Dark brown reclaimed wood planks arranged in a staggered horizontal pattern

Wood Floor Problems

COMMON WOOD FLOOR PROBLEMS

Most problems with hardwood floors are related to moisture and woods natural propensity to expand and contract as it absorbs and emits moisture into the air. Over time these changes can result in undesirable changes in the floors appearance  such as cracks, separation, buckling and so forth. 
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There can also be "invisible" moisture problems beneath the flooring substrate that have a similar results. Poor moisture control in the wood or concrete subfloor during installation is usually the root of the problem. Leaks, water intrusion and flooding are also a source.​

Close-up of dark reddish-brown hardwood flooring with sunlight reflections

FLOOR CUPPING

Cupping occurs across the width of the individual pieces of flooring. The edges are high and the center is lower. It generally develops gradually over time.

MISSING FINISH ON FLOOR

Close-up of polished brown hardwood flooring with varied wood grain and plank patterns

Uneven application or areas of missing finish on flooring.

Wooden level resting on a hardwood floor with a yellow measuring tape beside it

BUCKLED FLOOR

Excessive expansion causing the wood flooring to release from the subfloor. 

DISCOLORED FLOOR BOARDS

Close-up of a worn hardwood floor with horizontal wood planks and visible seams.

The floor changes  color (darkens or lightens) over time. Some areas may change color more than others. 

DELAMINATED FLOORING

Close-up of a weathered wooden surface with peeling, cracked paint and layered boards

The separation of a layer from an adjoining one within a piece of engineered wood flooring. 

NICH brand pack of colored pencils on a wooden table

ABNORMAL GAPS

Gaps in the floor that remain with seasonal change.

Green and yellow spirit level resting on a glossy wooden floor

CROWNING

The center of the pieces of flooring appears to be higher than the edges.

Close-up of a scratched reddish-brown wooden floor

SANDING MARKS

Sanding imperfections seen as scratches, drum marks, dishouts, sanding scratches, swirl marks and stop marks.