Floored® offers hardwood floor refinishing

Restoring Worn Floors Without Replacement

Hardwood Flooring Refinishing in Edina for floors showing scratches, finish wear, and discoloration from years of use

Surface damage accumulates on hardwood floors over decades—finish wears through in traffic paths, scratches from furniture and pet claws expose bare wood, and sunlight fades stain color near windows. Refinishing removes the damaged surface layer through sanding, then applies new stain and protective topcoat to restore appearance and durability. Floored® refinishes hardwood floors in Edina homes where the existing wood remains structurally sound but the finish no longer protects against moisture or resists daily wear.


The process involves sanding down through the old finish and into the wood itself using progressively finer grits, which levels the surface and removes scratches, stains, and dents that haven't penetrated too deeply. Dust containment systems capture most of the fine particles created during sanding, though some dust migration into adjacent rooms is unavoidable. After sanding, stain application adjusts the wood color if desired, and multiple coats of polyurethane or oil-based finish seal the wood and create the wear layer that handles foot traffic.


Request a detailed estimate based on floor square footage, existing finish type, and the depth of damage needing correction.

What Changes After Refinishing Work Completes

Sanding equipment removes enough wood to eliminate surface scratches and worn finish, leaving a flat, smooth surface that feels uniform underfoot. The new finish coat fills minor grain irregularities and creates a consistent sheen across the entire floor, eliminating the dull patches where the old finish had worn away. You'll notice the wood grain pattern more clearly, and color becomes consistent again instead of showing faded streaks or dark water stains.


Once the final finish coat cures, the floor resists water penetration and daily scuffing the way it did when first installed. The curing process requires keeping furniture off the floor for several days to a week depending on finish type—oil-based polyurethane takes longer to harden fully than water-based products but provides a slightly more durable wear layer. High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens benefit from additional finish coats that extend the time before wear patterns reappear.


Solid hardwood floors can typically be refinished multiple times over their lifespan since most planks are three-quarters of an inch thick, providing enough material for several sandings. Engineered hardwood with thick wear layers may support one or two refinishing cycles, but thinner veneers risk sanding through to the plywood core. Floored® measures remaining wood thickness before starting to confirm refinishing is viable and to determine how aggressive the sanding can be without compromising the floor.

Questions Before Starting Your Project

Homeowners in Edina and Minnetonka ask about process logistics, timeline, and finish options before committing to refinishing existing hardwood.

How many times can hardwood flooring be refinished?

Solid hardwood typically supports four to six refinishing cycles over its lifespan, though the exact number depends on plank thickness and how much material gets removed with each sanding.

What preparation is required before refinishing begins?

Furniture and area rugs must be removed completely, and baseboards may need protection or removal depending on sanding equipment used and whether edges require hand-sanding.

How long does the refinishing process take from start to finish?

Sanding, staining, and applying multiple finish coats generally spans three to five days, with additional curing time before replacing furniture and resuming normal use.

Can pet stains and water damage be sanded out?

Surface discoloration often sands away, but deep stains that have penetrated into the wood grain may lighten but not disappear entirely, and cupped or warped boards may require replacement rather than refinishing.

What is the difference between water-based and oil-based finish?

Water-based polyurethane dries faster and has lower odor, allowing quicker return to use, while oil-based finishes take longer to cure but tend to show fewer surface scratches over time and develop a warmer amber tone as they age.

Floored® evaluates floor condition before refinishing to identify boards that need repair or replacement and to confirm the wood species and existing finish type, which affects stain absorption and sanding requirements. Schedule an on-site assessment to review finish options and discuss timeline expectations for your specific flooring project.

Hardwood Refinishing vs. Replacing Your Existing Floors

Worn hardwood flooring does not always need to be replaced. In many cases, professional sanding and refinishing can restore the appearance of an existing wood floor while allowing you to keep the original material. The right approach depends on the depth of the damage, the condition of the boards, and the amount of usable wood remaining.

When Refinishing May Be the Better Option


Refinishing may be appropriate when the floor has surface scratches, worn finish, faded stain, or minor imperfections but remains structurally sound. Sanding removes the old finish and a thin layer of wood, allowing a new stain and protective coating to be applied.


When Repairs or Replacement May Be Necessary


Some problems extend beyond the surface. Deep pet stains, extensive water damage, loose or severely damaged boards, and structural issues may require repairs or partial replacement. Engineered hardwood also needs to be evaluated carefully because the thickness of its real wood wear layer determines how much sanding it can tolerate.


What to Expect From the Refinishing Process


A typical project involves evaluating the existing floor, preparing the space, sanding the surface, applying stain if desired, and adding a new protective finish. The timeline varies depending on the floor's condition, the finish selected, and the manufacturer's drying and curing requirements. Furniture and rugs should not be returned until the finish is ready for use.


Refinishing can also provide an opportunity to update the appearance of your home by changing the stain color or sheen. However, the final result depends on the wood species, existing discoloration, and condition of the boards.

Floored® can assess your existing hardwood flooring and help determine whether refinishing, targeted repairs, or replacement is the most appropriate option. A professional evaluation can clarify the work involved and help you plan your project with realistic expectations.

Areas We Serve

Minneapolis, MN

Saint Paul, MN

Bloomington, MN

Eden Prairie, MN

Brooklyn Park, MN

Plymouth, MN

Edina, MN

Maple Grove, MN

Minnetonka, MN

Richfield, MN

Saint Louis Park, MN

Eagan, MN

Burnsville, MN

Shakopee, MN

Coon Rapids, MN

Apple Valley, MN

Bemidji, MN

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