When is the cost of repairing hardwood lower than the cost of replacing it? How do you repair dried-out hardwood with gaps between the slats? Is it possible to repair hardwood that has become loose?
We should note from the outset – this text is not a DIY guide for hardwood repair. Any major repairs are best left to professionals. Not only because they have more experience and practice and their results will be better, but also because professional machines are used for proper hardwood repair.
So, in this text, look for just the initial information and answers to the question – can your worn-out hardwood be repaired, or does it need to be replaced?
Let’s also mention that one option is to lay laminate over the old hardwood if it doesn’t require significant changes such as cutting doors due to the raised floor. However, repairing the hardwood can achieve much better results because after the repair, the hardwood will shine with a completely new glow.
When is Hardwood Repair Possible?
First, it is necessary to assess whether sanding is possible. In most cases, it is. Namely, sanding is the process of machine sanding the hardwood surface, which removes the old varnish as well as surface damage, scratches, stains, etc.
If your floor has old solid hardwood, sanding can be carried out without problems. If your floor has cheaper, thinner hardwood that has already been sanded a few times, removing a new layer of wood will not be possible.
What the craftsman will also assess before repair is the condition of the slats. If the hardwood has dried out, after the first round of sanding, the craftsman will fill the gaps between the slats with a mixture made of wood dust.
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If the gaps in some places are to large, they can be filled by hammering in wooden strips pre-coated with wood glue. The excess protruding above the hardwood surface is then removed, and the surface is completely leveled with a new fine sanding.
If some slats are so damaged that they cannot be repaired by sanding or are loose, they are removed with special tools and replaced with new slats glued into their place.
And When is Hardwood Repair Not Worth it?
So, many things can be repaired, and old worn hardwood can be given a new shine. What is not worth repairing are cases where the hardwood is loose and detached from the substrate to a greater extent and over larger areas. In such cases, removing the slats and re-gluing them is either not worthwhile or is not a permanent solution.
Repair is also not worthwhile if the hardwood has risen, for example, due to water spillage or moisture. In that case, replacement is the only remedy, and it is understandable that it is not possible to rectify it by laying another floor covering over the existing one.
So, if the hardwood has lost its old shine, is scratched, stained, and gaps have appeared between the slats, repair is usually possible and cost-effective. If the hardwood has risen due to moisture or is loose over a large area, in that case, repair is not a recommended solution, and most craftsmen will opt for laying a new floor covering.
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