There are countless benefits to investing in hardwood flooring, including style, durability, and longevity. However, sometimes it can be a little difficult to tell when a replacement is necessary. Should you repair or replace your hardwood, and how do you know for sure?

On the other hand, nothing lasts forever. While you can sand and stain your floors more than once, sometimes it’s just time to admit defeat. It can be difficult to determine when it’s time to say goodbye to your old flooring and replace your hardwood, but typically, you will notice one or more of the following signs.

●     You have already refinished the hardwood more than a few times.

High-quality hardwood can be refinished quite a few times, but if you’ve done it more than 4 or 5, at least consider replacing it. After all, constant refinishing might cost more than a replacement in the long run.

●     Nails are poking through the top of the flooring.

Visible hardware indicates that the flooring itself is worn through, not just the color. In this case, a replacement is almost always the best option, especially if you have pets or young children.

●     Boards are beginning to split or splinter.

Over time, the weight of people and furniture can cause wood flooring to split. While individual boards can be replaced, excessive splintering indicates a need for an across-the-board replacement…pun intended!

●     Water damage has caused the wood to “bubble” from underneath.

Flooding is particularly common in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens. Unfortunately, it often attacks flooring from underneath, rather than from the top. If not attended to immediately, moisture damage occurs, causing the flooring to warp and bubble. Extensive water damage typically requires a replacement, even if it’s just in one room.

●     The floor creaks excessively.

While creaky floors make for great middle-of-the-night security, they are annoying. Unfortunately, they also mean that it’s almost time for a replacement.