What a Full Refinish Actually Does
Refinishing removes the old finish and a thin layer of the wood itself, exposing fresh material underneath. Scratches, dullness, sun-faded stain, light water marks, and pet damage all come off in that process. Then we stain (optional) and apply 2–3 coats of a durable top coat.
The result: your floor effectively looks new, often for less than half the cost of replacing it.
When to Refinish
- The finish is worn through to bare wood in traffic paths.
- Deep scratches, gouges, or pet damage are visible.
- The stain has faded unevenly from sun exposure.
- You want to change the color of your floors.
- The floor still has plenty of thickness to sand (most do — we'll check).
Our Refinishing Process
- Prep: remove base shoe, clear the space, protect adjoining rooms with plastic.
- Sand: rough sand, intermediate, and fine — using HEPA-vacuum equipment.
- Stain (optional): test boards in your space and pick a color you actually see in your light.
- Finish: 2–3 coats of water-based polyurethane with abrasion between coats.
- Reinstall trim, walk-through.
Finishes We Use
We use modern water-based polyurethanes that cure faster, smell less, and stand up to family life. For homeowners who prefer a traditional warm amber tone, oil-based options are still available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a refinish take?
Most refinishes run 3–5 working days from sand to final coat. You'll want another 24–72 hours of light traffic only before furniture moves back.
Can I stay in my house during a refinish?
Usually yes — you'll need to avoid the refinishing area, and we'll plan around sleeping zones and access. Water-based finishes make staying home much more practical than oil-based ever did.
How many times can hardwood be refinished?
A typical 3/4" solid hardwood floor can be refinished 4–6 times over its lifetime. Engineered hardwood depends on wear-layer thickness.
Will refinishing change the color of my floor?
It can — but only if you want it to. We can match the existing color or change it completely with stain.