Boston Hardwood Refinishing restores worn hardwood with a full sand-and-finish system—optional stain included when you want a new color—for homes in Greater Boston.
Quick answer: what “full refinish” means
A full refinish means sanding the floor back to bare wood (removing the old finish and a thin layer of wood), optionally applying stain, then building a protective finish system—typically multiple coats of polyurethane or a comparable clear coat. The goal is a renewed surface without replacing sound boards.
This is different from a lighter screen & recoat, which abrades only the existing finish and adds new coats without sanding to bare wood.
Signs you may need a full refinish
- Finish worn through in traffic lanes so bare or grayed wood shows
- Deep scratches, pet claw marks, or gouges that catch a fingernail
- Uneven sheen that screen & recoat alone will not even out
- You want a color change (stain) that requires going back to bare wood
- Previous finish is failing, peeling, or heavily contaminated
If wear is mostly surface dullness and the finish film is still intact, a recoat may be enough—see the comparison guide.
Get an accurate quote for your home
Every floor is different—square footage, stairs, repairs, stain vs clear, finish system, furniture moving, and condo logistics all shape the scope. Rather than publish generic ranges that will not match your house, we quote from your details and photos.
Process summary
Typical sequence: room prep → dust-controlled sanding → (optional stain) → finish coats → cure time before full furniture and rugs. Exact calendar days depend on size, stain choice, and finish system. Day-by-day expectations: What to Expect: Process & Timeline.
Solid vs engineered hardwood
- Solid hardwood is commonly refinished multiple times over its life if enough thickness remains.
- Engineered hardwood can sometimes be refinished if the top wear layer is thick enough—many thin products cannot take a full sand. Note “engineered” on your quote form and send a clear edge photo if possible. More: FAQ.
Greater Boston coverage
We serve homeowners in Boston, Waltham, Quincy, and Framingham.
Call us for a free quote (phone number coming soon — use the form anytime).
Frequently asked questions
How long does a full refinish take?
Most residential jobs span several days—sanding, optional stain, multiple finish coats, and dry time between coats. Larger homes, stairs, and certain finish systems add time. See process & timeline.
Can I stay home during refinishing?
Sometimes yes for light foot traffic after coats dry to the touch; sometimes temporary relocation is more comfortable because of odor, noise, and limited rooms. Tradeoffs depend on finish type and your household. Guidance: stay-home vs relocate.
Water-based vs oil-modified polyurethane?
Water-based finishes often dry faster and have lower odor; oil-modified products can offer a warmer amber tone and different wear characteristics. Neither is universally “best”—we recommend based on use (pets, kids, sun) and your timeline. Note a preference on the quote form.