Red Oak Floor Refinishing in Downtown Chicago

Condition of the Floors Before We Started

This condo had old flooring finish wear that showed in all the usual high-traffic zones: dull areas, uneven sheen, and patches where the tone pulled warmer than the homeowner wanted. With large windows and strong daylight, the existing finish made the floor read more orange than it needed to, and the overall look didn’t match the clean, modern interior.

On top of that, the building itself added pressure. Downtown access is never simple, and the schedule had to work around elevator windows and loading rules. We couldn’t afford rework or slowdowns once the process started.

Step-by-Step: How We Refinished These Red Oak Floors

We followed a tight, repeatable process to keep the schedule realistic and the final look consistent across 1,750 sq ft. Each step below shows what we did, in the order it had to happen to deliver clean results in a downtown high-rise.

Total time: 5 days

Step 1: Prep, protection, and high-rise logistics

Downtown projects start before the first pass of sanding. We coordinated access, staged tools efficiently, protected common paths, and set up dust control inside the unit so the work stayed contained and predictable.

Step 2: Full sanding for a clean base

We sanded the entire floor to remove the existing finish and bring the surface back to a uniform, clean wood base. This is the step that makes everything else possible—an even sand means color goes down evenly and the final floor reads consistent in daylight.

Step 3: Custom stain blend for a cleaner, lighter tone

Instead of a heavy stain that could flatten the grain, we used a controlled blend: Bona White 25% mixed with Fruitwood 75%. The goal was to keep the floor natural-looking, reduce the warm/orange pull, and create a tone that feels calm next to white walls and modern finishes.

Step 4: Two-coat finish system with Loba Invisible Protect

For protection without shine, we applied two coats of Loba Invisible Protect. This finish helps the floor stay clean-looking and consistent across a large open space, especially under strong window light.

Before & After Comparison

Before: A tired finish with uneven reflection and a tone that pulled warmer than the homeowner wanted, especially obvious in a bright downtown condo with large windows.

After: A refreshed, even surface with a clean, natural look. The custom stain blend kept the floor from reading overly orange, while the Invisible Protect system delivered durable protection without changing the vibe.

Project Snapshot

• Location: Downtown Chicago
• Duration: 5 days
• Client need: Fast turnaround with a clean, natural tone on red oak floors
• Wood: Red oak (1,750 sq ft)
• Stain: Bona White 25% + Fruitwood 75%
• Finish: Two coats of Loba Invisible Protect
• Process: Sanding, Stain blend, Two-coat finish system
• Finish look: Light, natural tone with visible wood grain and low sheen

Outcome: A modern, balanced floor that reads consistent in daylight and feels ready for everyday condo life

Ready to Refinish Your Floors?

If your red oak floors look too warm, too worn, or just don’t fit the space anymore, we can help. We’ll assess the condition, show stain options, and give you a clear plan and timeline—especially important for downtown condos with strict building rules.

Get in touch for a free project evaluation and quote.