When hardwood floors get scratched, stained, chipped or just looking blah, there’s a decision to be made: replace or refinish. While there are pros and cons for doing either, professional hardwood floors refinishers say there are a few important factors to consider. One of them is budget.

Cost factor is important, and unless the hardwood is badly warped or damaged, refinishing hardwood floors saves money vs. replacing them.

No doubt about it. Replacing hardwood flooring is a big deal, and it can get expensive. It requires ripping out and hauling away the old hardwood–not to mention the cost of the new planks and installation. Even if it means removing a few severely damaged planks here and there, refinishing will generally always be less expensive than tearing out the entire floor.

Unfortunately, sometimes there’s no choice. Hardwood floor experts explain that if the floor squeaks and creaks because the wood rubs against nails and screws in the floor, if the planks are warping and change their shape, it’s time to replace the hardwood.

Cost efficient refinishing a hardwood floor is ideal for scrapes and scratches, dents and dings from heavy foot traffic or pet claws or when the floor is just looking dull and worn. Hardwood floor refinishers are unanimous. Professional sanding and refinishing hardwoods make the floors smooth and new—without the expense of replacement.

Qualified and experienced hardwood floor refinishers admit that the refinishing process, with terrific results in making a refinished hardwood floor look like new, is unarguably a messy project. Even for professionals.

Hardwood floor refinishers understand the unpleasant dust storm that accompanies a wooden floor refinish. It can seem like the dust from even a simple refinish can seep into a home for days. Expert hardwood floor refinishers can use a new Atomic Dust Containment System, especially designed to stop dust from escaping and kicking-up everywhere. It also speeds up the process, keeps the home dust-free, and offers a better service with much less cleanup.

Refinishing restores the floor’s original luster and shine. It is also a great way to rev-up the hardwood floor’s aesthetic appeal, without breaking the bank.

So, when all is said and done, hardwood floor refinishers agree. Refinishing hardwood is definitely the more affordable option.