Although the floor finds its place under our feet, when it begins to deteriorate, it is our eyes that are attracted towards it. In some parts of the house, the flooring is undergoing a lot of wear. That’s why it’s important to know when it’s time to replace a floor.
Since there are many types of flooring materials, and each has different characteristics and average life span, it is important to present them individually. In this way, you will be able to determine if your floor needs to be renovated.
The different floor materials and their longevity
Hardwood
Unless exposed to extremely damaging elements, hardwood floors can last more than 100 years. We can say that they are practically indefatigable!
Of course, everything will depend on the type of wood from which they were made. In addition, the installation method will also have its impact. It is sometimes difficult to know if a hardwood floor needs to be replaced or simply restored. Unlike other cheaper materials, hardwood is able to take it. This means it can be renovated several times before being completely removed and changed. For example, sanding and a revarnishing can remove most of the damage. The full replacement will come when the thickness of the slats will no longer allows sanding.
Transformed wood / Engineered wood
More affordable than hardwood, processed wood materials, of course, have a shorter lifespan. After a few decades, you usually have to remove everything to put new pieces of wood. On average, we talk about 20 to 30 years, depending on the thickness of the wood and the maintenance that is done over time.
Ceramic tiles
Typical of kitchens, bathrooms and entrances, ceramics is appreciated for its many qualities. When the tiles are properly installed, the ceramic floor can have a lifespan of 50 years. However, this figure may vary if the tiles are thin. If some tiles are damaged, it is possible to replace them without removing the entire floor.
Vinyl floors
Vinyl floors are very popular because they are affordable and easy to maintain. However, they usually need to be replaced after about 10 to 20 years. Unlike other materials, vinyl cannot be restored. Eventually, scratches and even warping may occur. The floor will then have to be completely replaced.
Linoleum
Linoleum is recognized as an ecological option and for good reason: it has a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. It is also made from biodegradable materials. This type of floor is very resilient, but sometimes damage appears. The tiles or linoleum sheet must then be removed, depending on the type of flooring installed.
Floating floor
Floating floors have had the reputation of having a very short lifespan. In fact, there are several ranges of such coatings. It will therefore be necessary to determine which material we are dealing with to know the extent to which the damage will requires replacement.
Determine if your floor needs to be restored or replaced
As you can see, some materials can be restored several times before needing a complete replacement. Before starting works, you must know what the best option for your situation is. This decision will have a long-term impact.
