Restoring Worn Floors Without Replacement

Hardwood Flooring Refinishing in Edina for floors showing scratches, finish wear, and discoloration from years of use

Surface damage accumulates on hardwood floors over decades—finish wears through in traffic paths, scratches from furniture and pet claws expose bare wood, and sunlight fades stain color near windows. Refinishing removes the damaged surface layer through sanding, then applies new stain and protective topcoat to restore appearance and durability. Floored By Dave's refinishes hardwood floors in Edina homes where the existing wood remains structurally sound but the finish no longer protects against moisture or resists daily wear.



The process involves sanding down through the old finish and into the wood itself using progressively finer grits, which levels the surface and removes scratches, stains, and dents that haven't penetrated too deeply. Dust containment systems capture most of the fine particles created during sanding, though some dust migration into adjacent rooms is unavoidable. After sanding, stain application adjusts the wood color if desired, and multiple coats of polyurethane or oil-based finish seal the wood and create the wear layer that handles foot traffic.


Request a detailed estimate based on floor square footage, existing finish type, and the depth of damage needing correction.

What Changes After Refinishing Work Completes

Sanding equipment removes enough wood to eliminate surface scratches and worn finish, leaving a flat, smooth surface that feels uniform underfoot. The new finish coat fills minor grain irregularities and creates a consistent sheen across the entire floor, eliminating the dull patches where the old finish had worn away. You'll notice the wood grain pattern more clearly, and color becomes consistent again instead of showing faded streaks or dark water stains.


Once the final finish coat cures, the floor resists water penetration and daily scuffing the way it did when first installed. The curing process requires keeping furniture off the floor for several days to a week depending on finish type—oil-based polyurethane takes longer to harden fully than water-based products but provides a slightly more durable wear layer. High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens benefit from additional finish coats that extend the time before wear patterns reappear.



Solid hardwood floors can typically be refinished multiple times over their lifespan since most planks are three-quarters of an inch thick, providing enough material for several sandings. Engineered hardwood with thick wear layers may support one or two refinishing cycles, but thinner veneers risk sanding through to the plywood core. Floored By Dave's measures remaining wood thickness before starting to confirm refinishing is viable and to determine how aggressive the sanding can be without compromising the floor.

Questions Before Starting Your Project

Homeowners in Edina and Minnetonka ask about process logistics, timeline, and finish options before committing to refinishing existing hardwood.

How many times can hardwood flooring be refinished?

Solid hardwood typically supports four to six refinishing cycles over its lifespan, though the exact number depends on plank thickness and how much material gets removed with each sanding.

What preparation is required before refinishing begins?

Furniture and area rugs must be removed completely, and baseboards may need protection or removal depending on sanding equipment used and whether edges require hand-sanding.

How long does the refinishing process take from start to finish?

Sanding, staining, and applying multiple finish coats generally spans three to five days, with additional curing time before replacing furniture and resuming normal use.

Can pet stains and water damage be sanded out?

Surface discoloration often sands away, but deep stains that have penetrated into the wood grain may lighten but not disappear entirely, and cupped or warped boards may require replacement rather than refinishing.

What is the difference between water-based and oil-based finish?

Water-based polyurethane dries faster and has lower odor, allowing quicker return to use, while oil-based finishes take longer to cure but tend to show fewer surface scratches over time and develop a warmer amber tone as they age.

Floored By Dave's evaluates floor condition before refinishing to identify boards that need repair or replacement and to confirm the wood species and existing finish type, which affects stain absorption and sanding requirements. Schedule an on-site assessment to review finish options and discuss timeline expectations for your specific flooring project.

Areas We Serve

Minneapolis, MN

Saint Paul, MN

Bloomington, MN

Eden Prairie, MN

Brooklyn Park, MN

Plymouth, MN

Edina, MN

Maple Grove, MN

Minnetonka, MN

Richfield, MN

Saint Louis Park, MN

Eagan, MN

Burnsville, MN

Shakopee, MN

Coon Rapids, MN

Apple Valley, MN

Bemidji, MN

Request Your Free In-Home Design Consultation TODAY!

Submit this form, or call us at (763) 620-1194 TODAY, and receive up to 78% off our in-stock items!