Blog > New Flooring VS Refinish Existing Flooring. What Should You Choose?
New Flooring VS Refinish Existing Flooring. What Should You Choose?
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
When deciding between new flooring and refinishing existing flooring, there are several key factors to consider, such as cost, environmental impact, longevity, and aesthetics. Here's a breakdown of each option to help you make an informed choice:
Cost:
New Flooring:
- Materials and Installation: The cost of new flooring depends on the material chosen (e.g., hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile). For example, hardwood flooring can cost between $6 to $15 per square foot, while vinyl or laminate may range from $3 to $7 per square foot. Installation costs can also add up depending on the material and labor involved.
- Additional Costs: New flooring may require removing and disposing of the old flooring, which adds to the cost.
Refinishing Flooring:
- Less Expensive: Refinishing typically costs between $3 to $8 per square foot, making it a more cost-effective option for maintaining existing hardwood floors.
- No Removal Needed: Since you're working with existing floors, there’s no need to remove or dispose of old materials, saving money.
Environmental Impact:
New Flooring:
- Material Sourcing: New flooring materials, especially wood, involve harvesting natural resources. Opting for eco-friendly options like reclaimed wood or bamboo can reduce environmental impact.
- Waste Generation: Removing old flooring and replacing it creates waste, which may end up in landfills unless recycled.
Refinishing Flooring:
- Eco-Friendly: Refinishing extends the life of your existing hardwood, reducing waste and the need for new materials. The environmental impact is lower since you're not consuming new resources.
Longevity:
New Flooring:
- Durability: The longevity depends on the type of flooring. For example, hardwood can last 30–100 years, tile lasts 50+ years, while laminate or vinyl flooring may need replacing after 10–25 years.
Refinishing Flooring:
- Prolongs Life: Refinishing can restore the look of your floors and extend their life by 10–20 years, depending on the thickness of the hardwood and the quality of the refinishing job. It can be done multiple times, but only to a certain extent before the wood becomes too thin.
Aesthetics:
New Flooring:
- Customization: If you're looking for a completely different look, new flooring allows for unlimited design choices. You can choose different colors, textures, and materials.
Refinishing Flooring:
- Restoration and Change: Refinishing allows you to change the color or finish of existing hardwood. You can stain the wood darker or lighter, but it doesn’t allow for as much flexibility as replacing the floor entirely.
Time and Convenience:
New Flooring:
- Time-Consuming: Installing new floors can take longer, especially if you need to remove existing flooring, level subfloors, and account for installation complexities.
Refinishing Flooring:
- Faster Process: Refinishing is generally faster than installing new floors. However, it can still be time-consuming, as the process involves sanding, staining, and finishing, which can take several days.
Maintenance:
New Flooring:
- Lower Maintenance (initially): New floors are typically low-maintenance in the first few years, especially if you opt for durable materials like vinyl or tile. However, materials like hardwood still require ongoing care to prevent damage.
Refinishing Flooring:
- Ongoing Maintenance: Refinishing renews the surface of the hardwood but requires ongoing maintenance to keep it looking good. You’ll need to regularly clean and avoid scratches or water damage.
Which to Choose?
- Refinishing is ideal if you already have hardwood floors that are structurally sound but just need a fresh look. It’s more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and a good option if you like the current flooring layout and style.
- New Flooring is a better choice if your current floors are damaged beyond repair, you want a different style or material, or if you need a more durable and modern solution for your space.
Choosing between the two depends on your budget, the condition of your current floors, and your aesthetic preferences. For additional recommendations on which route to go, contact Jason’s Carpet & Tile. We would be happy give you an honest recommendation.