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Uneven hardwood floors might not seem like a big deal—until it’s time to refinish them. Then suddenly, those small dips and slopes feel like major roadblocks. If you live in Richmond and are eyeing a fresh, flawless floor update, it’s important to understand what unevenness means for your home—and how to handle it before booking that refinishing service.
Let’s break down what causes the issue, what your options are, and how to get your floors flat and fabulous before that sander even hits the wood.
Not all uneven floors are created equal. Some homes have gentle slopes due to old foundations, while others deal with localized warping or buckling from moisture. Here's a quick snapshot of what you might be seeing:
Subtle dips or waves that run along the boards
Noticeable height differences between adjacent planks
Cupping or crowning from past water damage
Visible sagging in certain rooms or corners
Knowing why your floors are uneven helps determine whether you can move forward with floor refinishing in Richmond—or whether some repair work needs to happen first.
Richmond is packed with charm, but a lot of that comes from its older homes. With age comes settling, and with Virginia’s humid climate, moisture can also play a role. Common culprits include:
Foundation settling – Common in century-old homes, especially in areas like The Fan or Church Hill
Subfloor issues – Loose joists, deteriorating plywood, or improper original installation
Water damage – Leaks, spills, or floods that were never fully addressed
Improper acclimation – Flooring that wasn’t allowed to adjust to indoor humidity before installation
Before calling in a refinishing team, you’ll want to know which of these is at play.
Before you even think about sanding, bring in a professional to evaluate the severity of the unevenness. A trusted local provider like Buff and Coat Hardwood Floor Refinishing can help assess whether your floor is simply “visually off” or structurally compromised.
A good assessment should include:
Moisture readings of the wood and subfloor
Levelness tests using professional-grade tools
Identification of high/low spots and potential causes
This step is worth it—especially if you’re trying to avoid rework or damage during sanding.
Once you have the assessment, it’s time to take action. You typically have three routes depending on how uneven your floor is:
If your floors just have a few low or high spots—nothing dramatic—then light sanding and buffing may be all you need. Services offering floor refinishing in Richmond often include mild leveling techniques in their standard process.
For slightly warped boards or areas where planks are misaligned, professionals might:
Fill gaps or dips with wood filler
Sand down high spots gradually
Secure loose boards to subfloor
This option keeps your existing wood while improving the finish quality.
If your home has visible sloping or bouncing floors, it’s time to call in a contractor. This may involve:
Replacing sections of the subfloor
Reinforcing joists from underneath
Tearing out and re-installing damaged boards
Once the base is solid, Buff and Coat Hardwood Floor Refinishing can step in to restore beauty on top.
After repairs, don’t rush right into refinishing. Let any new wood or filler materials acclimate, especially during Richmond’s high-humidity months. Waiting 7–10 days can make all the difference in your long-term results.
Tip: Coordinate with your refinishing pro so they can:
Re-check moisture levels
Schedule sanding and sealing during a dry weather window
Customize stain and finish to match any repaired sections
If your floors need sanding after repairs, dustless refinishing is a game-changer. Especially in homes with pets or kids, minimizing airborne particles makes the process cleaner and more comfortable.
Many Floor refinishing Richmond specialists, including Buff and Coat, now offer this service with HEPA filter vacuums and enclosed sanding systems.
Refinishing your floors should be the cherry on top—not a fix for deeper structural issues. By tackling unevenness first, you’ll extend the life of your floors and get that ultra-smooth, magazine-worthy finish Richmond homeowners love.
So whether you live in a charming rowhouse near Carytown or a mid-century gem in Bon Air, make sure you level the playing field before going all-in on that glossy refinish.
Looking for professional help? Reach out to Buff and Coat Hardwood Floor Refinishing—they know Richmond homes inside and out, and they’ll help you get your floors level, strong, and stunning.
Media Contact:
Company Name: Buff and Coat Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Spokesperson: David Emmerling
Phone: (804) 591-9842
Address: (SAB) - Service Area Business
City: Richmond
State: VA
ZIP Code: 23060
Country: United States
Website: https://buffandcoatvirginia.com/
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