Refinishing Services

Hardwood Floor Sanding & Refinishing

Restore the Natural Beauty of Your Existing Floors with Expert Craftsmanship

The Art of Floor Refinishing

Floor sanding and refinishing is truly an art form—one that requires understanding the complexities of wood behavior, finish chemistry, and precision sanding techniques. At BBJ Hardwood Flooring, our refinishing process follows NWFA Sand & Finish Guidelines to deliver results that showcase your wood's natural beauty while providing lasting protection.

One of the greatest advantages of hardwood flooring is its ability to be refinished numerous times throughout its service life. We've refinished floors that are over 100 years old, bringing them back to stunning condition. Your existing hardwood represents a significant investment—let us help you protect and enhance it.

1. Comprehensive Floor Assessment

Before any equipment touches your floor, we evaluate the wood species and grain characteristics, existing finish type (critical for proper adhesion), wear layer thickness remaining, moisture content and environmental conditions, and any repairs needed before refinishing.

2. Multi-Stage Sanding Sequence

We follow NWFA guidelines for proper grit progression: initial cut with appropriate grit to flatten floor and remove existing finish, never skipping more than one grit between passes, direction changes to eliminate scratches, edge sanding with matching grit progression, hand scraping of corners and detail areas, and final sanding with multi-disc equipment for a uniform scratch pattern.

Dustless Sanding Technology

Our equipment features integrated dust containment systems that capture 95%+ of sanding dust at the source:

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Cleaner Environment

A healthier refinishing environment for you and your family. No dust clouds spreading throughout your home.

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Faster Cleanup

Less disruption to your home means we're in and out faster, with minimal post-project cleaning required.

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Better Results

Reduced dust contamination of finishes means a smoother, more flawless final appearance.

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Protect Your Home

Your furniture, cabinets, and HVAC system stay clean. No dust settling into every corner of your house.

Custom Stain Matching & Color Options

Changing or refreshing your floor's color transforms the entire character of a room. Our staining expertise allows us to achieve virtually any color—from light natural tones to deep espresso, and everything in between.

Grain Popping (Water Popping)

For deeper, more uniform stain penetration, we use a technique called water popping—applying water to the sanded surface to raise the wood grain. This opens the wood's pores, allowing stain to penetrate more deeply and evenly, especially beneficial for hard-to-stain species like maple.

Custom Color Matching

Need to match existing trim, furniture, or a specific design palette? We create custom stain blends and test them on your actual floor before full application—no surprises.

Stain Options Include:

Traditional oil-based stains (deepest penetration)
Water-based stains (faster dry time, lower odor)
Reactive stains for unique color effects
Natural/clear finishes to showcase wood's true color

Professional-Grade Finishes for Lasting Protection

The finish you choose affects appearance, durability, maintenance, and longevity. We work exclusively with professional-grade products and apply them according to manufacturer specifications.

Oil-Modified Polyurethane

Warm, amber tone that enhances wood character
Excellent durability and scratch resistance
24-48 hour dry time between coats
Proven performance over decades of use
Self-leveling for smooth appearance

Waterborne Polyurethane

Crystal-clear finish that won't yellow
Low odor, fast dry time (2-4 hours between coats)
Excellent durability with modern formulations
Environmentally conscious choice
Allows same-day recoating in many cases

Penetrating Oil Finishes

Natural, low-sheen appearance
Penetrates wood rather than sitting on surface
Easy spot repair and maintenance
Enhances wood's natural texture
Popular for wide plank and rustic aesthetics

Hard Wax Oils

European-style finish combining oil and wax
Matte, natural appearance
Repairable and low maintenance
Food-safe options available
Ideal for historic and period homes

Sheen Levels Available

Matte/Flat — least reflective Satin — most popular, low luster Semi-Gloss — moderate shine Gloss — high shine

Signs Your Floor Needs Refinishing

Not sure if your floors need refinishing? Here are the key indicators:

Visible Wear Patterns

High-traffic areas showing dull, worn finish while other areas remain glossy indicate the protective coating has worn through.

Gray or Discolored Wood

When wood turns gray, it means UV damage and moisture have penetrated past the finish layer. This requires sanding to remove damaged wood fibers.

Deep Scratches

Scratches that have penetrated through the finish into the wood itself cannot be buffed out—refinishing is required.

Peeling or Flaking Finish

Delaminating finish indicates adhesion failure and requires complete removal and reapplication.

Water Damage

Dark stains, white haze, or cupping from moisture exposure typically require sanding and refinishing.

Color Change Desired

Want to go lighter, darker, or change the tone? Full sanding is required to change stain color.

What About Recoating?

If your finish shows only surface scratches and wear (not penetrating into wood), a maintenance recoat—light abrasion followed by a fresh coat of finish—may extend your floor's life without full refinishing.

Recoating is faster, less expensive, and less invasive than full refinishing. It's an excellent option for floors that are showing early wear but haven't yet developed deep damage.

Good Candidates for Recoating:

Floors with surface scratches only
Dull finish without gray or discolored wood
Floors refinished within the last 5-10 years
Preventive maintenance before major wear develops

We evaluate every floor to recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective approach. Sometimes recoating saves you money; sometimes it's just delaying the inevitable. We'll give you an honest assessment.

Ready to Restore Your Hardwood Floors?

Schedule Free Inspection