How Often Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?
The Quick Answer
We recommend a full sand and finish about every 7 to 10 years for most hardwood floors. Busy homes with kids, pets and heavy traffic may need it sooner, and lightly used rooms can go longer.
In between, regular cleaning and an occasional recoat can keep your floor looking its best. Learn the basics in how to maintain a wood floor in Utah.
Signs It's Time
- The finish looks dull or worn, especially in walkways
- Scratches and scuffs that cleaning won't remove
- Gray or darkened areas where the wood is exposed
- Water no longer beads up on the surface
- You want a new stain color or a more modern look
Clean, Recoat or Sand and Finish?
Professional cleaning. If the finish is intact but the floor looks tired, a deep clean may be all it needs.
Buff and coat (recoat). If the finish is worn but the wood isn't damaged, we lightly abrade the surface and add a fresh coat of finish.
Full sand and finish. When scratches reach the wood or you want to change the color, we sand to bare wood, stain if you like, and apply new finish.
What It Costs
At Vama, sanding and refinishing usually runs about $4–$6 per square foot. That's far less than replacing the floor, which typically runs about $9–$15 per square foot for new hardwood.
See how much hardwood floors cost in Utah for the full price guide.
How Long It Takes
Most refinishing jobs take 3 to 4 days.
- Walk on the floor in socks after about 24 hours
- Move furniture back after 3 to 4 days
We'll give you a schedule with your estimate so you can plan around it.
Can Every Floor Be Refinished?
Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times over its life.
Engineered hardwood can usually be refinished, depending on how thick its real wood top layer is.
Luxury vinyl and laminate can't be sanded. When they wear out, they're replaced. See LVP and laminate.
Make the Finish Last
- Use felt pads under furniture
- Put mats at entries to catch grit and snow
- Clean with a hardwood-safe cleaner, not oils, waxes or furniture polish
- Keep indoor humidity steady during Utah's dry winters
Ready to bring your floors back? See our hardwood sanding and refinishing.
Refinishing FAQ
How often should hardwood floors be refinished?
About every 7 to 10 years for most homes.
How much does refinishing cost?
At Vama, about $4–$6 per square foot.
How long until I can walk on refinished floors?
In socks after about 24 hours. Furniture can go back after 3 to 4 days.
Can you change the color when refinishing?
Usually, yes. Solid hardwood can be stained almost any color during a full sand and finish.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Schedule a free estimate.