When refinishing makes sense
Refinishing is a good fit when the floor is structurally sound but looks worn: dull traffic lanes, surface scratches, faded or dated stain color, or a mismatched patch from an earlier repair. It keeps the original boards, which is especially valuable in older homes.
Deep pet stains, water damage that has turned boards black, cupping or loose boards may need repairs or board replacement first. We assess this during the estimate.
Our refinishing process
Furniture is moved and the work area is protected. The floor is sanded in several passes with progressively finer abrasives using dust-containment equipment, then edges and corners are detailed. Gaps or damaged boards are addressed before finishing.
If you want a new color, we apply stain samples on your actual floor so you can choose in your home's light. Finish coats are then applied with drying time between coats.
- Dust-contained sanding
- Stain samples on your floor before you commit
- Water-based finishes: lower odor, faster dry, color stays lighter
- Oil-modified finishes: warmer amber tone, longer cure
- Sheen options from matte to semi-gloss
Solid versus engineered: can every floor be refinished?
Solid hardwood can usually be refinished several times over its life. Engineered hardwood can be refinished only if its top wood layer is thick enough; many engineered floors can be sanded once, while very thin wear layers should only be screened and recoated. We check the wear layer before recommending a full sand.
Maryland considerations
Humidity affects how quickly finishes dry and cure. In humid summer weather, running the air conditioning during and after refinishing helps coats dry evenly. In winter, heated dry air can open seasonal gaps between boards; these are normal and generally should not be filled with rigid filler, since the boards will close again as humidity returns.
After refinishing
Light foot traffic is usually possible once the final coat is dry. Wait before replacing rugs and heavy furniture so the finish can cure, and add felt pads to furniture legs. We give specific timing for the finish used on your floor.
Common questions
- How long does hardwood refinishing take?
- Most refinishing projects take about three to five days including sanding, staining, finish coats and drying time. Stain changes and oil-modified finishes add time.
- Is refinishing dusty?
- We use dust-containment sanding equipment, which captures most dust at the source. Customers regularly tell us they were surprised how little dust was left.
- Can I change the color of my hardwood floors?
- Yes. Sanding to bare wood allows a completely new stain color. We apply samples on your floor first so you can compare options.
- Should I refinish or replace my floors?
- If the boards are sound and there is enough wood left to sand, refinishing is usually the better value. Replacement makes sense for widespread water damage, failing subfloors or a floor that is too thin to sand.
Related services
Further reading and nearby areas
Where we work
Prospect Hardwood Flooring of Maryland is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and serves communities across the state, including Annapolis, Severna Park, Arnold and Gaithersburg, plus the rest of Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties.
Get a free, written estimate
We measure, check your subfloor and moisture levels, and give you an itemized estimate with no obligation.