Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Lemont, IL – A Full Project Story

At Big Bro Hardwood, we recently had the opportunity to work on a beautiful hardwood floor refinishing project in Lemont, Illinois.

The home had gorgeous old hardwood floors with plenty of character — but years of wear and tear, especially from a large dog, had left them looking tired and scratched up. The homeowners didn’t want to replace the flooring. Instead, they wanted to restore what they had, keeping the original wood while giving the space a fresh, updated look.

This project is a perfect example of the power of refinishing old hardwood floors — and how it can completely transform a room without the cost or hassle of replacement.

What Condition Were the Floors In?

The existing floors had deep surface scratches, discoloration from sunlight and pet traffic, and a faded finish that had lost its luster over time. The dog’s claws had taken a toll, especially in high-traffic areas like the hallway and living room. Despite all this, the wood itself was still structurally sound — which meant a good sanding and quality finish could bring it back to life.

We documented the process with plenty of photos, so you can see the dramatic hardwood floor before and after difference. It’s one of those jobs where even we were impressed by the transformation.

Step-by-Step: Our Wood Floor Refinishing Process

The full project took four days from start to finish. Here’s how it went:

Day 1: Preparation and Rough Sanding

We began by walking through the space with the homeowners, answering questions, confirming the stain color options, and explaining each step of the process. Once the prep work started, we carefully moved out furniture and protected baseboards and doorways with plastic sheeting to minimize dust.

Then came the first round of sanding. Using a heavy-duty drum sander, we stripped away the old finish and removed the top layer of wood. This initial sanding usually involves a coarse grit to eliminate years of buildup, deep scratches, and unevenness. For corners and edges, we used smaller handheld sanders and a buffer to reach tight spots.

We also used a vacuum system connected to our sanders to reduce dust and keep the space clean.

Day 2: Fine Sanding and Repairs

With the floors now raw wood, we did another full sanding — this time with a finer grit to smooth everything out and prepare the surface for staining. We paid close attention to seams and edges where uneven wear often occurs.

At this stage, we also inspected the entire surface for small holes, gaps, or cracks. Minor imperfections were filled with wood filler, and we made sure the floor had a consistent texture throughout. This day is about detail — blending repairs, refining the surface, and ensuring the wood is ready for color.

Before finishing for the day, we did a water pop (lightly applying water to open the wood grain) to help the stain absorb more evenly the next day. This is especially important when working with custom stain mixes.

Day 3: Custom Stain Application

The stain selection for this project was a custom mix: Early American 1 blended with Golden Oak 1. We tested it in a few hidden spots first so the homeowners could see how it looked under natural and artificial light. Once we had their approval, we applied the stain by hand using rags and applicators, ensuring consistent coverage and rich color depth.

We worked in small sections to make sure the stain was absorbed properly and didn’t pool or streak. After the application, we allowed proper drying time to prevent smudging or blotching — critical when working with custom color mixes.

Day 4: Sealing and Finishing with Loba 2K Duo

Once the stain had cured, we moved on to the final step: sealing the floors. For this home, we used Loba 2K Duo Extra Matte, a two-component, commercial-grade finish. It’s an excellent choice for homes with pets and kids — highly durable, scuff-resistant, and low-VOC for better indoor air quality.

We applied multiple coats of finish, allowing each to dry fully before buffing and adding the next layer. Between coats, we screened the surface (a fine sanding method) to ensure adhesion and an ultra-smooth final look.

The matte finish gives the wood a natural, elegant appearance — no shine, no glare, just rich, clean hardwood that looks brand new but keeps its original soul.

The Final Result: Before and After

Take a look at the photos and you’ll see just how far these floors came.

From dull and scratched to smooth, rich, and revived — this is what refinishing hardwood floors in Lemont before and after is all about. The wood now looks like it was just installed, but still holds the original character that made it special to begin with.

This kind of transformation is what we love most about our work. You don’t need to tear everything out. You just need a skilled team who knows how to bring hardwood floors back to life.

Why Refinish Instead of Replace?

Many people ask us: is it worth it to refinish old hardwood floors in Lemont, IL? Absolutely. If the wood is still in good condition (not warped or water-damaged), refinishing is:

1. More affordable than replacing the floor
2. Less disruptive — no demolition
3. More sustainable — reusing existing materials
4. Faster — this project was done in just four days

And perhaps most importantly: you keep the original flooring that gives your home its warmth and charm.

Looking for Hardwood Floor Refinishing Services in the Chicago Area?

If you’re searching for hardwood floor refinishing in Chicago, wood floor repairs, r installation, or just want to understand what’s possible with your existing floors — we’d love to talk.

At Big Bro Hardwood, we specialize in refinishing old hardwood floors, especially in homes where pets, kids, or years of use have left their mark. We offer:

• Free estimates and on-site evaluations
• Custom stain options
• Dustless sanding systems
• Professional-grade finishes (like Loba 2K Duo)
• Honest pricing and real results

We serve Chicago, Lemont, and the surrounding suburbs. Whether you need hardwood refinishing in Chicago Area, floor sanding, or full old wood floor restoration, we’re your local experts.

Final Thoughts

This Lemont hardwood floor staining and refinishing project is just one example of how a well-done hardwood floor refinishing service can completely change the feel of your home. The best part? We didn’t have to replace a single plank.

If you’re thinking about restoring your floors, check out our gallery, read our reviews, or just reach out with questions. We’re always happy to help.