Not every worn floor needs to be fully sanded. We’ll look at the condition of your floors and explain whether a finish refresh or full refinishing makes more sense.
A finish refresh
For floors with light wear where the wood and existing color are still in good condition.
Light dullness or surface wear
No deep scratches or exposed wood
You want to keep the existing color
Full sanding & refinishing
For floors with deeper wear, scratches, exposed wood, or when you want to change the color.
Finish is heavily worn
Scratches or bare wood are visible
You want a new stain or color
Repair before refinishing
For floors with damaged, loose, stained or missing boards.
Problem areas are evaluated first
Repairable boards or sections are addressed
The floor is refinished when appropriate
Not every floor needs the same process. We’ll inspect yours and explain what makes sense before recommending the work.
REFINISHING RESULTS
Before & after refinishing
Compare existing hardwood with the finished result across different Accolade refinishing projects.
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Before
Years of finish, wear and natural color changes can leave hardwood looking darker, more amber or more orange.
Sanded and prepared
The old finish is removed, and wood filler is applied where appropriate for a smoother, more consistent result.
After
Sanding removes the old finish so the wood can be recolored or finished closer to its natural appearance.
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
The refinishing process
Here’s how a typical hardwood refinishing project moves from evaluation through completion.
01
Floor assessment
The existing finish, wear, wood condition, and any areas that may need repair are reviewed.
02
Scope confirmed
Repairs, color and finish choices, project timing, and pricing are confirmed before work begins.
03
Sanding & preparation
The floor, edges, and corners are sanded using equipment connected to dust-containment vacuums, then prepared for color and finish.
04
Finish & final walkthrough
The selected color and finish system are applied, followed by a final walkthrough and care guidance.
Explore the four steps
PLANNING YOUR PROJECT
Typical refinishing timelines
Approximate sanding and finishing time · not full cure time
300–700 sq. ft.
2–3 days
Smaller projects
Schedule details
A smaller area may need less sanding time, but preparation and drying between coats still matter. Repairs, stain, and the selected finish can extend the schedule.
701–1,500 sq. ft.
3–5 days
Connected rooms
Schedule details
Several connected rooms require more sanding, edging, and preparation. Room layout, floor condition, color selection, and drying between coats affect the timing.
1,501–2,400 sq. ft.
5–7 days
Larger floor areas
Schedule details
Larger areas involve more preparation and finish application. Multiple levels, stairs, repairs, or working in separate sections may require additional days.
Over 2,400 sq. ft.
Larger projects
Project-specific schedule
Schedule details
We assess the floor area, condition, access, and finish system before outlining the schedule. Whole-home projects may require phased work and additional drying time.
These are planning estimates, not guaranteed completion times. We’ll confirm your project schedule before work begins. Furniture, rugs, and normal use follow the selected finish’s drying and cure guidance.
CARE DURING REFINISHING
Dust control and home protection
Dust containment, surface protection, sanding, final cleaning, and the finish plan are addressed before coating begins.
DUST-CONTROLLED SANDING
Source capture during sanding
Sanding equipment connects directly to dust-containment systems to collect dust close to where it is created. Because no sanding process is completely dust-free, source capture is combined with containment, surface protection, and final cleaning.
HOME PROTECTION
Surfaces protected before sanding
Furniture, cabinets, built-ins, walls, and nearby surfaces are covered or protected where needed before sanding begins.
SANDING PROCESS
Progressive sanding
The floor is sanded through the appropriate grit sequence, with edges and difficult areas detailed separately to prepare an even surface for stain or finish.
FINAL PREPARATION
Cleaning before finish
After sanding, the floor and work area are cleaned and prepared before stain, sealer, or finish is applied.
FINISH SYSTEM
Finish plan confirmed
Stain or natural color, sealer, finish system, sheen, coat schedule, drying time, and return-to-use expectations are confirmed before finishing begins.
More about our refinishing setup
Source capture during sanding
Sanding equipment connects directly to dust-containment systems to collect dust close to where it is created. Because no sanding process is completely dust-free, source capture is combined with containment, surface protection, and final cleaning.
Surface protection
Furniture, cabinets, built-ins, walls, and nearby surfaces are covered or protected where needed before sanding begins.
Progressive sanding
The floor is sanded through the appropriate grit sequence, with edges and difficult areas detailed separately to prepare an even surface for stain or finish.
Cleaning before finish
After sanding, the floor and work area are cleaned and prepared before stain, sealer, or finish is applied.
Finish plan
Stain or natural color, sealer, finish system, sheen, coat schedule, drying time, and return-to-use expectations are confirmed before finishing begins.
DUST CONTROL
Dust collection during sanding
Our sanding machines connect to source-capture vacuums with HEPA filtration. Containment, surface protection, and final cleaning are still part of the process because no sanding setup removes every particle.
SOURCE CAPTURESanding equipment connected directly to dust extraction
HEPA FILTRATIONFilters fine particles from the collected air
HOME PROTECTIONContainment and surface protection where needed
Dust collection works alongside surface protection and cleanup. Some dust can remain.
Stain and finish samples
We apply color samples directly to your sanded hardwood so you can compare them in your home’s lighting. Then we help you choose a protective finish around the appearance you want and how your floors are used.
Protection selected for your home
Professional finish systems · Sheen and everyday use considered
We explain the selected finish, sheen, and care requirements before application, including when you can return furniture and rugs.
Everyday living
Professional finish systems for typical residential use.
Busy homes
We discuss finish options for heavier use, along with cleaning and scratch prevention.
Natural-look finishes
Ultra-matte options for homeowners who want the protection of a finish with less visible sheen.
Your finish system is confirmed before work begins.
Color sampled on your floor
Bona stain options · Compared in your lighting
See the color on your own wood—not just a sample chart—before approving your selection. Bona stain options are compared in your home’s lighting.
Natural & light
Adds little color and keeps the grain and board-to-board variation visible.
Medium colors
Medium brown options, compared on your floor before you choose.
Dark colors
Dark brown options. Grain, dust and surface marks may be more noticeable.
Colors can be blended when appropriate, and samples are approved before the selected color is applied.
FINISH SYSTEMS
Waterborne finish options
We work with a range of professional waterborne finish systems and can also review a specific product or manufacturer you already have in mind. The right system depends on the wood, traffic level, desired sheen, color, and how quickly the space needs to return to use.
01
Lower-emission options
We can compare lower-VOC finish options for your floor. Odor, ventilation and return-to-use instructions depend on the exact products used.
02
Finish selected for the space
We look at traffic, pets, room use, sheen, color, and manufacturer requirements before selecting a sealer and finish system.
03
Coat system planned together
Sealer, finish coats, abrasion between coats when required, drying time, and return-to-use are planned as one system rather than choosing products separately.
FINISH SYSTEMS WE COMMONLY WORK WITH
Bona · LOBA · Berger-Seidle · Vermont Natural Coatings
Have a finish in mind? We’re happy to review it with you and confirm whether it’s appropriate for your floor and project.
John has worked with hardwood floors for 9 years, including sanding, repairs, staining and finishing. From looking at the condition of the wood to preparing the surface and planning the color and finish, he stays involved throughout the refinishing.
Refinishing work in progress
Watch real Accolade refinishing work from sanding through the finished floor.
We’ll explain what furniture, rugs, decorations and personal items should be removed, along with access, ventilation and dust-containment expectations.
How much does hardwood refinishing cost?
Cost depends on the total area, floor condition, repairs, access, selected color and finish system. Your written estimate confirms the price for the agreed work.
How long does refinishing take?
Timing depends on the number of rooms, repairs, color process, finish system and required drying time.
Is refinishing completely dust-free?
No. Dust collection reduces airborne sanding dust, but no sanding process is completely dust-free.
When can we walk on the floor and return furniture?
We provide project-specific timing for foot traffic, furniture, rugs, pets and cleaning based on the selected finish and conditions inside the home.
Can every hardwood floor be refinished?
No. Remaining wood, structural condition, damage and previous sanding determine whether refinishing is the right option.
Tell us about your floors
Share a few details and we’ll review the next step.
Before
After
