Hardwood Flooring Guide
Helpful answers to common questions about hardwood floor refinishing, repairs, restoration, staining, recoating and installation.
Hardwood floors can last for decades, but knowing how to repair, refinish, maintain or update an existing floor isn't always straightforward.
We've put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often from homeowners in Nanaimo and throughout Central Vancouver Island.
Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Should I Refinish or Replace My Hardwood Floor?
Many hardwood floors can be refinished rather than replaced. The right choice depends on the condition of the existing flooring, the amount of wood remaining above the tongue, the type of damage and whether the floor can be successfully repaired.
Refinishing can remove years of scratches, worn finish, staining and colour changes while allowing you to keep the original hardwood.
Replacement may make more sense when flooring is extensively damaged, structurally compromised or cannot be refinished successfully.
Sometimes the best solution is a combination of board repairs, replacement of damaged sections and refinishing so the entire floor has a consistent appearance.
How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?
The cost of hardwood floor refinishing depends on several factors, including the size and layout of the floor, its condition, the amount of preparation and repair required, whether staining is needed and the type of finish selected.
A floor with deep scratches, pet stains, damaged boards or previous repairs may require more preparation than a floor that simply needs its finish renewed.
Because every floor is different, an assessment of the existing floor is the best way to determine what work is required and provide an accurate estimate.
How Long Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Take?
The time required depends on the size and condition of the floor, the amount of repair work needed and the finishing system being used.
A straightforward refinishing project generally takes several days from preparation through the finishing process. Projects involving extensive repairs, staining or additional preparation may take longer.
The floor also needs time to cure before furniture, rugs and normal use are returned. The exact curing time depends on the finish being applied.
Can Engineered Hardwood Floors Be Refinished?
Some engineered hardwood floors can be refinished, but not all.
The important factor is the thickness of the real hardwood wear layer. Some engineered flooring has enough hardwood above the core to allow sanding, while other products have a wear layer that is too thin.
The construction, age and condition of the flooring should be assessed before deciding whether refinishing is appropriate.
Hardwood Floor Repairs & Restoration
Can Hardwood Floors Be Repaired Without Replacing the Whole Floor?
Often, yes. Depending on the damage, an existing hardwood floor may be repaired by replacing individual boards, repairing smaller damaged areas, removing badly damaged sections or blending new hardwood into the existing floor.
Common repairs include deep gouges, cracked boards, pet stains, water damage and flooring that was removed during renovations.
After repairs, the surrounding area may need to be sanded and finished so the repair blends with the existing floor.
Can Pet Stains Be Removed From Hardwood Floors?
It depends on how deeply the staining has penetrated the wood.
Some surface-level stains can be removed during sanding and refinishing. Deeper pet urine damage may remain in the wood and can require individual board replacement or replacement of a larger affected section.
The condition of the wood underneath the stain determines whether sanding alone will be enough.
Can New Hardwood Be Matched to an Existing Floor?
Often, yes — but matching existing hardwood involves more than finding the same species and colour.
The species, grade, width, age, grain pattern, stain and finish all affect the final appearance. Older flooring may also have changed colour over time.
During renovations, new hardwood can sometimes be laced into the existing floor so the new and old sections become part of one continuous floor. The flooring can then be sanded and finished together to create a more consistent appearance.
What Happens When a Wall or Kitchen Island Is Removed?
When walls, islands, cabinets or other fixtures are moved, the original flooring may not extend underneath them.
Depending on the layout and existing flooring, new hardwood can sometimes be laced into the missing section. The new flooring is carefully integrated with the existing boards before the floor is sanded and finished.
This can create a much more cohesive result than simply filling the opening with a separate patch.
Hardwood Floor Recoating & Maintenance
What's the Difference Between Recoating and Refinishing?
A recoat renews the protective finish on a hardwood floor without sanding the wood back to bare wood.
Recoating can be appropriate when the wood itself is in good condition but the existing finish has become dull, lightly scratched or worn.
Refinishing involves more extensive sanding and preparation and can address deeper scratches, staining, significant wear and colour changes.
A floor that only needs its protective finish renewed may not need a full refinish.
How Do I Know If My Floor Needs a Recoat or Full Refinishing?
Look at whether the problem is primarily with the finish or with the wood underneath it.
A recoat may be appropriate when the finish is dull or lightly worn but the wood itself is still in good condition.
Refinishing may be necessary when there are deep scratches or gouges, staining, significant wear, numerous repairs or a desired colour change.
An assessment of the floor can help determine which approach makes sense.
How Do I Maintain My Hardwood Floors?
Regular removal of dirt and grit, prompt cleanup of spills and appropriate cleaning products can help protect the finish and extend the life of your hardwood floor.
Felt pads under furniture, appropriate mats at entrances and regular cleaning can also help reduce wear.
Avoid using cleaning products that aren't recommended for your particular finish. If you're unsure what product to use, ask your flooring professional before applying it.
Hardwood Floor Staining & Colour
Can I Change the Colour of My Hardwood Floor?
Yes, many hardwood floors can be stained a different colour when they are refinished.
The final result depends on the species of wood, the existing finish, the condition of the floor and the stain selected. Different types of hardwood can absorb stain differently, so a colour that looks one way on an example board may look different on an existing floor.
For this reason, stain samples are an important part of choosing a new colour.
Changing the colour of a hardwood floor generally requires the existing finish to be removed so the bare wood can be properly prepared before staining.
How Do I Choose a Stain Colour?
The same stain can look very different depending on the species, age and condition of the hardwood.
Oak, maple, fir and other wood species each have their own grain and natural colour, which affects the final result. The existing floor may also have changed colour over time.
Testing stain samples on the actual flooring or a representative piece of the same wood can help you see how the colour will look before committing to the entire floor.
Can All Types of Hardwood Be Stained?
Not all hardwood responds to stain in the same way.
The species, grain, natural colour and condition of the wood all affect how evenly it accepts stain and what the final colour will look like.
Some floors may look better with a natural finish or another finishing approach rather than a conventional stain. The best option depends on the specific wood and the look you're trying to achieve.
Hardwood Floor Installation
What's the Difference Between Solid and Engineered Hardwood?
Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, while engineered hardwood consists of a real hardwood surface bonded to layers of other wood products.
Both can be excellent flooring choices, but they have different characteristics and installation considerations.
The best option depends on the location, subfloor, moisture conditions, desired appearance and how the floor will be used.
Can Hardwood Flooring Be Installed Over Concrete?
Some hardwood flooring systems can be installed over concrete, but the appropriate installation method depends on the flooring product, subfloor conditions and moisture levels.
Engineered hardwood is often more adaptable to certain applications than solid hardwood, but the specific flooring and installation system need to be considered together.
Can Hardwood Flooring Be Installed Below Grade?
Some hardwood flooring products and installation methods are suitable for below-grade applications, while others are not.
Moisture conditions are particularly important below grade. The flooring, subfloor and installation method all need to be appropriate for the environment.
What Are The Different Ways Hardwood Flooring Can Be Installed?
Hardwood flooring can be installed using different methods depending on the type of flooring and the installation conditions.
Depending on the product, installation may involve nailing, stapling, gluing or floating the flooring.
The appropriate method depends on the flooring material, subfloor, location and manufacturer's requirements.
How Do I Choose The Right Hardwood Flooring?
Choosing hardwood involves more than selecting a colour.
Wood species, solid versus engineered construction, plank width, unfinished versus prefinished flooring, installation method and the conditions of the space can all affect which product is appropriate.
A flooring professional can help determine which options make sense for your particular home and project.
See Our Hardwood Flooring Projects
Every hardwood floor is different, and sometimes the best way to understand what's possible is to see the work.
Explore real projects from Lantzville Artisan Wood Floors, including refinishing, repairs, restoration, staining, installation and before-and-after transformations.
Have Questions About Your Hardwood Floors?
Not sure whether your floor needs a repair, recoat, refinishing, staining, restoration or replacement?We can assess the existing flooring and discuss the options with you.
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