwood. 

At best, you’re looking at 1-2 excellent refinishes before the wood gets too compromised to work with. Still, considering how bamboo floors require a refinish every 10-20 years, you stand to get a pretty good mileage!

What hardwood floors cannot be refinished?

Now that we know which floors can be refinished, let’s turn our attention to instances where this intervention is neither viable nor feasible.

Laminate floors

While it may resemble hardwood, laminate is actually a synthetic material made of resin and wood fibers.

Although the sheets are tightly packed and coated in a protective layer, they do not offer nearly enough integrity to withstand the sanding (or other procedures that follow).

In fact, any attempt to refinish laminate would most likely result in ruined flooring, making replacement the only viable option.

 

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) or Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)

The argument here is the same as with laminate flooring. Due to the way they’re engineered, neither LVT nor LVP have the required consistency/density to withstand the refinishing process. Therefore, once again, the only viable alternative is a complete replacement.

Severely damaged floors

If your floors have suffered extensive water damage, are rotted, or have significant structural issues (e.g., large gaps, cracks, warping), refinishing is not a viable solution. Depending on the extent of damage, the procedure can be ineffective or downright impossible, making it a waste of resources, pure and simple. In these cases, a much better (and cost-effective) option is to replace compromised sections or even the entire floor.

Floors with multiple layers of old finish

Refinishing becomes more complex and costly with every iteration. Therefore, if your floors have been refinished multiple times, it may be more practical and cost-effective to replace them altogether. Of course, you should always consult with experts in Winston-Salem beforehand to determine the feasibility of refinishing or to explore alternatives.

Who does top-quality hardwood floor refinishing near me in Winston-Salem, NC?

With 20+ years of experience, a team of certified specialists, and comprehensive workmanship warranties, Premier Hardwood Flooring is your best choice. Whether your floors are ripe for comprehensive refurbishment, need a few fixes that don’t require refinishing, or a completely new installation, you can count on our expertise to deliver results that exceed your expectations. Give us a call today and ensure you can enjoy the benefits of expertly refinished flooring for years to come!