Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Signs include visible scratches, dullness, uneven coloring, sun damager, and minor water damage. If your floors show these signs, it might be time to consider refinishing to restore their original beauty and luster.

While some DIY enthusiasts may be tempted to tackle restoration themselves, it's a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. Proper sanding, staining, and finishing are critical to achieve satisfactory results. Hiring a professional ensures a smoother, more even finish and reduces the risk of mistakes.

The duration of the process varies based on several factors specific to each home. These factors include the size of the job, the type of polyurethane used for finishing, the number of coats applied, the wood species, the need for repairs before refinishing, and the prevailing weather conditions (humidity levels).

Oil-based polyurethane, although slower to dry (around 3-5 days + drying time), offers greater durability and lifespan and is often preferred by homeowners. On the other hand, water-based polyurethane tends to dry faster (approximately 2 days + drying time).

Once the process is complete, some drying time is necessary. It is advisable to wait at least 24 hours before walking on the floors, but it is better to allow 24-48 hours. During this time, it is important to avoid wearing shoes or going barefoot. Instead, everyone in the household should wear socks. Ideally, it is recommended to wait for around 4 days before returning furniture to the refinished floors, allowing ample time for the floors to dry and cure properly.

Our team will advise you of the estimated timeframe once we know the specifics of the project. 

Refinishing can significantly improve the appearance of shallow scratches and minor imperfections by sanding down the damaged top layer. However, deep scratches and gouges might require additional repairs first. Consult professional hardwood floor refinishers to determine the best approach for addressing deeper damage.

Certainly! During the process, we sand the top layer of the floor down to the natural wood before applying the stain. This provides you with the opportunity to choose a stain that matches the original flooring or completely transform the look with a new stain.

If you have pets, it is recommended to keep them off the newly sanded and stained floors for approximately 2 weeks after the application of the finish. However, if you can't bear to be separated from your beloved pets for such a long period (and we totally understand!), there are alternatives. Some dogs may adapt well to wearing doggie socks, which will allow them to return as soon as you do. Another option is to keep your pets in areas of the house that were not refinished, such as the basement or areas with carpeting or tile.

Yes, it is necessary to remove furniture so that the entire floor to be restored can be accessed. Homeowners often opt to move their furniture into other rooms, the garage, or the basement during the process. Some choose to rent temporary storage pods to keep their furniture nearby but outside of the home when other areas of the home aren’t suitable for temporary storage.

Our goal is to preserve as much of your wood flooring as possible so that it can be refinished again in the future. If you have deep scratches, it may be advisable to replace the damaged areas rather than sanding the wood excessively. Removing too much wood during the sanding process diminishes the overall thickness of the floor. Typically, real wood flooring can undergo this process approximately 3-5+ times during their lifespan, so preserving as much wood as possible ensures that your floors can serve you and your family for years to come.

Check out our Hardwood Floor Repairs page for more information. 

The longevity depends on factors such as the type of polyurethane used, the level of wear and tear in the household, and the maintenance and cleaning practices employed. As a general guideline, the new finish should last between 7 to 10 years.