Hardwood Floor Screen and Recoating

This is a process where the hardwood floor is screened with a fine grit sandpaper (usually 120, 180 or 220 grit), cleaned thoroughly and then polyurethaned.  This process is usually only recommended for lightly worn floors to bring them back to like-new condition.  It is not recommended that prefinished floors with an aluminum oxide finish be screened and recoated.  This process will restore the original sheen to the floor and extend its life by another 15-20 years in most residential applications.  High-traffic or commercial floors will require this process more frequently to keep the hardwood floor in excellent condition.

Hardwood Floor Screen and Recoating

Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hardwood floors will last generations with proper care and periodic hardwood refinishing.  Many retailers and contractors will recommend removing an old hardwood floor and replacing it with a new one, however in most cases sanding and refinishing the floor will bring it back to like-new condition at a fraction of the price.


What to expect when refinishing hardwood floors

The first thing that comes to mind is when refinishing a hardwood floor is fine sawdust … everywhere.  The refinishing experts at Amherst Finishing have the equipment and skills that keep dust to a minimum.  We have a large dust collection system that is always kept outside, which collects almost all of the dust generated during the sanding process.  After we get done, you can expect some degree of dusting necessary, as well as a slight odor for about 24 hours.

Depending on the level of damage to the floor surface, it may be possible to buff out light scratches and scuff marks, and then re-apply a coat of the floor’s finish.  If there are deep scratches, stains, and areas where the finish has worn off, then sanding and refinishing are necessary.

Do a little research on the types of stain and finish you want for your flooring before the project starts.  Amherst Finishing typically uses Duraseal and Minwax products, both of which have websites that have all stain color and finish options listed.  The two different types of finishes available are oil and water-based polyurethane.  They each have different levels of durability and dry/cure times.  If you do have your floor sanded and finished, staining the floor a darker color is also an option.

A few Refinishing Tips

Please have all furniture, furnishings and appliances removed from the space being refinished.  Our technicians are hardwood floor specialists, and your job will only take longer if we have to move furniture out of the way.  Remember to have propane or natural gas appliances disconnected, then reconnected by a licensed professional.  Keep children and pets away from the work area until the floors have cured the amount of time recommended by the finish’s manufacturer.  Make sure you're at your house every morning and at the end of each work day to let the crew in and lock the house.  There are many decisions to be made throughout the process which we will need to ask you about, so stopping by throughout the day is never a bed idea.  Just remember, our main goal is for you to completely love the way your floors look!

Hardwood Floor Sanding and Refinishing