A screen and coat will remove light surface scratches and clean any dirt embedded into the surface. It will also protect the wood from further scratching. If you choose a high gloss finish, it will also make the floor very shiny and new looking.

A screen and coat will NOT remove deep stains, scratches or rust spots. Also, it requires that there is no wax buildup on the floor. This means that if the floor was ever waxed or even cleaned with wax products, the polyurethane would not dry properly. This is not usually the case, but of course we would test to make sure we can screen and coat. In the event that the floor has wax, your other option would be a complete sand and refinish.

A sand and refinish involves sanding off all existing finish and going down to the bare wood. The floor is then sanded with a fine grit to remove all scratches from the heavy sanding process. From there, we apply the finish. For oil based finish, we apply a sealer and two coats of polyurethane. If a stain is desired, it would be used in place of the sealer. For water based finish, we would apply a sealer and three coats of water based polyurethane.

A sand and finish will remove most, if not all, scratches in the wood unless they are too deep. All surface scratches, dirt and stains would be removed. Water or urine stains are another story. If the stains are too deep, they will not come out. Other than that, the floor looks nearly brand new after a sand and finish.

The natural color of a finished floor is comparable to a honey color. The floors do amber over time though. A screen and coat does not change the color of a floor. A sand and refinish will remove any existing stain.

Water based finish dries faster and can also look much lighter and more natural than oil based finish. It is also considered a greener product. The downside to this finish is that even with the advances that have been made, and despite the claims of finish manufacturers, water based finish is not as durable as oil based finish. Water based finish is also more expensive than oil based finish. Some property management companies will not allow the use of oil based finish. In this case, a water based finish should be used.

Deciding between prefinished or unfinished (site finished) wood flooring can be difficult for any homeowner. There are advantages to each installation option, and taking the time to choose the option that is best for your project can help prevent future headaches.

The Advantages of Prefinished Wood Flooring

Prefinished wood flooring is the best avenue when installation cost, project time and convenience are major factors. Prefinished floors mean less mess, which has obvious advantages, especially if you have children or pets. Applying the finish at the factory can save labor costs, and prefinished flooring can turn a two- or three-day project into a one-day project. The factory finishing process can also result in a more durable finish. Installers may also be able to move furniture side to side rather than completely emptying rooms.

The Advantages of Unfinished Wood Flooring

Unfinished wood flooring can be the best choice when matching existing hardwood is important. It also provides a greater range of options for plank widths, unusual wood species, colors and finishes. Unfinished flooring can also be more forgiving when working with slightly imperfect subfloors because minor bumps can be sanded smooth during site finishing.

According to industry standard, including most contractors, floor refinishers and painters, you would serve yourself better to have the floors done before the painting. There will always be dust with floor sanding and potential touchups at the baseboard due to sanding right up against it. A floor sanding machine weighs nearly 300 pounds, and it is much easier for the painter to cover the floor than for the floor refinisher to worry about four walls and a ceiling.

If you're painting first, have the floors covered even though they'll eventually be refinished. If you have spots on the floor where the finish is completely worn off, sitting paint can actually stain the floor. Paint bucket spills or excessive paint drips can also make refinishing more costly.

If you'll be painting after floor refinishing, allow the floor to cure for a couple of days before you cover it, unless you use Ram Board. Whatever you cover the floor with, make sure you overlap the paper and only tape paper to paper, never paper to the floor.

Yes. Residential real estate agents say homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster, and fetch higher prices according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). Wood flooring can also provide a perception of higher-quality building materials compared with carpet-covered plywood.

Yes. Wood flooring works well with many decorating styles, from contemporary to traditional. A variety of wood species, colors, grains and finishes are available to complement the décor and style of nearly any room.

Choosing a species of wood involves more than selecting a color to match décor. Consider texture, grain, color, dimensional stability, machinability, ease of finishing, availability and cost. Wood flooring professionals can help identify species that fit the appearance and performance requirements of a project.

For the same reason many homes and businesses do: durability and comfort. Wood floors are softer and more supple than many other surfaces and can provide resilience, shock absorption and energy return, which can help reduce injury and body fatigue for athletes.

Yes. Modern urethane finishes can provide good resistance to water, traffic, wear and stains, making wood flooring suitable for a variety of higher-stress areas when the appropriate product and installation are selected.

Wood flooring can contribute warmth and acoustic qualities to spaces such as churches, synagogues and auditoriums. Special installation techniques may also be used to improve acoustic performance.

Surface finishes like polyurethane require simple care. Dust mop, sweep or vacuum regularly and follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations. When cleaning no longer restores the shine, the floor can be recoated with a surface finish. Never wax a surface-finished floor or use vinyl or tile floor care products on wood flooring.

No. Never use sheet vinyl or tile floor care products on wood floors. Self-polishing acrylic waxes should also be avoided because they can make wood slippery and dull.

A surface-finished floor can generally be maintained with a dampened, nearly dry mop, but always follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Excessive moisture and standing water can damage the finish and wood. Spills should be wiped up immediately with a clean cloth.

Place mats and throw rugs at doorways to help protect wood floors from grit, dirt and sand. Place felt pads under furniture legs and vacuum or dust your wood floor regularly.

Wood flooring does not trap dust and dirt in the same way as some other flooring options. Regular maintenance such as dust mopping, sweeping and vacuuming can help keep wood floors clean.

Wood flooring does not harbor dust and microorganisms in the same way that some other flooring surfaces can. Regular cleaning can help maintain a cleaner indoor environment.

Hardwood is a renewable resource, and responsible forestry and manufacturing practices can support sustainability. Wood flooring manufacturers also offer products designed to meet environmental and emissions standards.

Wood flooring can last for generations with proper care and maintenance. Instead of replacing the entire floor when it becomes worn, many wood floors can be rejuvenated through sanding and refinishing. The frequency depends on the type of flooring, finish, traffic and maintenance.

Yes. Reclaimed and recycled wood flooring is available from sources such as old barns, factories and other recovered structures. Reclaimed wood can provide a distinctive appearance while giving existing materials a new use.

Screening and sanding are two different wood floor refinishing methods. A screen and coat lightly abrades the existing finish to remove minor surface scratches and embedded dirt, then applies a fresh finish to restore protection. A high gloss finish can give the floor a refreshed, shiny appearance.

Screening will not remove deep scratches, stains or rust spots. It also requires the floor to be free of wax buildup because wax or wax-based cleaning products can prevent polyurethane from adhering properly. We test for wax before proceeding. If wax is present, sanding and refinishing is the recommended alternative.

Sanding and refinishing is a more thorough process that removes the existing finish down to the bare wood. The floor is then smoothed with a fine grit before a new finish is applied. For oil-based finishes, this typically includes a sealer and two coats of polyurethane. If staining is desired, the stain replaces the sealer. For water-based finishes, a sealer and three coats of water-based polyurethane are applied. If using stain with a water-based finish, an oil-based stain is required and additional drying time may be necessary.

Sanding and refinishing removes most surface scratches, dirt and light stains, although very deep scratches or severe water or urine stains may remain. The floor will generally look nearly brand new afterward. Sanding and refinishing also removes the existing finish completely, while screening and coating does not change the floor's existing color. A natural finish typically has a honey tone that can amber over time.

Sanding and refinishing is backed by a 7-year limited warranty against chipping, cracking or peeling of the finish under normal residential use.

Water-based finishes dry faster and typically provide a lighter, more natural appearance than oil-based finishes. They are also generally considered more environmentally friendly. However, despite improvements in water-based technology, oil-based finishes are generally considered more durable. Water-based finishes also tend to cost more. In some properties, management requirements or regulations may prohibit oil-based finishes, making water-based finish the preferred option.

Deciding between prefinished or unfinished (site finished) wood flooring depends on your project's priorities. Both options offer distinct advantages that can affect installation time, appearance, cost and customization.

The Advantages of Prefinished Wood Flooring

Prefinished wood flooring is a strong choice when installation cost, project duration and convenience are important. Because the finish is applied at the factory, installation can often be completed much faster, sometimes turning a multi-day project into a single day. It also reduces mess and fumes, which can be especially helpful in homes with children or pets. Factory-applied finishes can provide excellent durability, and installers may be able to move furniture within the room rather than completely emptying it.

The Advantages of Unfinished Wood Flooring

Unfinished wood flooring is often the better choice when matching existing hardwood is important. It provides greater flexibility in plank widths, wood species, stains and finishes, making it especially useful for historic or architecturally unique homes. Site finishing can also accommodate minor subfloor imperfections by allowing the floor to be sanded smooth during installation.

Industry professionals generally recommend refinishing or replacing floors before painting. Floor sanding creates dust and can require minor baseboard touch-ups. Because sanding equipment is heavy, it is easier for painters to protect a finished floor than for flooring professionals to work around freshly painted walls and ceilings.

If you paint first, protect the floors carefully even if you plan to refinish them later. Paint can stain areas where the finish has worn away, while spills and excessive drips can increase refinishing costs.

If painting after refinishing, allow the finish to cure for a few days before covering the floor unless using Ram Board, which can allow coverage the next day. Overlap protective paper and tape paper to paper rather than directly to the floor, as even painter's tape can damage a newly finished surface.

Yes. Wood flooring can be a valuable long-term investment. A nationwide survey commissioned by the National Wood Flooring Association found that real estate professionals associate wood floors with stronger home value, faster sales and higher selling prices. Wood flooring can also create the perception of higher-quality construction and materials.

Yes. Wood flooring complements a wide range of decorating styles, including contemporary, traditional and transitional interiors. With numerous wood species, grains, colors, plank styles and finishes available, wood flooring can be customized to complement nearly any space.

Selecting a wood species involves more than choosing a color. Consider appearance characteristics such as texture, grain and color along with dimensional stability, machinability, ease of finishing, availability, durability and cost. A flooring professional can help identify species that meet both the design and performance requirements of a project.

Wood flooring is popular in gymnasiums because it combines durability with comfort and athletic performance. Its resilience, shock absorption and energy return can provide a more forgiving surface for athletes while helping reduce fatigue during physical activity.

Yes. Modern urethane finishes can provide strong resistance to water, wear and stains, making properly selected and installed wood flooring suitable for kitchens, work spaces and other higher-traffic areas. Proper maintenance and prompt cleanup of spills remain important.

Wood flooring can add warmth and contribute to the acoustic character of auditoriums, churches, synagogues and similar spaces. Specialized installation methods can also be used when optimizing sound performance is important.

Surface finishes such as polyurethane require relatively simple maintenance. Dust mop, sweep, mop or vacuum regularly and follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations. When cleaning no longer restores the floor's appearance, the surface can be recoated with a fresh finish. Never apply wax to a surface-finished wood floor or use vinyl and tile cleaning products.

No. Vinyl and tile floor-care products should not be used on wood flooring. Self-polishing acrylic waxes should also be avoided because they can leave wood floors slippery and dull and may eventually require sanding and refinishing to correct the buildup.

Yes, but use caution. A surface-finished wood floor can generally be cleaned with a damp, not wet, mop. Always follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations and avoid excessive moisture or standing water. Spills should be wiped up promptly to prevent damage.

Place mats or rugs at entryways to capture grit, dirt and sand before they reach the floor. Felt pads under furniture legs can help prevent scratches, while regular dusting and vacuuming remove abrasive particles before they can damage the finish.

Wood flooring does not trap dust and dirt in the same way as some other flooring surfaces. Regular dust mopping, sweeping and vacuuming can help keep the floor clean and contribute to a well-maintained indoor environment.

Wood flooring is often considered a good flooring choice for people who want a surface that is easy to clean and does not retain dust and debris in the same manner as carpet. Regular cleaning helps maintain a cleaner indoor environment.

Hardwood is a renewable resource, and responsible forestry and manufacturing practices can support sustainability. Wood flooring manufacturers also offer products designed to meet environmental and emissions standards.

With proper care, wood flooring can last for generations. Rather than replacing the entire floor when it becomes worn, many wood floors can be refreshed through sanding and refinishing. The appropriate maintenance schedule depends on the flooring type, finish, traffic and overall condition.

Yes. Reclaimed and recycled wood flooring is available from sources such as old barns, factories and other recovered structures. Reclaimed wood offers a distinctive appearance while giving existing materials a new use.

• Regularly sweep or vacuum to remove grit and debris.
• Use a damp mop with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner and avoid excess water.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers and harsh chemical cleaners.
• Clean spills promptly to help prevent staining and slipping hazards.
• Use protective pads under furniture to help prevent dents.
• Avoid wax unless specifically recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
• Do not use steam cleaners unless the flooring manufacturer specifically approves them.
• Limit prolonged direct sunlight to help prevent discoloration.

• Vacuum high-traffic areas daily and other areas at least twice a week.
• Use a vacuum with a rotating brush or beater bar appropriate for your carpet.
• Clean spills immediately using an appropriate carpet cleaner.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach.
• Schedule professional deep cleaning approximately every 12–18 months.
• Use entry mats to reduce dirt tracked onto the carpet.
• Rotate furniture periodically to help minimize permanent indentations.
• Trim snags or loose fibers rather than pulling them.
• Use protective pads when moving heavy furniture instead of dragging it across the carpet.

• Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft brush attachment.
• Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner recommended for cork.
• Avoid excessive water and standing moisture, which can cause swelling.
• Use rugs in entryways and high-traffic areas to reduce wear.
• Apply sealers or finishes as recommended for the specific cork flooring.
• Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive tools and wax.
• Use felt pads beneath furniture legs to help prevent dents.
• Maintain indoor humidity around 40–60% to help minimize expansion and contraction.

• Clean rubber or wood gym floors regularly with dry dust mops or suitable vacuums.
• Use manufacturer-approved cleaners for routine mopping and disinfection.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that may degrade the flooring surface.
• Clean spills immediately to reduce damage and slipping hazards.
• Inspect the flooring regularly for wear or damage and address problems promptly.
• Use floor protectors beneath heavy equipment and furniture.
• Avoid dragging heavy equipment across the floor.