5 Hardwood Floor Repair Questions to Ask a Pro

Hardwood floors are a beautiful feature in your home, but if they’re scuffed, scratched, warped, or otherwise damaged, they can quickly become an eyesore. Luckily, you can repair or partially replace hardwood floors to once again reveal their natural beauty. When you’re ready to spruce them up a bit, make sure to talk to your contractor about these hardwood floor repair questions. 

1. Should I repair or partially replace my wood flooring?

Deciding between repairing or partially replacing your wood flooring depends on the extent of the damage and the size of the damaged area. You can typically repair minor surface scratches and scuffs and secure loose boards, but larger issues like discoloration, water damage, deep gouges, and cupping boards will likely require larger repairs or even hardwood floor replacement. Talking with a contractor and asking about your options can help you make this decision.  

2. Would you like to have the wood flooring refinished after the repairs?

After repairing sections of wood flooring, the sections may appear slightly different from the other, more worn areas. You can discuss with your contractor whether or not you want to refinish the entire floor. Wood flooring repairs cost an average of $1,000, while hardwood floor refinishing costs between $600 and $4,500, depending on the size of the area and the amount of labor involved. 

3. Have you already purchased materials for this project?

You may have leftover materials from when the hardwood flooring was initially installed, or you may choose to purchase materials yourself rather than having your contractor purchase them. Either way, talk with your local hardwood floor repair pro to communicate your material needs. The contractor may want to measure the area that needs repairs and verify that you have the correct amount of materials before they begin their work. 

4. What type of damage does the hardwood floor have?

The floor contractor will need to know about the damage before they’re able to give you a quote for repairing or partially replacing the hardwood floor. You can describe the damage, but they will also come to your home to see the space for themselves and give you a quote for how much it will cost. They can also advise on whether repairing or replacing is the best route.

5. When do you need this work done?

Discussing the timeline with your contractor is always important when you ask hardwood floor questions. Simple repairs may only take a day or so, but larger issues and partial floor replacement may take a week or two. You should also be prepared in the event that the contractor finds other issues when they begin work, like damaged subfloors or water damage. Attending to these problems can extend the timeline for completing the work.