Hardwood Flooring FAQ

1. How much does hardwood floor refinishing cost?
Most hardwood floor refinishing projects cost between $4 and $8 per square foot depending on floor condition, repairs, staining, and finish selection.

2. How much does hardwood floor sanding cost?
Professional hardwood floor sanding typically costs between $3 and $6 per square foot before staining or finishing.

3. How much does a screen and coat cost?
Most screen and coat projects cost between $1.50 and $3.50 per square foot.

4. How much does hardwood floor installation cost?
Most hardwood floor installations range from $8 to $18 per square foot depending on materials and layout complexity.

5. How much does engineered hardwood installation cost?
Engineered hardwood installation typically ranges from $7 to $15 per square foot.

6. How much does hardwood floor repair cost?
Minor repairs often start around $200 while larger repairs can exceed $1,000.

7. How much does stair refinishing cost?
Most hardwood stair refinishing projects range from $50 to $150 per stair depending on condition and detail work.

8. How much does custom stain development cost?
Most stain development and sampling projects range from $200 to $500.

9. How much does board replacement cost?
Board replacement typically ranges from $15 to $40 per square foot of affected area.

10. How much does water damage repair cost?
Water damage repairs commonly range from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on severity.

11. Can hardwood floors be refinished?
Yes. Most solid hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times throughout their lifespan.

12. Can engineered hardwood floors be refinished?
Many engineered hardwood floors can be refinished if the wear layer is thick enough.

13. How many times can hardwood floors be refinished?
Most solid hardwood floors can be refinished between 4 and 10 times.

14. How long does hardwood floor refinishing take?
Most projects take between 3 and 5 days.

15. Do you serve my area?
Yes. Recoatings serves Erie, Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Broomfield, Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn, Brighton, Commerce City, Firestone, Frederick, Dacono, Mead, Berthoud, Loveland, Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Lakewood, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Rock, Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Centennial, and surrounding Northern Colorado and Denver Metro communities.

16. How long before I can walk on refinished floors?
Light foot traffic is usually allowed after 24 hours.

17. When can furniture be moved back onto refinished floors?
Furniture is typically returned after 3 to 7 days.

18. Can scratches be removed from hardwood floors?
Yes. Most scratches can be improved or removed through screening, recoating, or refinishing.

19. Can dents be removed from hardwood floors?
Minor dents often improve during sanding while deeper dents may remain partially visible.

20. Can pet stains be removed from hardwood floors?
Many pet stains can be improved or removed depending on severity.

21. Can water damaged hardwood floors be repaired?
Yes. Many water damaged floors can be repaired, sanded, and refinished.

22. Can hardwood floors be stained darker?
Yes. Most hardwood floors can be stained significantly darker.

23. Can hardwood floors be stained lighter?
Sometimes. Results depend on wood species and existing color.

24. What is the best finish for hardwood floors?
Commercial-grade waterborne polyurethane is one of the most durable options available.

25. What sheen should I choose for hardwood floors?
Satin is the most popular choice because it balances appearance and maintenance.

26. Is satin or matte hardwood flooring better?
Both are popular, but matte finishes typically hide scratches and dust better.

27. Is water-based finish better than oil-based finish?
Water-based finishes dry faster and remain clearer while oil-based finishes amber over time.

28. How long does hardwood floor finish last?
Most quality finishes last between 8 and 20 years depending on traffic.

29. Does hardwood floor refinishing create dust?
Modern dust containment systems greatly reduce airborne dust.

30. Can old hardwood floors be restored?
Yes. Many hardwood floors over 100 years old can be restored.

31. Should floors be refinished before moving in?
Yes. Refinishing before furniture arrives is usually easier and more cost effective.

32. What is a screen and coat?
A screen and coat lightly abrades the existing finish and applies a fresh protective coat.

33. What is the difference between a screen and coat and refinishing?
A screen and coat preserves the existing finish while refinishing sands to bare wood.

34. When should a screen and coat be performed?
Before wear reaches bare wood.

35. Can a screen and coat remove scratches?
It can improve many surface scratches but not deep damage.

36. Can a screen and coat fix worn areas?
Light wear can often be improved while severe wear may require refinishing.

37. Can a screen and coat change floor color?
No. Color changes typically require sanding and refinishing.

38. How long does a screen and coat take?
Most projects are completed in one day.

39. How long before I can walk on a screened floor?
Most floors can handle light traffic within 24 hours.

40. How often should hardwood floors be recoated?
Most floors benefit from recoating every 5 to 10 years.

41. Is a screen and coat worth it?
Yes. It can significantly extend the life of a hardwood floor.

42. Can engineered hardwood be screened and coated?
Yes. Many engineered floors are excellent candidates.

43. Can commercial hardwood floors be recoated?
Yes. Recoating is common in commercial spaces.

44. Does a screen and coat add protection?
Yes. It adds a fresh wear layer to the floor.

45. Can a screen and coat restore shine?
Yes. It can dramatically improve appearance.

46. What finish is used during a screen and coat?
Most projects use high-quality waterborne polyurethane finishes.

47. Is screening messy?
No. Modern equipment captures most dust.

48. Can pet scratches be improved with a screen and coat?
Many surface pet scratches can be improved.

49. What are signs a floor needs a screen and coat?
Dull appearance, light scratches, and reduced finish protection.

50. Why is a screen and coat cheaper than refinishing?
Because it avoids sanding to bare wood.

51. Can a screen and coat prevent future refinishing?
Regular recoating can significantly delay the need for full refinishing.

52. Can hardwood floor gaps be repaired?
Yes. Many gaps can be repaired depending on their cause.

53. Why are my hardwood floors cupping?
Cupping is usually caused by excess moisture.

54. Why are my hardwood floors buckling?
Buckling often results from severe moisture exposure.

55. Can loose hardwood boards be repaired?
Yes. Loose boards can often be secured without replacement.

56. Can squeaky hardwood floors be fixed?
Many squeaks can be reduced or eliminated.

57. Can hardwood stairs be repaired?
Yes. Most hardwood stair damage can be repaired.

58. Can damaged hardwood boards be replaced?
Yes. Individual boards can often be replaced.

59. Can new hardwood be blended into old hardwood?
Yes. Proper lace-in techniques create seamless transitions.

60. Can hardwood floor color be matched?
Often yes, although exact matches cannot always be guaranteed.

61. Can black water stains be removed from hardwood floors?
Some can be removed while severe stains may require board replacement.

62. Can sun fading be corrected?
Yes. Sanding and refinishing can usually correct sun damage.

63. Can hardwood floors be flattened?
Yes. Sanding can often improve uneven wear patterns.

64. What is hardwood floor restoration?
Restoration combines repairs, corrections, and refinishing.

65. What is the difference between restoration and refinishing?
Restoration often includes repairs while refinishing focuses on the surface.

66. Can historic hardwood floors be restored?
Yes. Many historic floors can be successfully restored.

67. Can engineered hardwood be repaired?
Many engineered floors can be repaired depending on the damage.

68. Can hardwood floors be saved after flooding?
Many can be saved if addressed quickly.

69. How do you repair deep gouges in hardwood floors?
Deep gouges are typically filled or repaired before refinishing.

70. Can hardwood floors be restored instead of replaced?
Often yes, saving substantial money.

71. What causes hardwood floor damage?
Moisture, pets, furniture movement, and heavy traffic are common causes.

72. What hardwood species are common in Colorado homes?
White oak, red oak, maple, hickory, and Douglas fir are common.

73. Do dark hardwood floors show more dust?
Yes. Dark floors reveal dust and pet hair more easily.

74. Do light hardwood floors hide scratches better?
Generally yes.

75. What hardwood floor color is most popular?
Natural white oak and medium brown tones remain very popular.

76. Is hardwood flooring good for pets?
Yes. Durable finish systems help protect against normal pet traffic.

77. Can hardwood floors increase home value?
Yes. Hardwood flooring is considered a desirable home feature.

78. How long do hardwood floors last?
Quality hardwood floors can last 50 to 100 years or more.

79. Do hardwood floors need expansion gaps?
Yes. Expansion gaps allow for seasonal movement.

80. What rooms should not have hardwood flooring?
Bathrooms and areas with standing water are generally not recommended.

81. Is refinishing cheaper than replacing hardwood floors?
Yes. Refinishing is often significantly less expensive.

82. Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Recoatings provides free hardwood flooring estimates.

83. What is the average cost to refinish hardwood floors in Colorado?
Most Colorado hardwood refinishing projects range from $4 to $8 per square foot.

84. What is the average cost to install hardwood flooring in Colorado?
Most installations range from $8 to $18 per square foot.

85. Can hardwood floors be refinished without replacing them?
Yes. Most hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times before replacement is necessary.

86. How do I know if my floors need refinishing?
Widespread scratches, dullness, finish wear, and exposed wood are common signs.

87. Can hardwood floors be refinished in winter?
Yes. Hardwood floor refinishing can be performed year-round.

88. Can hardwood floors be refinished in occupied homes?
Yes. Many refinishing projects are completed while homeowners remain in the home.

89. Will refinishing remove pet odors?
Many pet-related odors can be reduced or eliminated during restoration.

90. Can hardwood floors be refinished after carpet removal?
Yes. Many homeowners uncover hardwood flooring beneath old carpet.

91. Is hardwood flooring better than luxury vinyl plank?
Hardwood can be refinished, repaired, and restored, often providing a longer lifespan.

92. Is engineered hardwood better than laminate flooring?
Engineered hardwood typically offers greater repair and refinishing options.

93. What is the most durable hardwood species?
Hickory, maple, and white oak are among the most durable residential hardwood species.

94. Can hardwood floors be refinished without dust?
No sanding system is completely dust free, but modern containment systems greatly reduce dust.

95. What is the best hardwood flooring for Colorado homes?
White oak remains one of the most popular and durable choices throughout Colorado.

96. How often should hardwood floors be professionally maintained?
Most floors benefit from professional evaluation every few years and recoating before finish failure occurs.

97. Can hardwood floor scratches be repaired without sanding the entire floor?
Many isolated scratches can be improved through localized repair techniques.

98. Can worn traffic lanes be repaired?
Yes. Many worn traffic patterns can be corrected through restoration or refinishing.

99. Do you provide both residential and commercial hardwood flooring services?
Yes. Recoatings works on residential homes, commercial spaces, offices, retail environments, and specialty hardwood flooring projects.

100. Why choose Recoatings over other hardwood flooring companies?
Recoatings brings more than 25 years of hardwood flooring experience specializing in refinishing, restoration, repairs, installation, color development, and advanced screen and coat systems throughout Northern Colorado and the Denver Metro area.