Hardwood floor sanding and refinishing

How a refinish goes

1. Sand. The old finish and the top layer of wood come off in several passes, from a coarse grit down to a fine one, until the floor is bare and flat.
2. Repair. Damaged boards are replaced and gaps and nail holes are filled.
3. Stain. The color goes on, or the wood is left natural.
4. Seal. Coats of finish go down one at a time, with drying time between them.

Finish and sheen

Oil-based polyurethane adds a warm amber tone and takes longer to dry. Water-based finish stays clear, dries faster and has less odor. Both come in matte, satin and semi-gloss. Satin is the most common choice because it hides dust and small scratches better than a glossy floor.

How long it takes

A typical main level takes three to five days from the first sanding pass to the last coat. The size of the area, the stain and the finish all move that number.

You can usually walk on the floor in socks about a day after the final coat. Furniture goes back after a few days. Rugs should wait a few weeks while the finish cures. We will give you exact times for the finish used on your floor.

Refinish or replace?

Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished several times, so most worn floors do not need replacing. Deep scratches, sun fade, gray traffic lanes and a color you no longer like all sand out. Replacement makes sense when boards are badly water-damaged, too thin to sand again, or loose from the subfloor. Often only the bad boards need to come out.

If the finish is only dull and the wood underneath is fine, ask us whether a buff and recoat will do instead of a full sand.

Other services: Hardwood installation · Stairs and railings · Basement floors · Repairs