Hardwood Floor Refinishing: What You Need to Know Before Getting Started

6/7/20252 min read

black and white box on brown wooden table
black and white box on brown wooden table

Looking to refinish your hardwood floors and bring back that rich, elegant look they once had? Whether your floors are scratched, dull, or simply outdated, this guide will walk you through everything you should know before refinishing your wood floors.

What Is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?

Refinishing is the process of sanding down the top layer of your hardwood floors to remove scratches, dings, stains, and wear. After sanding, your floors are stained (if desired) and sealed with a protective finish, giving them a completely renewed look.

At JPA Wood Floors, we specialize in sanding, custom stains, and professional-grade finishes for homes across Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Liverpool, Clay, and Central New York.

Can My Hardwood Floors Be Refinished?

Yes-If they're solid wood.

Solid hardwood can typically be refinished multiple times, depending on thickness. If you have engineered wood, it depends on the thickness of the top veneer. With a thin top layer of real wood, engineered hardwood may be able to be refinished only once, or sometimes not at all.

Are you unsure what type of flooring you have? We offer free consultations to help you decide the best approach for your floors.

What To Do Before The Refinishing Process

  • Move all furniture and rugs from the area.

  • Plan for 3-5 days of project time, depending on square footage.

  • In some cases, you may need to temporarily stay elsewhere.

Want To Change The Color Of Your Floors?

Refinishing is the perfect time to update your floor color. Choose from light natural tones, warm chestnut browns, or deep espresso finishes.

We'll test multiple custom stain samples so you can choose the perfect look under your home's natural lighting

Choosing The Right Finish: Durability & Style

We offer finishes based on your lifestyle and preferences:

Finish Type Benefits

Oil-Based Polyurethane Long-lasting, rich amber tone, traditional

Water-Based Polyurethane Fast drying, low odor, clear modern look

We'll help you select the best option for your home, especially if you have pets, kids, or high foot traffic.

Hire The Right Hardwood Refinishing Contractor

Not all contractors are created equal. When hiring a flooring professional in Syracuse or nearby, look for:

  • Licensed and insured business

  • Positive online reviews and photo gallery

  • Transparent estimates and warranty information

  • Knowledge of local flooring trends and climate

JPA Wood Floors is a trusted local hardwood flooring contractor with over 15 years of experience. We take pride in our craft and customer service.

Ready For A Free Estimate?

Let's restore your hardwood floors with care and craftsmanship.

JPA Wood Floors, LLC

Serving Syracuse and surrounding NY areas

Call or Text: 315-956-7111

Email: Jpawoodfloors@yahoo.com