Engineered hardwood flooring has a reputation for being long-lasting and durable, but like any other type of flooring, it can wear out with time. To ensure that your flooring stays in excellent condition, it is vital that you keep a close eye on them as a homeowner. While engineered hardwood is made to withstand the stresses of daily life, there may come a point when it needs to be replaced.
In this article, we will look at the telltale signs that your engineered hardwood flooring needs to be replaced. Early detection of these issues can help you avoid potential hassles and expenses. Whether you're worried about your floor's safety or the look of your space, knowing these signs can help you make informed choices about the maintenance and replacement of your engineered hardwood floors.
So, let's get started and discover how to tell when it's time to replace your flooring to keep your house looking good and functioning properly.
When Should You Replace Your Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Water Damage
Having hardwood flooring has a few drawbacks, one of which is water damage. Although engineered hardwood is more resistant to water damage than solid hardwood, both types of hardwood flooring are prone to staining, warping, and other concerns when the floor is damp.
Spills won't seep into your floor with a good seal or stain, but significant damage could occur if your property experiences flooding, plumbing problems, or other problems. When water damages the wood, it often warps or splits, and a new coat of finish won't fix the problem.
As a result, water damage is one of the most important indicators that it's time to replace your hardwood flooring.
It's Been Refinished Several Times
The ability to frequently refinish engineered hardwood floors rather than replace them is a significant benefit. To refinish wood, you have to sand it down and add a new coat of paint or sealant. This is an excellent approach to dealing with minor marks and damage. Additionally, it can be a quick way to change the aesthetic of your home.
However, there is a limit to the thickness of the floorboards. Sanding them down too much can cause them to become too thin. When engineered hardwood flooring is refinished too frequently, it loses structural integrity and is more likely to crack. When you've had it refinished a few times, it's usually time to have a complete replacement.
Wood Discolouration
A few things could cause your engineered hardwood floors to change colour. For instance, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause colours to fade. Refinishing or restaining your flooring will help you eliminate this washed-out appearance.
Water damage could also discolour your floor. When water gets into your hardwood, it oxidises and changes colour. Common indications of water damage include grey streaks and discolouration. At this point, a refinish will address the issue.
However, if left unattended, the stain will darken and become black. This typically indicates that the water has damaged the hardwood's structure and that you need to replace it.
Large Scuffs And Markings
Scratches are a normal part of life for those with engineered hardwood floors, whether it's from moving the furniture around or pets running about. A few scuffs are nothing to worry about, but if the scratches are widespread, consider replacing your hardwood flooring. Additionally, look out for any sizable chips or gouges.
If you have a scratch on your floor that is deep enough to go through the stain and reach the wood, your engineered hardwood floor is more susceptible to water damage. Even minor spills can do a lot of damage if they get under the dye and into the wood.
Excessive Wear And Tear
Aside from its unmistakable elegance, the durability of your engineered hardwood floor is one of its greatest selling points. Engineered hardwood flooring can endure the test of time since they are manufactured from real wood. However, as with any organic material, they will begin to show their age after some time, especially in heavily used places like the foyer or living room.
Watch out for the stain, as it will reveal the earliest indications of excessive wear on your floors. Refinishing your floors will solve the issue if the stain begins to fade or wears off entirely. But a worn stain might result in more severe problems like splintered or warped wood, both of which need to be replaced.
Creaking Or Moving Floorboards
Check your hardwood flooring if walking around your living space feels like you're in a haunted house. When floorboards creak, the wood is typically rubbing against the subfloor or one of its own surfaces. This could be a sign of old age, but it could also mean that the structure isn't as strong as it used to be.
Moving floorboards could also mean major water damage or cracks in the foundation. Floorboards that bend or move when you walk on them could be a sign of major water damage or cracks in the foundation.
Watch out for smaller, more subtle movements as well. The dipping or swelling of hardwood flooring typically indicates severe structural problems.
It's Time To Switch Up
It's not necessary to have a severe issue before replacing your floors. Sometimes, we only need to make a slight adjustment to our homes. The great news is that hardwood floors can be found in many styles. Try a new wood species, colour, texture, or grade. A fresh aesthetic or design for your home can be achieved with brand-new hardwood flooring.
Top Brand
FOGLIE D'ORO: Foglie d'Oro's floors are of the highest quality since the company closely monitors its whole supply chain. Staff members handpick the best raw materials in their own sustainably managed, FSC-certified forests. This selection procedure continues right up until the delivery of the finished product.
The exquisite herringbone, chevrons, planks, and inlay-ed panels are all handcrafted with ongoing research and development for newer designs and finishes. The skilled hands of the artisans who handle the wood ensure that the creative concepts of the design team are accurately represented in the final product.
Interested in installing bespoke engineered wood flooring for your home?
Consider engaging Lux & Beyond for finely crafted, fully customisable interior finishing and inspirational lighting. With more than 20 years in the interior industry and vast experience and understanding of the local market, the brands we curate are carefully selected to fit the local market, highly reputable, and well-established with good quality.
The suitability and sustainability of the materials and products are also taken into account based on the condition and humidity of the local environment. Find out more by visiting https://www.luxandbeyond.sg/contact-us.
Comments