Overview
Refinishing removes the old finish and surface wear by sanding, then applies new stain and finish. A screen-and-recoat is a lighter refresh for floors with finish wear only.
Refinishing usually means the rooms are off-limits for a few days while finish cures.
How it typically works
- Floors are assessed. Installers check wear and board thickness.
- Sanding and staining. Dust containment varies by system.
- Finish coats are applied. Several coats with drying time in between.
- Measure the space. Approximate square footage for each room helps providers give a realistic starting estimate.
- Expect a subfloor check. Installers usually check moisture, flatness and the condition of the subfloor before quoting.
- Plan for acclimation. Some materials need to sit in the home for a few days before installation.
Things worth considering
- Engineered floors have limits. Thin wear layers may not allow sanding.
- Finish type matters. Oil and water-based finishes differ in look and dry time.
- Odor and ventilation. Plan to ventilate during finishing.
- Moving furniture takes time. Ask whether moving furniture and removing old flooring are included.
- Transitions and trim add up. Thresholds, stair nosing and baseboards are often priced separately.
- Pets and kids change the pick. Scratch and water resistance matter more in busy households.
What to have ready
- The best way and time to reach you.
- Rough measurements or quantities, if they matter for the job.
- Your address or nearest cross streets so the request reaches someone local.
- Any HOA, landlord or property manager rules that apply.
- Your timeline, and whether anything is urgent.
Warning signs
- No local address or references you can check.
- No written estimate, or an estimate with vague scope.
- Suggesting you skip a required permit to save money.
- Requests for large cash deposits before any work is scheduled.
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm with no local track record.
Questions to ask a provider
- Is removal and disposal of the old flooring included?
- How will you check the subfloor for moisture and flatness?
- What underlayment do you recommend and why?
- Does the manufacturer warranty depend on professional installation?
- How long will the job take, and which rooms will be unusable?
- Is the quote per square foot or a fixed price, and what is excluded?
Quick answers
- How often can floors be refinished?
- Solid hardwood can often be refinished several times over its life.
- Can I stay home during refinishing?
- Many people stay elsewhere for a day or two while finish dries.
- How long does installation take?
- Many single-room jobs take a day or two, while whole-home projects can take a week or more, depending on prep work and material.
Related topics
- Hardwood Flooring: Solid and engineered hardwood: what installation involves and how to choose.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Why LVP is popular, how it's installed, and what to check before you buy.
- Carpet Installation: Carpet types, padding and installation basics.
Tell us a little about what you need, and we'll get back to you about floor refinishing.