What this covers
Refinishing removes the old finish and the worn top layer of a hardwood floor, repairs gaps and damaged boards, and applies new finish. Rooms are emptied, the floor is sanded in several passes with dust containment, stained if a color change is wanted, and coated with two or three coats of finish. Water-based finishes cure faster and stay clear; oil-based finishes amber over time.
When to call
- Scratches, dull patches, gray boards or a worn finish in traffic paths.
- Water stains or a floor that was dried after a loss and now looks uneven.
- A color you want to change.
What to expect
- Empty and prepareRooms are cleared, doorways sealed, and loose boards repaired.
- SandThree or four passes with progressively finer grit, edges by hand, with dust containment.
- Stain and finishOptional stain, then finish coats with drying time between each.
- CureLight foot traffic after a day or two; rugs and furniture after the finish has cured. The company gives the dates.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Can my floor be refinished?
Solid wood and thicker engineered floors can be sanded several times. Thin veneers cannot. A company checks the wear layer before quoting the work.
What about the smell?
Water-based finishes have little odor. Oil-based finishes smell for a few days and the home is ventilated.
Can a water-stained floor be saved?
Often, if the boards are dry and flat. Deep black stains and cupping that remains after drying usually mean replacing those boards before sanding.
Related: Hardwood floor repair · Hardwood floor installation · Water damage restoration · All flooring
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.