How Often Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Let’s be honest—hardwood floors are beautiful, but they don’t stay that way forever. Over time, scratches, scuffs, and that worn-out look start creeping in. Maybe it’s the dog’s nails, maybe it’s the high heels, maybe it’s just life happening under your feet. Either way, you hit that point where you start asking yourself: Is it time to refinish these floors? Or can I stretch it out a little longer?

Here’s the thing—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are some solid signs and timelines to help you figure out when hardwood floor refinishing should be on your radar.

First off, what exactly is hardwood floor refinishing?

Before you start counting the years since your last sanding session, let’s clear up what refinishing hardwood floors actually involves.

It’s not just a quick polish. It’s a process that strips off the old finish—sometimes right down to the bare wood—then sands, smooths, and seals everything again with a fresh coat of protective finish. In short, it gives your floors a second life. Or a third. Or fourth, depending on how many times it’s been done before.

Some people confuse this with screening and recoating, which is a lighter maintenance step. That’s when you just rough up the top coat and apply a new finish—no deep sanding, no going down to raw wood. It’s quicker and cheaper, but it only works if your floors are still in decent shape underneath the wear.

So, how often should you refinish hardwood floors?

Most hardwood floors need to be refinished every 7 to 10 years. But that’s a general ballpark. Some floors might go 15 years without needing major work. Others might start looking tired after just 5.

It depends on a few things:

Foot traffic: Got a house full of kids, pets, and activity? You’ll probably need refinishing on the lower end of that range.

Type of wood: Harder woods like oak or maple tend to hold up better over time than softer woods like pine.

Previous refinishes: Each time you refinish, you shave off a little more of the wood surface. Solid hardwood can take this a few times, but there’s a limit. If your floors are getting thin, you may need to switch to spot repairs or screening instead.

Finish type: Oil-based polyurethane lasts longer than water-based. But it also takes longer to dry and has a stronger smell. You trade durability for convenience.

Signs your floors are due for a refinish

Forget the calendar for a second. Your floors will tell you when they’ve had enough.

Look for things like:

Deep scratches or dents that have gone beyond the finish layer into the wood itself.

Gray patches—these aren’t just cosmetic. That gray color means the protective finish is worn away and the wood underneath is soaking up moisture. Wait too long, and you’ll start seeing black stains that are way harder to fix.

Finish looks dull even after cleaning. A little fading is normal, but if no amount of cleaning brings back the shine, you might be due.

Splinters or rough patches underfoot. Floors should be smooth, not snagging your socks or poking your feet.

Water damage or stains that didn’t come out with regular cleaning.

If you’ve hit a few of those, refinishing hardwood floors might not just be a nice upgrade—it might be necessary.

What about the cost? Is refinishing worth it?

Ah yes, the million-dollar question—or, more realistically, the several-hundred-to-couple-thousand-dollar question.

Hardwood floor refinishing cost varies depending on where you live, the condition of your floors, and the size of the area. On average, most people pay between $3 to $8 per square foot. So for a standard 500-square-foot space, you’re looking at $1,500 to $4,000, give or take.

Sure, that’s not pocket change. But compare that to replacing the floors entirely, and refinishing starts to look like a much better deal. Plus, it boosts home value. Buyers love hardwood floors—especially ones that don’t look like they’ve been through a war zone.

And if you’re handy and brave, DIY hardwood flooring refinishing is an option. Just be warned—it’s dusty, loud, and easy to mess up if you don’t know what you’re doing. Sanding too deep? You might take off more than you should. Applying finish unevenly? You’ll see every streak and swirl.

Sometimes it’s worth paying the pros to get it right the first time.

Can you refinish all hardwood floors?

Not always. If you’ve got solid hardwood, you’re in luck—it can usually be refinished multiple times. But if your floors are engineered wood, it depends.

Engineered hardwood has a thin veneer of real wood over a plywood base. If that top layer is too thin—less than 2mm—you probably can’t refinish it without going right through to the plywood. Even thicker veneers can only take one or two sandings max.

So before you start planning your sanding project, check what kind of floors you’ve got. If you’re not sure, a local flooring contractor can tell you with one quick look.

How to stretch time between refinishing jobs

Nobody wants to refinish more often than they have to. Good news is, with the right care, you can buy yourself more years between refinishes.

Here’s what helps:

Put rugs in high-traffic areas (think entryways, hallways, and under furniture).

Keep pet nails trimmed.

Use felt pads on chair and furniture legs.

Don’t let water sit on the floor—wipe up spills fast.

Sweep or vacuum regularly. Dirt and grit act like sandpaper and wear down the finish.

Also, if your floors are just looking a little tired but still structurally sound, a simple screen and recoat might be enough. It’s cheaper, faster, and a great way to freshen things up without going full sand-and-refinish.

Final thought: It’s not just about looks

Sure, refinishing hardwood floors makes your space look amazing again. But it’s also about protecting your investment. That finish layer isn’t just for shine—it’s a shield. When it wears down, your floors are exposed to moisture, dirt, and damage.

Let it go too long, and what could have been a simple refinishing job turns into a full-on replacement. And that’s not a path you want to walk down if you can help it.

So pay attention. Your floors will give you signals. Whether it’s a few scuffs here and there or full-on wear marks, knowing when to refinish hardwood floors can save you money and hassle in the long run.

And hey—walking on smooth, freshly refinished hardwood floors? That never gets old.

For further information, please visit How to Avoid and Close Cracks in Your Hardwood Floors | Robar Flooring