If you’ve recently purchased a "fixer-upper" in Golden or are looking to revitalize your long-time family home in Arvada, you might be staring down at your current wood floors and wondering: Is there hope for these, or is it time to start over?
At Simply Floors, we encounter this dilemma every day. Hardwood is a precious material, and in the Denver metro area, it’s a high-value asset for any home. Deciding whether to sand down and refinish your existing planks or tear them out for a brand-new installation involves balancing your budget, your timeline, and your ultimate design goals.
Here is our expert guide to help you decide which path leads to your dream home.
Wood Floor Refinishing vs New Hardwood Flooring: What’s Worth the Investment?
When to Refinish: The Power of the "Sanding"
Refinishing is the process of sanding off the old finish and a thin layer of the wood itself, then applying a fresh stain and protective topcoat.
1. The Structure is Sound
If your floors are mostly level, aren't squeaking excessively, and don't have major water damage or missing "patches," refinishing is a fantastic way to give them a second life.
2. You Love the Original Character
In historic neighborhoods like Wheat Ridge or parts of Denver, original thin-plank oak floors are a badge of honor. Refinishing allows you to keep that historic charm while updating the color to something more modern, like a matte clear-coat or a sophisticated "greige" stain.
3. Budget and Sustainability
Refinishing is generally more cost-effective than a full replacement because you aren't paying for new raw materials. It’s also the "greener" choice, as you are reusing the timber already in your home.
When to Replace: Starting with a Fresh Canvas
Sometimes, despite the best efforts, old wood has simply reached the end of its life. Here is when a new installation from Simply Floors is the smarter move.
1. Structural Issues or "Over-Sanding"
Hardwood can only be sanded so many times. If your floors have been refinished multiple times over the decades, the "wear layer" may be too thin to withstand another sanding. If you can see the tongues of the boards or nails peeking through, it’s time for new floors.
2. Drastic Style Changes
Old floors often come in narrow 2-inch widths. If you’ve been dreaming of the wide-plank, 7-inch European Oak look that is so popular in Centennial and Parker right now, refinishing your old skinny planks won't get you there.
A new installation allows you to change the species, the width, and the entire "vibe" of your home.
3. Major Floor Plan Changes
If you’ve knocked down walls to create an open-concept living space, you’re often left with "gaps" where walls used to be.
Trying to "lace in" new wood to match 40-year-old wood is notoriously difficult. In these cases, installing new flooring across the entire level ensures a seamless, high-quality look.
Hardwood Refinishing vs Hardwood Replacement: Effort and Outcome
Feature | Refinishing | New Installation |
Project Time | 3–5 days (plus drying time) | 1–3 days (for pre-finished) |
Mess Level | High (dust and fumes) | Moderate (old floor removal) |
Design Flexibility | Limited to existing wood | Unlimited choices |
Cost | Generally lower | Higher (Materials + Labor) |
Consult the Hardwood Flooring & Refinishing Experts at Simply Floors
Choosing between refinishing and replacing isn't just a financial decision—it’s about the long-term vision for your sanctuary. If your current floors have "good bones," a professional refinish can work wonders. However, if you are looking for a total transformation or if your floors have simply worked hard enough for one lifetime, a new installation provides a fresh start and a modern aesthetic.
The best way to know for sure? Let a Simply Floors expert take a look. Whether we meet you at one of our showrooms or bring samples to your doorstep, we’ll give you a candid assessment of what your home truly needs.
Visit one of our showrooms in Arvada, CO, Centennial, CO, Aurora, CO or shop at home today!
Our Service Areas Include: Wheat Ridge, Centennial, Denver, Arvada, Aurora, Golden, and Parker, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I refinish Engineered Hardwood?
It depends on the thickness of the "veneer" (the top layer of real wood). High-quality engineered floors can often be refinished once or twice, while budget-grade versions cannot. We can help you identify which one you have!
Q: How much dust should I expect during refinishing?
Modern "dustless" sanding systems catch about 90% of the debris, but you should still plan for some cleanup and ensure your HVAC system is turned off during the process to prevent dust from traveling.
Q: Is new LVP better than refinishing old wood?
If you have a high-traffic home with pets and kids in Aurora, you might actually prefer replacing old, high-maintenance wood with 100% waterproof Luxury Vinyl Plank. It gives you the wood look with none of the "scratch-anxiety."
About Simply Floors
Expert Flooring, Brought Right to Your Denver Doorstep—Or Visit Us In-Store!
At Simply Floors, we’ve reimagined the flooring experience. As a woman-owned, family-operated business serving the Colorado Front Range, we offer the best of both worlds. You can visit our convenient locations in Arvada, Centennial, and Aurora to explore our curated collections, or take advantage of our signature shop-at-home model.
We believe that the best place to choose your new floor isn’t under warehouse lights—it’s in your own home, next to your own furniture. Owners Buddy and Karyn Mitchell founded Simply Floors on a promise: to enthusiastically exceed expectations. From our friendly office staff in Wheat Ridge to our thoroughly screened installation teams across Golden and Denver, we are more than just contractors—we are your local flooring experts.
