Restore the Beauty and Extend the Life of Your Wood Floors With Professional Refinishing
Hardwood floors are a timeless investment that can last for generations—but over time, daily wear, scratches, dents, and fading can dull their beauty. The good news? A professional sanding and refinishing service can bring your floors back to life, making them look brand new without the need for replacement.
At Millennium Hardwood Flooring, we’ve helped countless Texas homeowners rejuvenate their hardwood floors through expert refinishing. This guide covers everything you need to know about sanding and refinishing hardwood floors, including when to do it, what’s involved, and what to expect.
🪵 What Is Hardwood Floor Sanding and Refinishing?
Sanding and refinishing is the process of:
1️⃣ Sanding the floor’s surface to remove the old finish, scratches, and surface-level damage.
2️⃣ Staining (optional) to change or refresh the color of the wood.
3️⃣ Sealing with a new protective topcoat (polyurethane or oil-based finish) to protect the wood and enhance its appearance.
The result: floors that look fresh, clean, and beautifully renewed.
🕒 When Should You Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors?
It may be time to refinish if you notice:
✅ Worn or dull areas where finish has worn away
✅ Numerous surface scratches or scuff marks
✅ Discoloration from sunlight, water, or age
✅ Small gouges or minor dents
✅ You want to change the stain color
General rule of thumb:
-
Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished 5–7+ times over its life (depending on thickness).
-
Engineered hardwood with a thick veneer (3mm+) can often be refinished 1–2 times.
Millennium Tip: Don’t wait until your floors are deeply damaged—refinishing early prevents more extensive repairs.
🔧 The Refinishing Process: What to Expect
1️⃣ Preparation
-
Furniture and rugs are removed.
-
Floors are inspected for damage that may need repair.
-
Any nails or staples protruding from the wood are set below the surface.
2️⃣ Sanding
-
A professional-grade sander removes the old finish, surface stains, and imperfections.
-
Multiple sanding passes are done, starting with coarse grit and finishing with fine grit for smoothness.
3️⃣ Staining (Optional)
-
If you want to change the floor’s color, stain is applied evenly across the sanded wood.
-
Multiple test spots may be done for color approval.
4️⃣ Sealing and Finishing
-
A protective finish (water-based or oil-based polyurethane, or specialty oils) is applied.
-
Typically requires 2–3 coats, with light buffing between coats.
-
Floors are left to cure fully before heavy use or replacing furniture.
🌈 Choosing the Right Finish
Water-based polyurethane:
-
Clear finish that resists yellowing
-
Fast-drying and low odor
-
Durable and easy to maintain
Oil-based polyurethane:
-
Richer, amber tone that deepens wood color
-
Longer drying time
-
Extremely durable
Penetrating oils/waxes:
-
Natural look and feel
-
Requires more frequent maintenance
Millennium Tip: We can help you choose a finish that balances durability, appearance, and maintenance needs.
⏳ How Long Does the Process Take?
| Step | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Sanding | 1–2 days (depending on area size) |
| Staining (if chosen) | Additional 1 day |
| Sealing / topcoat curing | 1–3 days (water-based faster, oil-based slower) |
Total project time: 3–7 days on average.
💡 Benefits of Sanding and Refinishing
✔ Extend the life of your floors—no need for costly replacements
✔ Boost home value with refreshed, premium wood floors
✔ Change or update your home’s look with a new stain
✔ Repair minor damage and remove imperfections
✔ Improve indoor air quality by eliminating worn finishes that trap dust
💸 Cost of Sanding and Refinishing Hardwood Floors
| Service | Typical Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Sanding + water-based finish | $3 – $5 |
| Sanding + oil-based finish | $4 – $6 |
| Custom stain (optional) | +$0.50 – $1 extra |
Factors influencing cost:
-
Square footage
-
Condition of the floor
-
Type of wood and finish chosen
-
Complexity (e.g., stairs, corners, intricate layouts)
🧠 FAQs: Sanding and Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Q: Can engineered hardwood be refinished?
A: Yes—if it has a wear layer of at least 2–3mm. Our experts can assess your floors to see if refinishing is safe.
Q: How often should hardwood floors be refinished?
A: Typically every 7–10 years, or when you see significant wear.
Q: Will refinishing remove deep scratches and gouges?
A: It removes most surface scratches, but deep gouges may need filling or plank replacement.
Q: Can I stay in my home during refinishing?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to avoid the work area. Be aware of odors (less with water-based finishes) and drying time.
📌 Preparation Tips for Homeowners
✅ Remove all furniture, rugs, and decor from the work area
✅ Plan for minimal foot traffic during and after the process
✅ Protect adjacent rooms from dust (our team uses dust-minimizing equipment, but some dust is inevitable)
✅ Arrange pet care during the project
🤝 Why Choose Millennium Hardwood Flooring for Refinishing?
At Millennium Hardwood Flooring, we provide:
-
✅ Professional, dust-minimized sanding
-
✅ Expert color matching and stain advice
-
✅ Top-quality finishes for long-lasting protection
-
✅ Clear communication and timelines
-
✅ Competitive pricing with superior craftsmanship
📍 Visit our Austin showroom or schedule a free in-home estimate today!
Final Thoughts: Bring Your Floors Back to Life
Sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors is one of the best ways to restore their natural beauty and protect your investment. With professional care, your floors can continue to enhance your home’s look and value for decades to come.
Let Millennium Hardwood Flooring help you achieve stunning results—whether you want to restore, refresh, or completely transform your wood floors.