What to Do If Your Richmond Home Has Uneven Hardwood Floors Before Refinishing

Hardwood Floors

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.

First, What Does “Uneven” Actually Mean?

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.

What Causes Uneven Hardwood Floors in Richmond Homes?

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.

Step 1: Get a Professional Assessment

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.

Step 2: Decide If Repair or Leveling Is Needed

Once you have the assessment, it’s time to take action. You typically have three routes depending on how uneven your floor is:

Minor Unevenness: Go Straight to Refinishing

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.

Moderate Issues: Sanding with Patching

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.

Severe Unevenness: Subfloor or Joist Repair First

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.

Step 3: Plan Your Refinishing Timeline Thoughtfully

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

Bonus: Ask About Dustless Refinishing

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.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Skip the Prep Work

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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