Replace or Refinish? Choosing the Right Flooring Option for Your Home

If you have outdated or damaged flooring in your home, chances are you’ve been considering updating them. The good news? Whether you plan to stay in your home or sell in the near future, new floors will add tremendous value to your home – either you’ll enjoy them for years to come, or they’ll boost your resale value. That’s a win-win in my book!

There are so many reasons to update your floors. From pet damage, moisture issues, or using the wrong cleaner, to everyday wear and tear, or simply having the wrong color for your style – changing your floors will have a noticeable impact on your entire home. After all, they’re everywhere and you use them everyday!

Today, I’m sharing the ins and outs of replacing vs. refinishing your floors. Let’s dive in and see which is right for you…

Replacing Your Floors

If you’re looking for a complete refresh or your wood floors are too thin to sand down and refinish, replacing them is your best option. The good news? This gives you the chance to make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your home. Let’s explore the benefits and considerations of installing new floors…

The main level of our Deborah Drive Remodel was originally broken up by a mixture of wood, tile, and carpet. We replaced it all with new wide plank white oak prefinished flooring for a cohesive, modern look.

Why you’ll love new floors

Versatility: Replacing your floors opens up limitless options! You can choose the plank width (wider planks are trending) and even opt for a different wood species. While many older homes have red oak or maple, starting fresh lets you select something like white oak, which takes lighter stains beautifully. Plus, you’ll have more color choices than refinishing allows.

Longevity: With proper care, new wood floors can last for decades, even generations. Keep in mind that solid hardwood can typically be refinished up to 10 times, while engineered wood floors can be refinished just once or twice.

Time investment: If you choose prefinished wood floors, the process is quicker than refinishing since fewer steps are involved.

Cleaner Installation: There is no sanding or dust involved, which means your whole home will stay much cleaner during installation.

We replaced the outdated laminate tile in our Lake Independence Remodel with new white oak flooring that was finished onsite in a natural finish to complement the white cabinets and trim.

Drawbacks of new floors

Waste: You’ll be removing your old flooring, and it must go somewhere. Obviously, disposing of materials causes waste, and adding to a landfill is a big part of the flooring decision for many.

Cost: I’ll be totally honest with you — new floors are more expensive than refinishing what you already have. There’s quite a range in price per square foot, so exploring all options will help you find the right fit.

Shifts in Placement: If you choose to replace your floor with wood planks, keep in mind that they will expand and contract with temperature changes. In a climate like Minnesota’s where we see swings in temperature and humidity, newer floors can shift and gaps between boards can occur. These gaps can be eye sores, dust collectors, and even tripping hazards.

Refinishing Your Floors

Installing new floors is certainly not the only way to make an impact. If your floors are in good condition but you’re looking to change the color or restore the original beauty with a new protective layer, refinishing may be the right path for you. This approach also allows you to maintain the original character of your home while saving money, if those factors are important in your decision.

Our Ashwood Remodel clients didn’t like their original cherry floors but couldn’t justify the cost to rip them out and start over. Instead, we stained them in a darker color to hide the red undertones.

Why you’ll love refinishing your floors

Durability: When you refinish your floors, a protective layer is added that makes your floor more resistant against scratches, dents, and water damage. Refinishing actually increases the longevity of your floors!

Eco-friendly: There won’t be any planks to rip out and send to the landfill when you refinish, so you can feel good that your decision is a planet-friendly one.

Cost savings: Refinishing your floors is significantly less expensive than replacing, making it the more wallet-friendly option.

Historical integrity: If keeping the original elements of your home is important to you, refinishing will allow you to do so, while making aesthetic changes you desire. This factor may be especially important if you own an older or historic home.

Restorative refresh: Floors see a lot of abuse over time. Refinishing them brings back the original beauty of the wood, and coupled with a change in color, it will completely change the way your home looks and feels.

We matched the width and species of the original wood floors in our Tanglewood Project, and opted for a darker stain for a rich, traditional look.

Drawbacks of refinishing floors

Time investment: There are many stages of refinishing wood floors, and depending on the scope of your project, you will not have access to the affected area for a week or more. This can significantly impact your daily routine, and you may want to consider living elsewhere during the process.

Dust & odor: Obviously, sanding creates a lot of dust, which can make a mess. Additionally, certain wood finishes and sealers can release VOCs, creating indoor air pollution – these will dissipate within a few days, but may be another reason to temporarily move out.

Floors may not be suitable: Did you know that not all wood floors can be refinished? If your floors are damaged beyond repair or too thin to sand, refinishing will, unfortunately, not be an option.

Guidance from an Expert

Changing your floors is a big decision with so many factors to weigh. If you’re feeling lost on which direction to go or afraid to make the wrong decision, a designer is the right expert to consult. They’ll consider your planned investment, timeline, lifestyle, and color options, supporting you in making an informed decision on which option makes the most sense for your home.

If you find yourself in this situation, I’d love to offer guidance — my Design Consulting Service may be the perfect fit. Reach out to me here, and let’s begin the conversation.