Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Frequently Asked Questions

If you're considering hardwood floor refinishing, you probably have questions before getting started. Below are answers to the ones we hear most often, covering timelines, dust, finish options, repairs, and how to know if your floors are good candidates. If you don't see what you're looking for, call or text us directly.

Yes. Hardwood floor refinishing is consistently less expensive than replacement because it avoids demolition, disposal, new material costs, and full installation labor. When existing floors are structurally sound, refinishing restores their appearance and performance at a significantly lower overall cost. Heffernan Hardwood helps homeowners determine the most practical option for their home.

Yes. We regularly work in older and historic homes throughout Winter Park, Orlando, College Park, and surrounding areas. Original hardwood floors often have unique wood species, milling styles, and installation methods, so they require a more careful, preservation-focused approach. Our goal is to restore the character of these floors while helping extend their life for many years to come.

Hardwood floor refinishing in the Orlando and Winter Park area typically ranges from $6.50 to $9.00 per square foot for clear finishes. Pricing depends on finish selection and overall floor condition. Repairs and staining are priced separately. Heffernan Hardwood provides exact pricing after an in-home evaluation. If you’d like to talk through your floors and receive a detailed recommendation, you can schedule a consultation.

Pricing differences often reflect sanding preparation, finish quality, and labor standards. Companies using professional sanding methods and commercial-grade finishes typically charge more due to increased durability, time, and material costs. Heffernan Hardwood focuses on long-term performance rather than short-term savings.

For an average three-bedroom home, hardwood floor refinishing typically ranges from $6,000 to $9,000. Larger homes or custom layouts may range higher depending on square footage, finish selection, and repair needs.

We typically plan our schedule about four to six weeks ahead so each project receives the time and attention it deserves. If your timing is sooner, it’s still worth reaching out. We’re always happy to talk through options and current availability.

Most hardwood floor refinishing projects are completed within a 3 to 5 days, depending on the size of the space, the condition of the floors, and the finish selected. Before we begin, we walk homeowners through the process and provide a clear timeline so there are no surprises.

The most commonly selected option is a ceramic-reinforced 2K finish. Originally developed for high-traffic commercial environments, it is widely used in residential homes for its durability, chemical resistance, and long-term wear performance. You can see how this finish looks in real homes in our portfolio.

Staining is typically priced separately. This is because staining requires additional preparation, labor, and drying time. Stain options and pricing are reviewed during the in-home evaluation so homeowners can make an informed decision.

Yes. Two-component (2K) finishes are more chemically resistant and more durable against wear and scratches than single-component (1K) polyurethane finishes. Ceramic-reinforced 2K finishes offer an additional level of durability beyond standard 2K systems and are commonly selected for high-traffic residential environments.

Modern refinishing equipment is much cleaner than the sanding methods used years ago. The machines we use are designed from the ground up to operate as a dustless hardwood floor refinishing system when connected to professional HEPA-filtered vacuums, capturing dust at the source as the floor is sanded.

Not all sanding equipment is designed this way, which is why proper dust control depends on both the equipment and how it’s used. In addition to dustless sanding machines and HEPA vacuums, we also use HEPA air scrubbers during the project to help capture remaining airborne particles and keep the air in the home more comfortable throughout the process.

Many homeowners appreciate this approach, especially in homes where air quality is a concern.

Yes. Many hardwood floors can be repaired before refinishing. This may include addressing loose boards, worn areas, or replacing individual boards when needed to ensure the finished floor looks even and lasts.

In most cases, homeowners can remain in their home during the refinishing process, though certain areas may be temporarily unavailable. Before we begin, furniture, decorations, and personal items will need to be removed from the work area. We’ll walk you through the preparation process ahead of time, including access and pet considerations, so everything is planned and runs smoothly.

Professional hardwood floor refinishing uses clear finishes for durability, whether the goal is a natural look or a color change. When homeowners want to change the color of their floors, stain is applied first, followed by a sealer coat and multiple clear finish coats for long-term protection. Clear finishes are available in different sheens, such as matte, satin, or semi-gloss, allowing homeowners to choose a look that suits their home and daily use.

In most cases, original hardwood floors in older homes are worth refinishing rather than replacing. Many historic floors were made from old-growth wood that is denser and more durable than what’s commonly available today. Refinishing allows homeowners to preserve their craftsmanship while improving durability and appearance

The most accurate way to determine pricing is through an in-home consultation. This allows us to evaluate the condition of your existing floors, identify any repairs that may be needed, and review finish options together before providing clear recommendations. You can start by requesting a consultation, and we’ll schedule a convenient time to take a closer look.

Have questions about our hardwood floor refinishing process or whether refinishing is the right fit for your home?

Call or text 407-346-8653
You can also text a few photos and a quick note about what you are looking to have done.

 

We serve Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, College Park, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Winter Garden, Ocoee, and surrounding Central Florida communities.