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Do you want to spice up your place without spending a fortune on new furniture? Flooring renovation is the key. You can upgrade, add to, or restyle your old flooring and enjoy a fresh sight without changing too many things around the house.

But what exactly is flooring renovation? And how much will it cost you? Get your answers and much more in this guide, and if you want to renovate your floors, contact us for an accurate price quote!

What Is Flooring Renovation?

Flooring renovation involves laying a new floor or restyling your existing one to boost its aesthetic. Suppose your floor starts showing signs of wear and tear. To renovate it, you can refinish it, give it a new stain, or rearrange the tiles to give it a new look. However, if the damage is too extensive, you can replace it with a new floor.

What Is the Flooring Renovation Process?

The flooring renovation process depends on multiple factors, including whether your floor needs to be replaced or restored, your budget, your personal preference, and more.

Does the Floor Need to Be Replaced, Or Can It Be Restored?

Whether your floor needs to be replaced or restored depends on its material and state. If it’s too damaged, you’ll likely need to replace it. But if it only shows signs of wear in specific areas, you can restore it. Here are the signs you should replace or restore your floors.

ReplaceRestore
Water damageMould infestationUneven tiles or boardsStubborn discolourationLarge cracks that can’t be fixedSmall cracks and chipsStainsDents under furniture’s legsUV damage (colour fading)

What Is Your Budget?

Before jumping into a renovation project, you need to decide on a budget so that you know how you’ll revamp your floor. For instance, replacing a wood floor costs a lot more than sanding it and reapplying its finishing layer. Naturally, the bigger budget you have, the more changes you’ll be able to make.

What Are Your Preferences to the Look and Feel?

Whether you want your floor to look the same or different as before will affect the entire renovation process. Consider you want your wood floors to look the same but with a more subtle shine. Your option will be to change your matte finishing layer to a satin one. However, if you want an entirely new look, you’ll have to sand the floor and restain it or replace it.

Where Is the Floor Being Renovated?

One of the factors that’ll affect the renovation process is where it’ll happen. For instance, if you want to renovate your kitchen or bathroom floor, you’ll need to look for waterproof floors like ceramic or vinyl. Meanwhile, other rooms, like your living room or bedroom, don’t need the same consideration. You’ll have more freedom in choosing the type of floor you want.

Do You DIY or Hire a Professional?

When dealing with floors, it’s always recommended you hire a professional to avoid mistakes. For instance, if any tile is placed wrongly, you risk water damage and a chaotic-looking floor in your house. Also, flooring experts use specific tools that you might not have, and hiring them is much more affordable than buying new equipment.

Do You Have Elsewhere to Live During Renovation?

Before you renovate, you should consider living elsewhere during the process. This way, the expert floorers will work on the entire house at once and finish faster and more efficiently. But if you stay home, they’ll have to tackle the rooms one by one to give you a place to live, which isn’t convenient and will delay the process.

Does the Subfloor Need Renovating?

If your floor is water damaged, uneven beneath your feet, or has soft spots, chances are the damage originated in your subfloor. Expert floorers can fix the damage, but it’ll cost more money and take longer time than a superficial floor renovation.

How Much Does Floor Renovation Cost?

The average cost of renovating a floor can be anywhere from £40 to £85 per square metre, but the exact price depends on many factors. To name a few, it depends on the size of your house, the type of your floors, the nature of your property (residential or commercial), and the labour prices in your area. Also, the price will go up drastically if you lay new floors.

Different Types of Flooring Commonly Used in Renovation

There are six types of floors that are commonly used in renovation, wood, carpet, vinyl, laminate, linoleum, and tiles. Here’s a brief rundown of them and why they’re common in this field.

Wood

Wood is the ideal choice for many properties because it can be easily repaired and restored. Many other floors need replacement if even minor damage occurs, but wood can be sanded, restrained, and refinished. In essence, you could have an entirely new floor without moving a board out of its place.

Carpet

The warmth and quiet provided by carpet flooring are enough to make it a favourite choice among homeowners. It’s also easy to install and replace and more budget-friendly than many hard floor options. If you recently removed your hard floors and want an entirely different look and feel, you should consider carpet.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is an ideal choice if you’re planning to renovate because of its resilience and resistance to water. It’s less likely to suffer water damage than natural floors, and it doesn’t cost nearly as much. That said, vinyl floors fade in competition next to wood floors, as they can’t be repaired and often need replacements if damaged.

Laminate

Laminate flooring combines the attractive aesthetic of natural floors and the resilience of artificial floors, making it a common floor replacement option. Suppose you had wood flooring and had to remove it because of water damage or rot in the subfloor. You can install laminate flooring, enjoy the woodsy look, and say goodbye to these problems!

Linoleum

Linoleum has been benched for years under the pretence that it’s outdated, but it’s been slowly regaining its standing in the renovation business for the qualities it offers. It’s budget-friendly, durable, and water-resistant. It’s a decent option if you want durable floors without breaking the bank on more expensive natural materials.

Tiles

Tiles come in many materials, most commonly ceramic and porcelain. They’re an ideal option because of their durability, resistance to water, and ease of maintenance and repair. Because tiles come in small pieces, you can replace the damaged parts only and avoid replacing the floor. However, with rolls, you can’t fix a small part without removing the entire floor.

What Is Wood Floor Renovation?

Wood floors can be renovated by replacing or repairing them. The former includes laying a new floor because of extensive damage or an outdated design. Meanwhile, the latter includes sanding the floor to remove any cracks or damage signs, giving it a new stain, and refinishing it.

What Is the Difference Between Restoration and Renovation?

The two terms are used interchangeably, but ultimately, restoration means repairing your existing floor and bringing back its original look and look. Meanwhile, renovation means upgrading your old floor to a new one or restyling your old floor to give it a new look.

The former is done to damaged floors only, while renovation can be done to a neat-looking floor that you feel is out of style.

What Is the Difference Between Remodelling and Renovation?

Remodelling involves a complete transformation of the floor, changing its purpose and how it looks. For instance, you can use old tiles as wall decoration or wood floor boards to build a table. Meanwhile, renovation involves refreshing the appearance of the floor while maintaining its purpose.

To Wrap Up

Do you want to renovate your floors and enjoy a new look and feel? First, consider the state of your floor and whether it should be replaced, your budget, and your preferences. Then, hire a professional for the job and lay back as your old floor gets upgraded!

If you want to restore your old floors and breathe new life into them, set up a consultation with us now!

Flooring is a fundamental component of any property as it improves your interiors visually and physically. It’s critical you learn everything about flooring maintenance to keep it in pristine condition for as long as possible.

To help you, we’ve created this guide to show you the processes involved in flooring maintenance, how they differ depending on flooring materials, and much more!

What Exactly Is Flooring Maintenance?

Any action that contributes to keeping your flooring in good condition falls under floor maintenance. It includes regular cleaning, polishing, repairing, and other activities that help extend the lifespan and preserve the appearance of your flooring.

What Does Flooring Maintenance Accomplish?

Following a regular maintenance schedule for your floors will reward you in a variety of ways. Here are a few benefits of routine upkeep:

What Actions Are Required in Maintaining Your Flooring?

Since floor maintenance entails several activities, we thought we’d outline them for you to help you take care of your flooring the right way:

1. Spills Should Be Wiped Up

Always clean up spills right away to avoid injuries or severe damage to the flooring material. Spills can cause the flooring to become slick, increasing the risk of slipping accidents. They can also turn into stubborn stains that discolour the flooring and oftentimes cause water damage.

2. Surface Dirt and Grit Should Be Removed

Sweeping debris or loose dirt particles every few days, especially in high-traffic areas, is an essential step in maintaining the flooring’s surface. When dirt starts accumulating, it can scratch and scuff your flooring, damaging its finish and dulling its lustre.

3. Cleaning on a Regular Basis

You should clean the floors thoroughly, employing a combination of vacuuming, sweeping and mopping.

Not only does this help maintain a fresh look, but it also improves air quality by removing dust, which usually carries pathogens that aggravate allergies.

4. Damage Repair

Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, scratches, or even regular wear and tear. Repairing the affected parts is easier and cheaper when the damage is still in its early stages.

Aside from preserving the aesthetics of the flooring, fixing damaged areas allows you to avoid potential hazards caused by fractured parts.

5. Replacement of Dampened Areas

If you notice damp areas in the flooring—water stains or excessive moisture, for example—you must replace them immediately. Otherwise, waterlogged parts can spread to other areas and weaken the flooring, causing severe structural deterioration.

6. Restoration

Restoration plays a major role in boosting the flooring’s resilience and longevity. Although the process varies depending on the material, it usually includes replacing damaged areas and refinishing worn-out parts. It also involves treatment processes like polishing, varnishing, and sanding.

Do Different Types of Flooring Need Different Levels of Maintenance?

Yes. There are various types and materials of flooring, each with its own maintenance requirements.

Here are some common flooring types, along with the highlights of their upkeep:

1.   Wood Floor Maintenance

If you have hardwood flooring, sweep it daily and hoover it thoroughly once a week to prevent dust particles from scratching the finish. Avoid using wet mops because wood is prone to absorbing moisture, and that could seriously damage it.

It’s also important to refinish the flooring every three to five years to restore its glossy look.

2.   Carpet Maintenance

Carpet maintenance entails regular sweeping and cleaning. This prevents dust from accumulating in its fibres, which can trigger allergies and deteriorate the material.

You should also deep clean your carpets every six months. If you’re not familiar with the process, hire a professional.

3.   Vinyl Floor Maintenance

With vinyl flooring, clean it with products that won’t scratch the surface. You should vacuum it routinely, and when removing stains, use soft bristle brushes and steer clear of abrasive tools like steel wool.

4.   Laminate Floor Maintenance

Remember that the majority of laminate floors are water-resistant, not waterproof. This means you should avoid cleaning it with excessively wet mops, or you’ll find the floor swelling and bubbling.

Just like with vinyl, use soft cleaning materials to protect the floor’s surface from scratching or scuffing.

5.   Linoleum Floor Maintenance

Many of the upkeep requirements for wood flooring also apply to linoleum. You should sweep linoleum flooring daily to get rid of grit and any scratching particles. It’s also best to clean it with a dry mop or a slightly damp one as this material absorbs moisture.

Additionally, linoleum needs polishing every now and then to maintain its durability and shiny appearance.

6.   Commercial Floor Maintenance

There are many hard-wearing flooring types used in commercial properties, so the upkeep process varies depending on the material installed.

However, commercial flooring maintenance generally includes constant cleaning, sweeping, and mopping as well as immediate replacement of worn-out parts.

Which Products Can You Use to Keep Your Flooring in Good Condition?

Each flooring material has its own distinct characteristics. Hence, the supplies used to maintain floorings will vary depending on the material.

To give you a general idea, here are three of the most widely used flooring care products:

  1. Microfiber Mop: A microfiber mop is made of superfine synthetic fibres woven together to clean surfaces without scratching them. It’s suitable for most flooring types.
  2. pH-Neutral Floor Cleaner: pH-neutral floor cleaners have a nonhazardous pH range of 6.5 to 7.5 and don’t cause damage or discolouration. They’re suitable for everyday use on sensitive floorings such as hardwood, laminate, and linoleum.
  3. Flooring Finish: A floor finish is a transparent protective layer that improves the durability and appearance of certain flooring materials like wood. The types of finishes available differ depending on the flooring materials.

What Effects Do Different Conditions Have On Flooring Maintenance?

The flooring material isn’t the only factor influencing how to care for your flooring. Different conditions and environments, such as those listed below, also impact its maintenance.

1. Busy and High Traffic

Increased foot traffic translates to more dust, grime, and wear brought on the flooring. That’s why you’ll need to clean busy areas frequently and deep-clean them periodically to remove embedded dirt.

It would also be ideal to apply a finish that protects the flooring surface if the material allows it.

2. Kids

With children present, the risk of spilling incidents increases, so you must be alert to such instances before they permanently ruin your flooring.

When applicable, apply stain and water-resistant coatings to mitigate the damage, such as a moisture-cure urethane finish for hardwood.

You should also be on the lookout for any damage and repair it immediately so kids can move around the house safely.

3. Pets

If you have furry friends around, you’ll need to sweep more frequently to get rid of their fur, especially if you’re allergic. If your flooring isn’t scratch-resistant, we recommend applying a scratch-resistant finish or adding carpets to avoid scratches caused by your pet’s nails.

4. Food

You should keep cleaning products on hand in areas where food spills are common, such as the kitchen. Mop the flooring with appropriate cleaning agents regularly to prevent spills from turning into stubborn stains.

5. Water

Water exposure can cause swelling, warping, and even mould growth in certain flooring materials. If your flooring isn’t waterproof or only water resistant, keep it dry to avoid permanent damage.

6. Various Temperatures

Extreme temperatures can negatively affect some flooring types, and if this issue isn’t addressed quickly, it can cause structural damage.

For example, when wood flooring is exposed to extreme heat and humidity for extended periods, it can develop splits that can be easily repaired before they progress to severe cracks.

Consequently, you must identify and prepare for the risks that your flooring type may face in certain weather conditions.

7. Sports

High-impact sports can lead to scuffs and dents in the flooring, so if it isn’t impact-resistant, you’ll need to add a layer of protection. This layer could be rubber flooring, which not only absorbs shock but also repels water.

8. Machinery

You should routinely inspect the flooring in factories and other buildings that house large machinery. This will allow you to identify damaged areas and repair them quickly before the weight of the machinery exacerbates the problem.

You might want to invest in protective mats to prevent permanent dents and scratches on the flooring surface caused by heavy equipment.

9. Outdoors

When exposed to elements such as sunlight and rain, your outdoor flooring could discolour and deteriorate. Keep an eye out for signs of wear and, if possible, apply a UV protection coating or a water-resistant layer to the flooring.

You should also clean the outdoor flooring constantly to prevent debris from building up.

10. Indoors

The flooring you have installed indoors will be subjected to spills, dust accumulation, and regular wear. To keep it in good condition, sweep, hoover and clean it regularly. You should also use furniture pads to prevent furniture from leaving dents in the flooring.

Do Different Flooring Brands Need Different Maintenance?

Yes, various flooring brands may have different maintenance requirements.

The type of flooring largely determines the level of upkeep required. However, different brands can produce materials with different properties and thus varying maintenance requirements. That’s why you should always review the manufacturer’s instructions.

How Long Will Your Flooring Last?

The lifespan of floorings mainly depends on their type and quality; they can last anywhere from five to 100 years.

Here are some of the most popular flooring types, along with their life expectancy:

  1. Wood: 30 – 100 years
  2. Carpet: 5 – 15 years
  3. Vinyl: 10 – 20 years
  4. Laminate: 15 – 25 years
  5. Linoleum: 20 – 40 years

Wrapping Up

You’re now well-equipped with all the key information and major tips for properly maintaining your flooring!

Just remember that various flooring types necessitate different upkeep methods; what works for one may damage the other. Before using new maintenance techniques on your flooring, make sure to research their viability and consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.

For professional flooring installation and upkeep, get in touch with Clever Carpets & Flooring. We’ll be happy to assist!

Your flooring is a long-term investment that’ll last decades with proper care and make your home more comfortable, stylish, and inviting. But even with regular maintenance, it’ll wear out and fade over time, looking unsightly on your property. And while you can replace it, flooring restoration is a more affordable option.

Restoring your floors removes scratches, dents, stains, and other imperfections, making them look new again, more resistant to damage, and extending their lifespan by many years. And the best part is that you can choose different finishes or designs to create a space that shows off your style.

We’ll discuss all you need to know about flooring restoration, from the benefits and steps involved to the types of floors that can be restored. We’ll also determine the costs and whether it needs professionals or a simple DIY approach to help you better understand the process.

What Is Flooring Restoration?

It’s renewing old or damaged floors to return their original beauty by sanding, staining, and polishing. It’s like giving your old floors a makeover without installing new flooring, making it more affordable.

What Are the Benefits of Restoring Old Flooring?

The main benefit is your old worn-out floor will look brand new, increasing your home’s value and making you more comfortable hosting guests. Here are some other benefits of restoring old flooring:

What Is the Flooring Restoration Process?

Restoring your flooring is a delicate project that you need to handle with precision to avoid further damage and costly repairs. Here are the steps for flooring restoration:

  1. Clean the flooring to remove dirt, dust, or debris: Sweep or vacuum your floors to prevent particles from disrupting the restoration process.
  2. Sand your floors: Start with coarse-grit sandpaper and work your way up to medium-grit and then fine-grit, removing the old finish and revealing the fresh wood underneath.
  3. Fill any gaps: Fill the gaps between the boards using a suitable filler to create a smooth, even surface.
  4. Stain the floors to change the colour: There are many different stains available, so choose one that matches your decor.
  5. Apply the finish: This protects the wood and gives it a beautiful shine.

What Type of Flooring Can Be Restored?

You can recondition different types of flooring, from wooden to laminate, at a lower cost than buying new floors. Here are some examples:

Restoring Wood Flooring

Restoring wood flooring involves rejuvenating old wood floors through sanding, staining, and sealing or simply buffing for a shiny finish. To know when your wooden floors need reconditioning, keep an eye out for scratches, fading, discolouration, or a worn finish. And watch out for any warping caused by moisture.

Here are the types of wood flooring you can restore:

Restoring wood flooring is all about bringing back that fresh look, but the process can change depending on the floor type and how much work it needs. Still, follow these basic steps:

  1. Vacuum the floors to remove dirt, dust, and debris that may interfere with the process.
  2. Sand the floors to remove the old finish and any damaged wood.
  3. Fill the cracks or holes with wood filler or epoxy.
  4. Stain the floor to add colour and character.
  5. Seal the floor to prevent scratches, fading, and water damage.

Restoring Floorboards

Renewing floorboards improves the condition of old or damaged boards through sanding, staining, and sealing. If your floorboards are damaged, faded, or outdated, reconditioning will make them beautiful and last longer. You can recondition the following types of floorboards:

Consider the following steps for rejuvenating your floorboards:

  1. Sand down the board to remove the old finish.
  2. If the damage is too deep, you’ll need to replace the affected boards.
  3. Fill in any cracks or holes using epoxy or wood filling.
  4. Stain or paint the wood to add colour and character.
  5. Seal the wood to protect the floorboard from moisture and wear.

Restoring Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring can be refurbished by cleaning, repairing, and sealing, removing damage and making your floors look new again. Plastic laminate flooring can’t be repaired, so it has to be replaced. However, you can fix engineered wood laminate, making it a more sustainable choice.

Follow these steps to renew your laminate flooring:

  1. Vacuum the flooring to clean dirt and debris, or use a laminate-specific cleaner.
  2. Fill in scratches or holes with a laminate repair kit.
  3. Lightly sand the floor to smoothen the surface.
  4. Apply a new coat of laminate finish.

Restoring Stone Flooring

Resurfacing your stone floors involves cleaning, polishing, and sealing to make them look brand new. You can reclaim the following types of stone flooring:

Take these steps to give your stone flooring new life:

  1. Clean the floor with a mild soap solution or a professional-grade cleaner.
  2. Polish the flooring with fine-grit sandpaper or a polishing compound to remove blemishes.
  3. Fill any cracks or chips to prevent more damage.
  4. Seal with a protective sealant.

Restoring Tile Flooring

This involves renewing the appearance of old or worn-out tile surfaces by cleaning, regrouting, and resealing. If your tiles look dull, dirty, cracked, or chipped, you may need to restore them before the damage worsens. The following types of tile flooring can be restored:

Here are basic steps to help rejuvenate your tile flooring:

  1. Clean the floors with mild detergent and water.
  2. Repair or replace damaged or broken tiles.
  3. Replace the old grout with a new one.
  4. Polish the tiles to restore their shine.

Restoring Concrete Flooring

This is renewing old, damaged, or stained concrete to make your floors look better and prevent them from further damage. If your concrete looks dull, stained, or cracked, you may need to rejuvenate it by staining, polishing, and coating. Here are the types of concrete flooring you can refurbish:

The following steps will help you renew your floors’ appearance:

  1. Sweep the floors to remove dirt and debris.
  2. Use concrete patching material to repair holes or cracks.
  3. Grind the concrete surface to make it smooth.
  4. Apply concrete sealer to protect the floors from damage.
  5. Polish the floor to give it a glossy finish.

How Long Will the Restoration Last Before It Needs Redoing?

Anywhere from 10 to 50 years. The following factors influence how long your restoration project will last:

How Much Does Flooring Restoration Cost?

Restoration usually costs £13 to £25 per square meter. Still, the actual cost varies depending on the floor’s size, the wood’s condition, the type of restoration required, and the level of service you need.

A larger floor will cost more to restore than a smaller one because it requires more materials and labour. Plus, if you use poor-quality wood flooring, it may require more restoration, increasing the cost. And if you need experienced professionals to renew your floors, it will cost you more.

The type of restoration you need will also affect the total cost because sanding and refinishing your flooring is more affordable than replacing damaged boards.

Do You Need a Professional, or Can You DIY?

That depends on the extent of damage and your experience level. If your floors need light reconditioning, you may DIY the project. But if there’s so much damage, you should hire professionals. In general, it’s always best to hire experts because these projects are delicate and involve working with power tools.

Here’s a table showing the pros and cons of hiring a professional for flooring rejuvenation:

ProsCons
Professionals have the skills, knowledge, and experience to handle different flooring materials and restoration techniquesHiring a professional is expensive, especially for larger restoration projects
Professionals will complete the job quickly, freeing up your time for other important tasksCoordinating with a professional’s availability and your schedule may be challenging
Flooring experts have access to specialised tools and equipment for efficient resultsFinding a reliable and skilled professional may require research to ensure you hire the right person or company  
Professionals offer tailored solutions and advice based on your specific needs and preferencesMiscommunication or misunderstandings may occur, leading to dissatisfaction with the results
Reputable professionals often provide warranties or guarantees for their work, giving you peace of mind in case of damages during the projectResearch and Selection: Finding a reliable and skilled professional may require some research to ensure you hire the right person or company.
Hiring professionals ensures the restoration follows safety guidelines and meets building codes.Some homeowners prefer to be directly involved in the restoration process, which may not be possible

Here’s a table showing the pros and cons of DIY flooring rejuvenation:

ProsCons
Cost savingTime-consuming
Sense of accomplishmentRisk of mistakes and damage
Control over the processLimited expertise and tools
Flexibility in schedulingPhysical labour and exhaustion
Personalisation and creativityPotential for uneven results
Learning experienceNo warranty or professional guarantee
Opportunity to increase home valueLack of professional finish
Tailored to specific needsPotential for exposure to harmful chemicals
Ability to work at your own paceMay require additional help

What Happens if My Current Flooring Can’t Be Restored?

You’ll have to buy new flooring. It may sound disappointing, but new flooring allows you to choose a fresh look and upgrade your space to your liking. As you shop for the best flooring, you’ll need to consider your budget, the style of your home, and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to provide.

Conclusion

Flooring restoration is a great way to breathe new life into your old floors and make your home the best place to be. Before you start sanding your floorboards, consider the benefits of a professional finish to your property. And since it’s a delicate process, DIY may cause more damage than you’d think.


If you’re ready to bring your floors back to life, contact us today for a free estimate and learn more about your options.

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