Protect your investment and avoid costly mistakes with these key insights
Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful and long-lasting features of a home, adding warmth, character, and value. Over time, however, even the most durable wood floors begin to show signs of wear—scratches, dullness, discoloration, and more. When that happens, refinishing is often the best solution to restore the floor’s original beauty without the need for a full replacement.
But before you dive into the refinishing process, there are some critical things every homeowner should know. Refinishing is not a simple DIY project—it’s a significant undertaking that can dramatically affect the look and lifespan of your flooring.
Whether you’re hiring a professional or considering a hands-on approach, here are five essential things to know before refinishing your hardwood floors.
1. Not All Hardwood Floors Can Be Refinished
The first step is determining whether your floors can actually handle a refinishing job.
Solid Hardwood vs. Engineered Hardwood
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Solid hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times—typically between 5 to 7 times during their lifespan, depending on the thickness of the wood. This is because they’re made of a single solid piece of wood that can be sanded down repeatedly.
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Engineered hardwood floors, however, have a much thinner veneer of hardwood on top of plywood or composite material. If the top layer is 2–3 mm or thicker, it might be refinished once or twice. Thinner veneers can’t be sanded without risking damage to the core layers.
How to Check
Use a floor register or pull up a transition strip near a doorway to inspect the profile of your flooring. If you’re unsure, a professional flooring contractor can measure and determine the refinishing viability.
Tip: If your floors have been refinished in the past, the number of remaining refinishing cycles will be limited. Older homes may already have floors that are too thin for another sanding.
2. Refinishing Is Messy, Noisy, and Time-Consuming
Many homeowners underestimate just how involved the refinishing process can be.
Dust, Noise, and Odors
Sanding creates a considerable amount of dust—even when using dustless sanding systems. It’s noisy, disruptive, and often involves strong odors from the stain and finish products used. Water-based polyurethane emits less odor than oil-based finishes, but it still requires proper ventilation.
Time Investment
Depending on the size of the project and the type of finish, refinishing hardwood floors can take:
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3 to 7 days or more, including sanding, staining, and curing.
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You may need to vacate your home (or at least certain rooms) during the process.
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Furniture must be removed from all areas being refinished.
Drying and Curing Time
The drying time varies depending on the finish:
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Water-based finishes dry faster—typically within 24 hours for walking and 48–72 hours for moving furniture.
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Oil-based finishes can take several days to dry and up to two weeks to fully cure.
Tip: Plan your project strategically. Avoid scheduling refinishing close to holidays, large events, or home renovations.
3. Choosing the Right Finish Is Crucial
The finish you select will have a major impact on the final appearance, durability, and maintenance of your floors.
Finish Types
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Oil-Based Polyurethane: Popular for its durability and warm, amber glow. Slower drying time, stronger odor, and higher VOCs.
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Water-Based Polyurethane: Dries faster and is more eco-friendly. Clear finish that doesn’t yellow over time.
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Penetrating Oils or Hardwax Oils: Offer a matte, natural look but require more frequent maintenance and specialized cleaning products.
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Aluminum Oxide Finishes: Typically found on prefinished floors. These can’t be refinished on-site but offer high durability.
Sheen Levels
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Gloss: High shine, shows dust and scratches more.
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Semi-gloss: A good balance between shine and practicality.
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Satin: The most popular finish—soft sheen and hides imperfections well.
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Matte: Trendy and very forgiving in terms of maintenance.
Tip: Test your stain and finish on a small, inconspicuous area or request samples. Lighting can greatly affect how the color appears in your space.
4. DIY Refinishing Isn’t Always Cost-Effective
DIY might seem like a budget-friendly option, but the reality is more nuanced.
Equipment and Expertise
Refinishing requires:
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Heavy-duty floor sanders
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Edgers and buffers
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Shop vacuums, tack cloths, protective gear
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Proper knowledge of sanding technique and finishing products
Improper use of sanding equipment can lead to:
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Uneven floors
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Drum marks or chatter marks
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Gouges in the wood
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Improper finish application (streaks, bubbles, or peeling)
The cost to rent equipment and purchase supplies can quickly add up—and mistakes can be very expensive to correct.
When DIY Makes Sense
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For small touch-up projects (like a bedroom)
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If you’re already experienced with floor refinishing
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If you’re refinishing uninstalled floorboards or new unfinished wood
When to Call the Pros
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Refinishing large areas of your home
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You want to change the stain color
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The floors are badly damaged or cupped
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You want guaranteed results and warranties
Tip: A professional floor refinishing company will often include dust containment, cleanup, and proper disposal—making the process safer and easier for homeowners.
5. Proper Prep and Maintenance Post-Refinish Is Key
Once your hardwood floors are beautifully refinished, you’ll want them to stay that way for as long as possible.
After Refinishing
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Avoid walking on the floors for at least 24 hours (water-based) or 48+ hours (oil-based).
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Wait 7–14 days before replacing rugs or heavy furniture.
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Place felt pads under all furniture legs.
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Avoid dragging anything across the surface.
Ongoing Maintenance
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Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft-bristle brush or hardwood attachment.
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Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner designed for wood floors (never use vinegar, steam mops, or oil soaps).
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Control humidity in your home to prevent boards from expanding or shrinking.
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Recoat the finish every few years before the wear reaches the raw wood.
Tip: Most refinished floors last 7–10 years before needing another full refinishing, but regular care can extend that.
Final Thoughts: Make Refinishing Count
Refinishing your hardwood floors is a powerful way to restore their charm, update your home’s appearance, and increase its market value. But it requires careful consideration—from determining if your floors are eligible to choosing the right finish, planning the timing, and deciding whether to hire professionals.
With the right planning and professional support, refinishing can breathe new life into tired, worn-out wood flooring and extend its beauty for many more years.
If you’re in Austin, TX or the surrounding areas, Millennium Hardwood Flooring offers expert-level refinishing services using premium products, proven techniques, and minimal disruption to your household. We’re here to help you protect and enhance your investment.
Need a free estimate for hardwood floor refinishing?
Contact Millennium Hardwood Flooring today or visit our showroom to explore samples and finishes in person.