Detroit’s older housing stock — much of it dating to the early 20th century — often comes with solid hardwood floors that have seen decades of wear, and sometimes multiple past refinishing jobs. The first question we help homeowners answer is whether that original wood is worth saving.

Refinishing works well when the boards are structurally sound and simply need to be sanded down and refinished to remove scratches, discoloration, or an outdated stain color. It’s typically less expensive than full replacement and preserves original character that’s hard to replicate in newer construction.

Replacement becomes the better option when there’s significant water damage, the wood has been sanded so many times there’s little wear layer left, or large sections need patching with mismatched wood. In those cases, new solid or engineered hardwood — or a durable, waterproof LVP for kitchens and baths — often makes more sense long-term. We’ll assess your specific floor during a free in-home estimate and give you an honest recommendation either way.