How to Decide If Your Hardwood Floors Need Sanding?

You are a proud owner of a durable and beautiful hardwood floor. Still, there comes a time when your floor will start showing signs that it requires sanding. Hardwood floor sanding is a must when the floor gets damaged, dull, or worn. There are different signs that can indicate that it is the right time to sand your floor and give it a new lease of life.

The most common signs that indicate that your floor needs sanding are as follows:

1. Scratches & Gouges

If you notice dents or gouges on the floor that give it an uneven look, you should get in touch with a hardwood floor sanding contractor. Keep in mind that most floors tend to develop scratches over time. But deeper gouges require special attention. Gouges and dents can lessen the beauty of your floor while also increasing the chances of someone tripping on them.

2. Dullness

A dull and uneven finish is also a common sign for sanding a hardwood floor. These floors are valued for their vibrant looks, but they can lose their sheen over time due to the following factors:

• Foot traffic
• Sunlight exposure
• Cleaning

Remember, that worn-down finishes can expose the wood to wear and moisture.

3. Stains & Discoloration

There also comes a time when hardwood flooring can lose its coloration. The key factors here include foot traffic, sunlight exposure, spills, pet urine, and water damage. These floors can sometimes reach a stage where there is a mishmash of colors and/or there are stubborn stains. There may be areas that are a different color from the rest. Sanding can help remove all that and refinishing can give your floor a brand-new look.

4. A Sticky Floor

If your hardwood floors have started becoming sticky, this can be a sign of dirt and dust build-up that has gotten stuck in the finish. If this keeps happening even after cleaning up the floor, it can mean that the floor needs sanding.

With sanding, the accumulated filth and grime will be removed. It can also help remove any damaged finish, giving your floor a new look and finish.

5. Fading

The hardwood floors in rooms that receive lots of sunlight can fade faster than in other areas. Exposure to UV rays can result in faster deterioration of the hardwood finish. Sanding, followed by the application of a UV-resistant finish can provide additional protection to protect against sunlight. Besides, evening out the floor’s color, this can also protect its integrity.

6. Appearance of Splinters

When you start noticing splinters on your floor, it is time for sanding. Hardwood surfaces are ideally designed to make it a pleasant experience to walk barefoot over them. The presence of splinters deserves an immediate professional assessment. Sanding can help remove all the splinters and create a safe and smooth surface.

7. Water Damage

Water damage and stains are also clear signs that your floor needs sanding. This can be caused by a water leak or a spill. Moisture is capable of seeping into the wood and causing warping. Sanding and refinishing can help repair the damaged area and expose fresh wood. This can give your floor a more pristine look.

Some of the common signs of water damage include:

• Dark stains
• Musty odor
• Warping

At the same time, it is important to know that extensive damage can mean there is a deeper problem that cannot just be fixed with sanding.

So, these are some of the most common signs that can tell you that your hardwood flooring needs sanding. It is recommended to take timely action to restore your floor before it can experience significant damage and require extensive repair or replacement.