How Often Should You Refinish Your Hardwood Floors?

Did you know that properly maintained hardwood floors can last over a century?

Hardwood floors are a beautiful part of any home. They add warmth and style, but just like anything else they need some care to stay in good shape. Floors can get scratched, dull, or even severely worn out over time. So now the question is: how often should I refinish my wood floors?

This is actually a common question among homeowners. The answer depends on a few things. How much traffic your floors get and the type of wood, everything matters. Today we will be talking about this. We will walk through everything you need to know so you can keep your floors looking their best.

Why Refinishing Hardwood Floors is Important

Hardwood floors get a lot of action, right? People walking back and forth, pets chasing toys, moving things around—it’s all part of life. Over time, though, all this starts to show. That’s where refinishing steps in. It’s not just about making your hardwood floor look good again (though that’s a huge bonus). It’s really about keeping it safe and sound.

Here’s why hardwood floor refinishing is so important:

• Keeps Hardwood Safe. Think of the finish on your flooring as their armor. It’s there to protect the entire floor from scratches, scuffs, discoloration, and water damage. When that finish starts to wear off, the wood is exposed, and that’s when the real problems can happen.
• Brings Back the Shine. You know how flooring loses its sparkle after a while, even after you clean it? Hardwood floor refinishing brings back that glossy, fresh-out-of-the-box look, which can make your whole home feel great with good flooring.
• Stops Bigger Damage. Small issues like scratches can turn into bigger problems, like cracking or warping. This process puts a stop to that before it gets worse.
• Saves You Money. Here’s the kicker— getting your hardwood floors refinished every now and then is way cheaper than having to replace or repair damaged wood floors later on. A little bit of care now goes a long way. It’s way better than installing new flooring.

So, is this all convincing? If your floors are looking a little tired or you’ve noticed some scratches, refinishing hardwood floors is the best way to protect your investment and keep your space looking fresh.

Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors don’t come with a flashing “refinish me” sign, but they definitely have ways of telling you when they need some attention. If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s probably time to start thinking about giving your floors a fresh finish.

Scratches and Dents on Hardwood Flooring Are Taking Over

It’s completely natural for your hardwood floors to get a few scratches or dents over time. But if you are noticing more and more marks popping up, especially in areas with some high traffic, like hallways or the kitchen, it might be the time. Light scratches can usually be handled with a quick application of maintenance coats, but deep dents or deep gouges that go into the actual wood mean it’s time for a more serious job. Refinishing will smooth out those imperfections and make your flooring look as good as new.

Your Hardwood Flooring is Fading or Discolored

Have you noticed that certain parts of your floor are starting to look faded or dull? Sunlight is often the culprit here. UV rays can cause the wood to lighten and lose its rich color, especially in areas that get a lot of sun exposure.

If your once-beautiful floors are starting to look patchy or uneven in color, getting your floors refinished can help restore that original tone and bring back the consistent, beautiful look you love.

Water Damage or Warping

This one’s a biggie. Water and wood aren’t exactly best friends, and if you’ve had spills or leaks, most floors might show it. Dark spots, stains, or worse—warping or buckling—are sure signs that water has seeped into the wood.

But if you let it go too long, you might be looking at costly repairs. Some boards might even need to be replaced. If you see signs of water damage, don’t wait—hardwood floor refinishing could save you from a bigger headache later on.

Loss of Shine

Remember when your flooring was all glossy and shiny? If that shine has disappeared no matter how much you clean, it’s a potential sign the protective finish has worn off. This is pretty common as floors age, especially in rooms where there’s a lot of traffic. When the finish wears down, the hardwood underneath is exposed to potential damage.

Splintering Wood

This one’s easy to spot—and feel! If your hardwood floors are starting to splinter, it’s time to act. Splintering means the hardwood is drying out and the surface has become rough, making it uncomfortable (and even painful) to walk on. Getting your flooring refinished will smoothen out the surface, sealing the hardwood so it doesn’t get worse. Plus, no one wants to get splinters from their own floors!

Staining That Won’t Go Away

Sometimes stains just won’t budge. Maybe it’s from a spill that wasn’t cleaned up quickly enough, or pet accidents that seeped into the wood. If scrubbing, mopping, or even specialty cleaners haven’t helped, it’s probably because the new stain has set into the hardwood itself. In cases like these, a new finish is your best bet. Sanding down the surface will remove the stain and restore the even color of your floors.

Difficulty With Cleaning

If your floors seem impossible to get clean, no matter how hard you scrub, it could be a sign that the finish is worn out. As the finish breaks down, dirt, grime, and dust start sticking to the hardwood itself, making it feel sticky or grimy. This is especially common in high-traffic areas where the protective finish wears off quickly.

A fresh finish will restore the smoothness of your floors, making them easier to clean and maintain.

You’ll notice that dirt doesn’t stick as easily and your floors will feel fresh and smooth again. But make sure to do regular cleaning after that.

How Often Do You Need to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

So, how often should you actually refinish your hardwood floors? Well, there is no set answer, it really depends on how much action they see. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. Different homes, different lifestyles, and even different types of species all factor into how often your floors will need some extra attention.

General Rule of Thumb

In most homes, hardwood floors need refinishing every 7 to 10 years. This is the sweet spot where the finish has likely started to wear down, and the wood floor could use some protection. If your floors don’t get a ton of traffic—say, in a guest room or an area that’s not used daily—you might be able to stretch it closer to that 10-year mark.

High-Traffic Areas

If you have kids running through the house or pets zooming across the room, with all that extreme movement, it’s a whole different story. High-traffic areas such as the living room, kitchen, or hallways tend to wear down a lot faster. In such situations, you might need to sand and finish every 3 to 5 years to keep things looking fresh and prevent deeper damage.

When you notice the finish starting to dull or scratches becoming more noticeable, that’s your signal to take action sooner.

Different Types of Hardwood

Not all species are equal. Softer woods like pine tend to wear out faster and may need more frequent refinishing, especially if they’re in a high-traffic area. On the other hand, harder woods like oak or maple can go a bit longer without needing attention. So, if you know your floors are made of softer wood, keep an eye on them—you might need to refinish your floors a little more often.

Finish Type Matters Too

The type of finish on your floors also plays a role in how often they need refinishing. Oil-based finishes tend to last quite long, giving you about 10 years of protection. And these days a high-quality water-based polyurethane finish can last just as long.

The real difference comes down to the quality of the product you choose. Opting for a top-tier finish—even if it costs a little more upfront—can save you money in the long run.

High-end finishes, like a two-component water-based finish, are more durable and offer better protection, meaning they’ll keep your floors looking great for longer. And let’s face it—spending a bit more on a quality product is far cheaper than having to do the job more often.

So, what exactly can make you get your floors refinished sooner or help you stretch it out longer? Let’s dig into the details together.

Several Factors That Affect How Often You Should Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Not every home is the same, and neither is the wear and tear on your hardwood floors. Several factors can either speed up the need for refinishing or let you stretch out the time between touch-ups. Let’s break down the things that can make a big difference.

Foot Traffic

The more people (and pets) walking on your hardwood floor for extended periods, the faster it will wear out. High-traffic areas like the hallway, living room, and kitchen tend to see a lot of action, which leads to more scratches and scuffs. If your home is always busy, you’ll probably need to get your flooring refinished more frequently—think every 3 to 5 years.

On the flip side, rooms that don’t get much foot traffic (like guest rooms or an office) can go much longer without needing refinishing.

Kids and Pets

Let’s be honest—kids and pets are like little chaos machines when it comes to hardwood floors. Between toys being dragged across the floor, paws running full speed, and the occasional spill, they can be pretty tough on your wood floors. Scratches, dents, and even accidents can take a toll, meaning homes with kids and pets often need refinishing on the earlier side of the spectrum. Usually, it’s 3–7 years.

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Climate and Humidity

The environment where you live plays a surprisingly big role. Humidity causes hardwood boards to expand, and contract. Over time, that constant shifting can wear down the finish or even cause the hardwood to warp. It’s good to measure moisture levels in your home.

If you live in a humid climate or your home’s humidity fluctuates a lot (think summer AC versus winter heating), your hardwood floor may show a few signs of wear more quickly and need some maintenance every 5–8 years. Using a humidifier during the winter and keeping the indoor climate stable can help reduce the need for frequent refinishing.

Cleaning Habits

How you care for your hardwood flooring day to day also matters. If you’re cleaning with harsh chemicals or too much water, that can break down the finish faster and lower the time to 3–5 years. On the flip side, regular gentle cleaning—like sweeping, dry mopping, or using a hardwood floor cleaner—can actually help prolong the life of your finish. So, proper care can stretch out the time between refinishing hardwood floors to 7–10 years.

Type of Finish

As we mentioned before, the type of finish you use plays a big role in how long it lasts. In the past, oil-based finishes were known for their durability, often lasting up to 10 years before needing to refinish. However, today’s water-based finishes are just as strong—if not stronger—when you opt for high-quality products. The real difference lies in the quality of the finish.

Investing in a premium option, like a two-component water-based finish, may cost more upfront but will save you money in the long run by lasting longer (up to 12 years!). Refinishing is much more expensive than simply choosing a durable, top-tier finish from the start.

Floor Thickness

If you have solid hardwood floors, you’re in luck—solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifetime. However, if you have engineered hardwood floors, the top layer of hardwood is much thinner, meaning you can only refinish it once or twice before it becomes too thin. Knowing what type of flooring you have will help you decide how often applying a protective layer is a good idea.

Exposure to Sunlight

Natural light is great for brightening up your home, but it can be tough on your hardwood floors. Direct sunlight can cause fading or discoloration over time, especially in rooms with large windows. If parts of your hardwood floor look noticeably lighter or duller than others, it’s a sign that the flooring has been sun-bleached and worn down. Usually, this happens after 3–7 years of exposure to sunlight. Refinishing can fix this, but if you want to slow the discoloration process, using blinds or curtains during peak sunlight hours can help.

Use of Rugs and Pads

The little things can make a big difference. Using area rugs in high-traffic spots and placing protective pads under your furniture can go a long way in preserving your hardwood flooring. Rugs can prevent scratches and scuffs, while pads keep the legs of your chairs, tables, and couches from digging into the hardwood. These small, simple tricks can help you get more time out of your current finish before needing to redo it.

Furniture Movement

If you’re frequently moving heavy furniture or appliances, that can cause more wear and tear. Even with protective pads, dragging large items around can lead to scuffs. Refinishing might be needed sooner if furniture is often moved, so it’s a good idea to lift rather than drag items when you rearrange your space.

Shoes and High Heels

Footwear can be a sneaky culprit in wearing down your hardwood floor. Hard-soled shoes and high heels, in particular, put a lot of pressure on the hardwood and can cause dents and scratches. Over time, this adds up and can wear out the finish faster. A “no shoes” rule indoors can help reduce damage and extend the time between refinishing.

In general, you should refinish hardwood floors every 7–10 years to keep them looking fresh and protected. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the factors we mentioned.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing vs. Recoating: What’s the Difference?

Usually, you have two main options: refinishing or recoating. Although they sound similar, they serve different purposes.

Recoating (also called screening) is a quicker, simpler process where a protective new coat is applied over the existing finish, without sanding down. It’s a great option for regular maintenance if your hardwood floors are in good shape but have lost their shine or have suffered surface damage. It’s less expensive and less labor-intensive, making it perfect for giving your floor a quick refresh.

Refinishing is different. It’s a full makeover. It involves sanding the floor down to bare wood, applying wood stain (optional), and a new finish. This is the best option if your floor has deep scratches, dents, dull appearance, water damage, or if the finish has worn off completely in spots. Refinishing restores your floors to their original beauty but takes more time and money.

Deciding resurfacing vs. refinishing depends on the condition of your floors. If they just need a little sprucing up, recoating will do the trick. But if the hardwood is exposed or seriously damaged, getting your floor refinished is the better option.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing: DIY or Professional?

When it’s time to renew the finish on your hardwood floors, you might be wondering: should you tackle it yourself or call in a pro? DIY can be tempting, especially if you want to save some money. But there are a few things you should think about before jumping in.

DIY

Taking on the job yourself can be pretty rewarding, especially if you’re someone who enjoys a good home project. There’s definitely a sense of pride in looking at the finished result and thinking, “I did that!”

Plus, you save on labor costs, which is always a win. But here’s the thing—refinishing hardwood floors isn’t as easy as it might seem. You’ll need some pretty specific tools (like a drum floor sander), it’s physically demanding, time-consuming and if you make a mistake—like sanding unevenly or applying the finish wrong—you could end up with some expensive fixes down the road.

So if you have the tools (like a drum sander) and experience with those kinds of projects, it might be worth giving it a try. But if you’re not super confident or the floors are in rough shape, it might be safer (and less stressful) to call in a pro.

Hiring a Flooring Professional

When you hire a professional, you’re getting someone who knows the ins and outs of solid and engineered hardwood floors. They obviously have all the right tools, experience, and skills to make sure the job is done properly the first time.

A professional will know how to sand evenly, pick the right finish, and apply it smoothly. No streaks, no bubbles, no mistakes. A pro can also fix surface-level issues. Sure, it costs more per square foot upfront than doing it yourself, but the results are usually way better, and they’ll likely finish the job much faster than you could on your own.

That’s where Big Bro Hardwood comes in. Our team of professionals knows exactly how to handle even the toughest jobs, from scratches to uneven surfaces. We take care of everything, from precise sanding to choosing the perfect finish, so you can sit back and enjoy beautiful, long-lasting floors. Plus, we guarantee a flawless result, leaving your hardwood floors looking as good as new.

Instead of taking on the hassle of DIY, let Big Bro Hardwood give your floor the expert care it deserves. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll help you bring out the best in your hardwood floors.

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Final Thoughts

We hope this article was helpful and answered all your questions about how often you should refinish your wood flooring. If you need any advice or help refinish hardwood flooring, feel free to contact Big Bro Hardwood—we’re here to help give a new life to your hardwood floor!