Hardwood floor refinishing

Full sand and refinish

The floor is sanded down to bare wood, removing the old finish, scratches and most stains. Then it can be stained a new colour or left natural, and finished with several coats of polyurethane or oil. The result looks like a new floor, often for much less than replacing it.

Screen and recoat

If the finish is worn but the wood itself isn't scratched, the floor can be lightly buffed and given a fresh topcoat. It's quicker and cheaper, and done every several years it can put off a full sanding for a long time.

Hardwood under carpet

Many older homes in Oxford County have oak or pine floors hidden under carpet put down decades ago. Once the carpet, pad and staples are gone, they can usually be refinished. There may be some repairs where the floor was patched, stained by pets or cut for heating.

What to expect

• Dust. Modern dustless sanding systems capture most of it. Ask if your contractor uses one.
• Time. A few days for sanding, staining and coats, plus drying time before furniture goes back.
• Moving out of the rooms. Furniture comes out, and you'll need another way through the house while the floor dries.

Not sure whether yours can be saved? Read refinish or replace.