The Big Question: How Many Times Can You Refinish Hardwood?
One of the greatest benefits of real hardwood flooring is its longevity. Unlike carpet or laminate, wood can be “reborn” through sanding and refinishing.
However, at In and Out Flooring, we believe in transparency and accountability. Not every floor can—or should—be sanded indefinitely.
Understanding Your Floor’s “Wear Layer”
The number of times a floor can be refinished depends entirely on the thickness of the wood above the “tongue and groove” joint.
Solid Hardwood: Typically, a solid ¾” plank can be professionally refinished 4 to 6 times.
Engineered Hardwood: This depends on the thickness of the top veneer. High-quality engineered floors can be refinished 1 to 3 times, while thin “bargain” versions may not be able to be sanded at all.
Signs You’ve Hit the Limit
If you see the tops of nails appearing or the groove of the plank breaking away, your floor may be too thin for another sand. Our team uses professional measuring tools to assess your floor’s remaining life before we ever start a machine. This is part of our commitment to dependability—we won’t promise a result that your floor can’t safely deliver.
Making Your Refinish Last
To maximize the time between refinishing, we recommend high-quality commercial-grade finishes. By choosing a contractor with a strong business mindset, you get a system-based approach to maintenance that extends the life of your wood.
Not Sure if Your Floors Have Another Life in Them? Call In and Out Flooring
Knowing when to refinish and when to replace is key to protecting your home’s value. Don’t leave it to guesswork; trust a professional assessment.
Contact In and Out Flooring in Birmingham for a professional evaluation. We take the guesswork out of your flooring project.