Can this flooring be saved?

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in the August 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Damaged vinyl floors are relatively easy to replace, but you'll probably repair solid wood. We asked Sprigg Lynn, owner of Universal Floors in Washington, D.C., about the most common wood-floor problems. Price ranges are based on floors up to 200 square feet:

Problem Worn finish.

Repair Buffing or light sanding, plus finish.

DIY cost $20 to $50 per gallon for finish (about a gallon for 200 square feet), $10 to $20 for other materials plus sander rental.

Pro repair $300 to $800 plus $10 to $20 per new board if needed.

Problem Boards are cracked, cupped, or crowned from humidity extremes.

Repair Sand or replace boards that still look damaged once humidity is at normal level.

DIY cost Same as for worn finish.

Pro repair $500 to $1,000 plus $10 to $20 per new board if needed.

Problem Water damage from flooding or a major kitchen spill.

Repair Sand and refinish if damage is minor; replace boards if major.

DIY cost Same as for worn finish for minor damage, but get a pro inspection.

Pro repair $1,700 to $2,200 for labor and materials to rip out and replace the damaged flooring after major water damage.