Replacing flooring is not an easy job. First, you need to move all your possessions out of the room so that you can access the floor. Then you need to remove the existing flooring material and carefully lay down the new flooring - making sure that it’s perfectly made to measure and that it’s not damaged in the process.
Because of all of this hassle, it’s no wonder that many people put off replacing flooring in their home. However, there are times when not replacing flooring can cause more inconvenience in the long run. Below are a few questions to ask yourself to determine whether it’s the right time to replace your home’s flooring.
Is your flooring damaged beyond repair?
If your flooring has visible damage, replacing it may seem like the obvious solution. However, there are instances where damage may be possible to fix without a replacement being necessary. For example, it may be possible to remove stains from a carpet by using a carpet cleaning machine. A scratched-up wooden floor may meanwhile be possible to smooth out by sanding it down and refinishing it.
These solutions could save you money. But what if there are stains that won’t shift? Or what if there are major tears or cracks? Such damage may not be possible to repair and could be an eyesore that reduces the value of your home. Certain types of flooring damage may even be a trip hazard (such as a rip in a carpet) or even a risk to the structural integrity of your home (such as rotten floorboards). In these cases, a replacement is the only answer.
The average lifespan of flooring can vary depending on the material. However, generally speaking:
Carpet lasts 5 to 25 years
Vinyl lasts 5 to 25 years
Laminate lasts 10 to 30 years
Cork flooring lasts 15 to 40 years
Hardwood lasts 30 to 100 years (if well maintained)
Ceramic tile lasts upwards of 75 years (if well maintained)
Prepare for a replacement if your flooring is nearing the end of its life. It’s worth noting that there are many other types of flooring like cork flo
Would another flooring solution be more practical?
Even if your home’s flooring is in good condition, there could be instances when a replacement is still worthwhile. Certain types of flooring are more practical for certain spaces or lifestyles. Carpet for example is not a practical bathroom surface. It is however a great bedroom flooring surface - it offers comfort, warmth and sound insulation.
Hard floor options can often be easier to keep clean than carpet and are a good choice if you have pets or young kids. However, there are many different options to choose from including laminate, hardwood, vinyl and tiles. It’s important to look into the different properties of each type of flooring. This guide offers more advice on how to choose the right type of flooring.
Can you afford to replace your flooring?
When deciding whether to replace flooring, you need to take your budget into account. Some types of flooring are cheaper than others. You can buy budget-friendly versions of carpet, laminate and vinyl for a dollar per square foot - however, you should expect each one to not last very long. For high quality flooring, be prepared to spend more.
