Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Hardwood Flooring - Refinishing Or Replacing

Wood has long since been a prime material in home construction that continues to be popular for that unsurpassed appeal and durability that affords just any home a welcoming feel. Hardwood flooring is among these house features that give that timeless beauty and one common dilemma faced in time by New York homeowners is whether to replace or reface. Whether in Long Island, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Manhattan, or Queens; it would be favorable to meticulously compare the pros and cons of refinishing or replacing hardwood flooring.

As time goes by, your hardwood flooring would start to look worn and this will mark a decision to make. To help you out in deciding, here are the key elements to look into when comparing refinishing versus replacing:

Cost

Obviously, as replacement of hardwood flooring will require another set of materials plus contractor labor for installation this project would cost more in terms of time and money. Refinishing on the other hand would just need the works of a qualified contractor, or tools and expertise on your part if you decide to go head on with the hardwood refinishing project. This makes refinishing a more economical solution than replacing.

Durability

With hardwood flooring, durability is never a question as the material has proven to last lifetimes. However, the key to ensure durability whether when refinishing or replacing lies in the craftsmanship of your hired contractor. So if you want to enjoy the beauty and warmth that this type of flooring offers for good long years, let a qualified contractor handle the project if you are not one and does not have what it takes to finish the job properly.

As a Solution

When homeowners decide on refinishing or replacing their hardwood flooring, it is not just because of the traffic wear and scratches. Other concerns such as wanting a darker color can bring in a whole new set of issues. But even this can be solved by refinishing as the project may include tinting of your preferred color.

Refinishing can be economical but it may not always be the perfect solution for your hardwood flooring needs. Here are several instances when replacement is a required:

* wanting a lighter color, different grain, or pattern;
* facing water damages caused by flooding or other incidents. Severe water damages may be indicated by bulging, warping or buckling of the wood flooring.

But as replacement of your entire floor can be very expensive and can pose a huge job, carefully consider whether to refinish or replace. Even with damages, there are still ways to salvage the floor and refinish but still get to the root of the problem such as stains and molds. Some structural damages may not always mean that the replacement of the entire hardwood flooring is necessary.

Hardwood flooring is among the most durable and longest lasting floor options. Before deciding which project to undertake, it pays to consult with experts on which project would best serve as the solution to your current floor problem.

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