The hardwood flooring San Diego homeowners install is meant to last a very long time, but only if it is properly maintained. Even when old wood floors have been neglected, the following factors will help determine if they can be saved.
What Species of Wood Are Your Floors Made Of?
Some wood species are better than others in certain climates. If your floors are made of poorly treated hickory high desert hardwood, you should check how they have withstood moisture and humidity over the years. Excessive mold and rot would suggest switching to a more adequate species or to engineered hardwood.
How Thick Is the Wood?
If the wood has already been pulled up and sanded down a couple of times, it may be too thin to salvage. Some planks are initially cut to a thickness of just 3/8″, which makes them vulnerable to future sanding sessions. Very thin planks make for a flimsy flooring structure.
Are There Pests Living in the Wood?
Tiny beetles, woodworms, and termites are the worst enemies of wood floors. Sawdust and too many pin-sized holes on the surface of the planks indicate an infestation of powderpost beetles. If only a few floorboards seem to be affected, they might be able to be replaced. However, it is a good idea to have a pest control expert inspect the subflooring space to determine the extent of the infestation.
What Is the Overall Condition of the Floors?
Sanding and refinishing can work wonders for planks and floorboards, but not much can be done to extensive damage caused by screws inserted by homeowners who wanted to quiet down squeaky floors. These screws can also be found on wood floors that were once covered by carpeting. Absence of humidity and moisture is the most important factor. If there is evidence of prior flooding, the wood may not be salvageable.
If you’ve determined it’s time to replace your wood floors, get in touch with Unique Flooring, a leading provider of high-quality flooring in San Diego. In addition to our extensive selection of attractive hardwood, we also offer carpet, tile, laminate, and vinyl planks. Stop by our showroom or give us a call at 760-945-0010 for a free quote.
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