How much does it cost to completely redo a wood floor?

Every wood floor is different.  Prices can vary based on a number of factors including:  

  • Square footage of the area.
  • Whether installing a new hardwood floor or sanding and refinishing an existing wood floor.
  • Wood materials selection, such as the species and grade option.
  • Condition of the sub-floor and/or existing floor, if restoring wood floors.  
  • Complexity of cuts, number of vents and registers, radiators to work around, number of doorways and transitions into other rooms.
  • Type of finish chosen.
  • Removal and disposal of materials.
  • Other complexities of the job.

We will discuss these considerations with you at our no-obligation estimate and answer any other questions you may have.

We are happy to discuss your vision and options - just give us a call.

Is it cheaper to refinish or replace a hardwood floor?

In almost every case it is less costly to refinish your existing hardwood floors rather than replace them. Consider the cost savings: by refurbishing your existing hardwood floors through refinishing rather than removing an existing wood floor you save on the price of purchasing new wood materials in addition to the labour required to install a new hardwood floor.  Restoring hardwood floors is also an environmentally sustainable way to keep the investment you already have in your existing wood floors all the while providing an opportunity to update the style, repair any damage and add in new rooms.  With that said, there are instances where a new hardwood floor may be the better option such as: character wood floors at the end of their life cycle, hardwood floors which have extensive damage or rooms which don't match the existing floor.  And although a new hardwood floor represents a significant investment initially, it's likely you will never have to replace it as hardwood can be sanded down and refinished in the future.  

We are happy to discuss which considerations are right for you based on your circumstances - just give us a call.

How long do I have to stay off my refinished wood floors?

How soon before you can walk on your refinished hardwood floors depends on the size of the space and the dry times. You'll be amazed at how quickly we work - however dry times vary from a few hours to overnight depending on the floor finish. Once the final coat of floor finish is applied,  you can go about your business with due care and attention to the newly refinished floors. The floors need about 2 weeks to finish the full curing process so it’s always a good idea to walk without shoes, keep an eye on pets, and refrain from dragging items or using area rugs during this time. Be sure to check out our easy care tips listed in the final FAQ to see how you can help keep your hardwood floors looking their best!

Do I have to leave my home?

No, you do not need to leave your home while we work on your hardwood floors. Depending on your living situation, what wood floor service you are having done or what type of floor finish will be applied, many people are able to remain in their homes while the work on their floors is underway.

When it comes to applying the various coats of floor finish, there will be a small window of time when you cannot walk on the wet floors which can range anywhere from 5-6 hours for Waterbase Finish and up to 10-12 hours for Oil Modified Finish. Some people choose to sleep in other areas of their house, schedule the work during a previously booked trip, or take a well-deserved holiday to an AirBNB for example, particularly when applying Oil Finish due to the odour omitted.

We are happy to discuss which considerations are right for you based on your circumstances - just give us a call.

What about my furniture?

Furniture moving is hard work and not our area of expertise. Many of our clients opt for mobile storage boxes such as MoBox or U-Pak, hire a moving company for larger items such as pianos, pool tables or wardrobes, or utilize other areas of the house such as porches, garages or spare rooms to store their belongings.

We require access to the floors so do need the area being worked on cleared out before our arrival. Furniture can be moved back shortly after the final coat of floor finish is dry. But be careful not to drag anything across your newly refinished floors, particularly appliances.

How should I take care of my refinished floors?

For the best way to clean newly refinished hardwood floors, we recommend the Bona© Hardwood Floor Care System. It includes everything needed for easy and safe cleaning of hardwood floors and is available at most home hardware stores.

Here are some easy, regular maintenance tips for keeping your hardwood floors shining:

  • Refrain from using area rugs for the first few weeks until the floor has finished its curing process.
  • Avoid unwanted scratching from furniture against your floor by placing protective pads under all furniture legs.
  • When moving furniture, heavy objects, or appliances, do not drag across your wood floors; use a dolly or skimboard.
  • Spills are a part of everyday life; simply wipe them up as soon as they happen.
  • Place mats at door entrances to help prevent dirt and rocks from scratching or dulling your floor over time.