In short
Sanding and refinishing removes the worn finish, surface scratches and discoloration from a hardwood floor and seals it with a fresh, durable coat — often making a decades-old floor look new for a fraction of the cost of replacement. Mirror Image Wood Flooring refinishes floors throughout the Bangor, Maine area.
How refinishing works
- Prep — furniture is moved out, the area is protected and any loose boards are fixed.
- Sanding — the floor is sanded in passes with progressively finer grits to remove the old finish and surface damage.
- Stain (optional) — choose a natural look or a custom stain; we can sample colors right on your floor.
- Finish — multiple coats of protective finish are applied, with light buffing between coats.
Signs your floor needs refinishing
- Gray or dark worn patches in traffic paths
- Scratches that go through the finish into the wood
- Water marks or pet stains on the surface
- A dull finish that cleaning no longer brightens
- Old carpet came up and revealed hardwood underneath
Refinish or replace?
Solid hardwood can usually be sanded and refinished many times over its life, so replacement is rarely necessary. If a floor is structurally sound, refinishing is almost always the better value. Deep damage in a few boards can be fixed by replacing just those boards before refinishing.
Sanding & Refinishing: common questions
How long does it take to refinish hardwood floors?
Most rooms take two to four days from sanding to final coat, depending on the size of the space, whether you stain, and the finish chosen. Light foot traffic is usually possible after the final coat cures for about a day; wait longer before moving furniture back and putting down rugs.
Can I stay in my house while floors are refinished?
Often yes, as long as you can avoid the rooms being worked on. Low-odor, water-based finishes make it much easier to stay home during the project.
Can you change the color of my floors?
Yes. Once the old finish is sanded off, the wood can be stained a new color. Sample patches can be applied on your floor so you can see the color in your own light before committing.