Full Sand, Stain & Seal (Hardwood Refinishing)

Full refinishing takes a tired hardwood floor down to bare wood, applies stain to your chosen color, and seals it with multiple coats of polyurethane. The result: a floor that looks brand new - often better than new.

Step-by-step

1. Floor inspection. Thickness check, board condition, repair list.
2. Repairs and board replacement before sanding starts.
3. Coarse sanding with a drum sander to remove old finish and surface damage.
4. Medium sanding to smooth.
5. Fine sanding to glass-smooth.
6. Edge sanding by hand for corners and edges the drum can't reach.
7. Stain test patch - 2x2 ft sample in your home with your wood, your light. You sign off before we proceed.
8. Full stain application.
9. Sealer coat.
10. 2 - 3 finish coats with light screening between coats.
11. Final inspection and walk-through.

Stain choices

• Natural (no stain) - clearcoat over bare wood. Lets the wood's natural color show.
• Light - soft tan, white-washed, beige tones. Modern.
• Medium - natural oak tones, cinnamon, light walnut. Classic.
• Dark - espresso, ebony, dark walnut. Dramatic.
• Custom blends - we can match a specific color from a sample you provide.

Finish choices

• Water-based polyurethane - low VOC, fast cure, slightly cooler color. Default for sensitive households and modern aesthetics.
• Oil-based polyurethane - slightly warmer (amber) color, more depth, longer cure. Traditional.
• Hard wax oil - penetrating finish, more European feel, requires more maintenance.

Timeline

• Days 1 - 2: sanding.
• Days 2 - 3: stain and first coats.
• Days 3 - 5: finish coats.
• Walkable after 24 hours from final coat.
• Furniture back after 5 - 7 days.
• Area rugs after 14 days.
• Full cure at 30 days.

Cost

$3 - $7 per sq ft for full refinishing. Stain choice and finish type affect price slightly.

Free in-home refinishing estimate.