Hardwood Floor Refinishing FAQ
Answers to the most common questions from NJ homeowners about hardwood floor refinishing.
Have a question not answered here? Call us at (848) 238-6482
Cost & Pricing
How much does hardwood floor refinishing cost in New Jersey?
Most NJ refinishing projects run $3–$8 per square foot depending on floor condition, species, stain complexity, and finish type. A full-house project (1,500–2,500 sq ft) typically costs $4,500–$12,000. We provide written flat-rate quotes after a free walkthrough — no phone estimates.
Is refinishing cheaper than replacing hardwood floors?
Yes — significantly. Refinishing runs $3–$8/sq ft. Replacing hardwood floors costs $8–$20+/sq ft installed. As long as the floors are structurally sound, refinishing is almost always the better financial decision.
What's included in a refinishing quote?
A complete quote includes: dust containment setup, sanding (multiple passes), staining (if applicable), two to three coats of polyurethane finish, light buffing between coats, and cleanup. Board repairs, stair treads, and subfloor work are typically quoted separately.
Do you charge by the hour or by the project?
We charge flat project rates — not hourly. You'll receive a written scope with a single price before we start. No change orders unless you specifically request added work.
Process & Timeline
How long does hardwood floor refinishing take?
Most projects take 3–5 days on-site from first sanding to final coat. Projects with no stain change can sometimes be done in 2–3 days. You'll receive a day-by-day schedule before we start.
When can I walk on the floors after refinishing?
Light sock-foot traffic is usually okay 24 hours after the final coat for water-based polyurethane, or 48–72 hours for oil-based. Shoes and heavy furniture should wait 2–4 weeks for full cure.
Do I need to move all my furniture?
Everything needs to be out of the rooms being refinished before the crew arrives. We include light furniture moving as part of our service — confirm the specifics when booking. Large items like pianos, gun safes, and oversized beds typically need to be handled before we arrive.
Can I stay home during refinishing?
You can stay in parts of the home not being refinished. During sanding, it's loud. During finishing, oil-based poly has significant fumes and many families prefer to leave for 1–2 nights. Water-based finish is much more livable.
Dustless System
What does 'dustless' hardwood refinishing actually mean?
'Dustless' means a commercial HEPA vacuum is connected directly to the sanding equipment, capturing 90%+ of dust at the source before it reaches the air. It's not completely dust-free — edge sanding and corners generate some dust — but it's dramatically cleaner than traditional sanding.
Do I still need to cover my furniture with a dustless system?
We recommend covering electronics and HVAC registers as a precaution. With a quality dustless system, most furniture doesn't need covering, but it's always worth protecting things you care about.
Should I cover my HVAC vents before refinishing?
Yes — this is the step homeowners most commonly skip and regret. Fine sanding dust is light enough to travel through ductwork. Cover all floor and wall HVAC vents with plastic sheeting and tape before work begins.
Finish & Stain
What's the difference between oil-based and water-based polyurethane?
Oil-based poly adds a warm amber tone, takes longer to dry (8–12 hours per coat), and has stronger fumes. Water-based dries clear with no tint, dries faster (2–3 hours per coat), and has lower odor. Modern commercial water-based poly is very durable for typical residential use.
How many coats of polyurethane do hardwood floors need?
Two coats is the standard minimum. Three coats is better for high-traffic areas and extends the time between refinishing cycles. Most jobs include a sealer coat plus two finish coats.
Can I change the stain color when I refinish?
Yes. A full sand-down removes all previous stain and finish. You can choose any color you want. We apply test patches on your actual floor so you can see the real result in your home's light before committing.
Will oil-based poly turn my floors yellow over time?
All polyurethane finishes amber slightly over time, but oil-based is more pronounced. In rooms with good natural light this is less noticeable. Water-based maintains a clearer, more natural look.
Floor Condition
How do I know if my floors need refinishing or replacement?
Refinish when: the floor is structurally sound, there are no soft spots, and damage is mostly on the surface (scratches, dull finish, light staining). Replace when: there's moisture damage, soft spots or bounce, severe warping, or deep damage beyond the surface.
Can you refinish engineered hardwood floors?
Yes, if the wear layer is thick enough — at least 2mm, ideally 3mm or more. We measure this during the walkthrough and advise you before committing to any work.
Can pet stains be sanded out?
Light gray staining from pet urine can sometimes be sanded out during refinishing. Deep black staining has usually penetrated the wood fibers and may require board replacement before refinishing.
What does it mean if my floors have gray or black spots?
Gray or black discoloration usually means moisture reached the unprotected wood — from spills, leaks, or pet accidents. Light gray can often be sanded out. Darker staining may require board replacement first.
Service Area
What areas do you serve in New Jersey?
We serve Monmouth County, Ocean County, Middlesex County, and select towns in Morris, Union, and Mercer County. See our full list of service towns on the hardwood refinishing page.
Do you serve the Jersey Shore area?
Yes — we serve Ocean County shore towns including Toms River, Brick, Point Pleasant, and Manasquan, as well as Monmouth County shore communities like Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Spring Lake.
Are you available on weekends?
Yes. We're available seven days a week, including weekends. Most walkthrough appointments can be scheduled within a few days of your call.
Ready to Get a Quote?
Tell us about your floors — we'll schedule a free walkthrough and give you a written flat-rate quote.
Contact Details
- Phone: (848) 238-6482
- Email: info@summithomeservices.co
- Hours: Mon–Sun, 7am–7pm