We’ve talked about the reason for cupping and gapping floors. But, when you’re staring at the ugly end of warped hardwood floors, the damage is done. Now you just need to fix the problem. Fortunately, the solution is simple: sanding and refinishing!
Of course, even though the answer is simple, the power of the internet has opened up the door to some weird solutions to floors that have shapeshifted due to heightened or lowered humidity levels in your home or business. Before we get to the solution, let’s talk about how NOT to fix the problem.
Moisture is the reason your floors are cupping in the first place.
Never add water to your hardwood flooring problems
DIYers love to give advice online, some are great, some not so great. One piece of advice on fixing small areas that have warped or cupped was to put some water on the damaged area and then cover it with a large cinderblock or heavy solid object to push the board straight again.
This is a terrible idea!
Any solution that asks you to add water to your wooden floors, and then cover that area with something large and heavy that will prevent the moisture from drying and evaporating will only further exacerbate the problem. You’ll never see “just add water” to any instructions for hardwood floor repairs.
Adding water will never repair your hardwood floors.
In fact, you don’t even really want to use water to clean your hardwood floors. If you can avoid any moisture coming into contact with your floors, the longer they will last. Wetting a floorboard, then covering the wet area will lead to mold, so now you don’t just have a warped looking floor, you also have mold.
So, how do you fix warped hardwood floors? You get a floor sander and put some muscle into it until the boards are smooth and straight. If it’s just a few boards, you may be better off replacing those boards and matching the stain to the existing floors. You may want to get a professional to help you out to make sure that the new boards perfectly match your old floors. Matching the stain can be tricky, if you’re unsure, you’ll be glad you hired a professional.
If your floors are cupping, it’s probably time to hire a professional to sand and refinish your floors.
Sanding and refinishing your warped floors
If an entire room has been damaged, your floors are a great candidate for a complete sanding and refinishing. For that, you’ll save time and money by hiring professionals who will get the job done right the first time around. Depending on your floors, you may not be able to refinish your floors, and then you’re looking at a complete redo. Either way, talking to an expert is always sound advice when you’re dealing with an investment as big as hardwood floors. You don’t want to mess it up!
Hardwood flooring experts in Colorado
Schedule a free hardwood flooring consultation with a professional in the Denver area.