5 Common Hardwood Flooring Problems

Hardwood flooring is a beautiful flooring option that can last a lifetime, but on occasion, some problems can occur. Many times these are from either normal wear and tear or a bad installation. Let’s take a look at some of the most common problems:

1. Gaps

Gaps in the floorboards can be an issue, but not always. Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. During dry months, gaps can form between the boards that are not generally considered an issue. If the gaps are large, however, or detract from the look of the flooring, they might need to be fixed.

2. Scratches and Gouges

Scratches on hardwood flooring are almost inevitable, regardless of how careful you are. Between pets, kids, and moving furniture the likelihood of getting a scratch is high. Fortunately minor scratches can be fixed yourself without the need for a professional. Larger scratches and gouges in the wood finish can be repaired or replaced by a professional.

3. Problems with the Finish

When you get your hardwood flooring installed and finished, several things can go wrong. The finish could wear off quickly; the stain could be uneven; dust or hair could settle on the finish. A poor finishing job can cause any of these problems. They can be fixed easily by sanding down the area and re-applying the finish.

4. Buckling

When boards are not allowed to properly acclimate or are exposed to too much moisture, buckling can happen. When buckling occurs, the flooring lifts up from the subfloor. Once the moisture problem is solved, the buckled boards can usually either be repaired or replaced depending on how bad the issue is.

5. Cupping and Crowning

Cupping is when the edges of the board are raised up higher than the middle, creating a bowl or cup shape to the boards. Crowning is the opposite, where the center of the board is higher than the edges. Both of these conditions occur from high moisture, either a water spill or high humidity. Once the moisture issue is resolved, both of these problems can usually be fixed through a repair.

Having your flooring installed by a reputable installer who is licensed and insured helps to prevent these problems from happening. We stand by our installers and have worked with them for years so that you know that you are getting a great install job.