Hardwood Floor Refinishing: Should You Refinish or Replace?
Hardwood Floor Refinishing | Refinish vs Replace Guide
Discover whether your hardwood floors need refinishing or replacing. Precision Hardwood Floors explains the cost, durability, and process.
Hardwood floors are one of the most valuable features in any home — they add warmth, style, and long-term value. But after years of wear, scratches, or water damage, many homeowners face a tough decision: should you refinish your hardwood floors or replace them altogether?
At Precision Hardwood Floors, we’ve seen it all — from floors so worn they seemed beyond repair to full installations of custom hardwood that transformed entire homes. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and costs of refinishing vs replacing so you can make the best decision for your home.
When to Refinish Hardwood Floors
Refinishing is often the smarter, more cost-effective option when your floors are structurally sound but just look tired.
Signs it’s time to refinish:
Surface scratches, dullness, or discoloration
Normal wear in high-traffic areas
Fading from sunlight exposure
Minor water damage or stains
Benefits of refinishing:
Cost savings: Refinishing is typically 50–70% less expensive than replacement.
Durability: With a high-quality ceramic finish, refinished floors can be 10x more scratch resistant.
Custom look: Change the stain color to match updated interiors.
Eco-friendly: Keeps your existing wood instead of sending it to the landfill.
When to Replace Hardwood Floors
Sometimes refinishing isn’t enough — especially when the damage is deeper than the surface.
Signs you may need replacement:
Severe water damage, warping, or rotting boards
Subfloor issues like sagging or mold
Multiple previous refinishes that left the boards too thin
Desire for a completely new style (e.g., wide plank, herringbone, quarter sawn oak)
Benefits of replacement:
Fresh start: A brand-new floor gives you decades of life expectancy.
Customization: Choose modern styles like wide-plank white oak or custom borders.
Structural upgrade: Replace failing subfloors and ensure a long-lasting foundation.
Cost Comparison in Minnesota (2025 Guide)
While exact pricing varies by square footage, wood type, and project details, here’s a general breakdown for Southern & Central MN:
Refinishing: $4–$7 per sq. ft.
Replacement: $10–$15+ per sq. ft. (depending on wood species and custom details)
At Precision Hardwood Floors, we provide free consultations to help homeowners compare both options with an honest, detailed estimate.
Process: What to Expect
Refinishing:
Sanding the old finish and imperfections
Applying custom stain (if desired)
Sealing with a durable finish (we recommend ceramic for maximum durability)
Replacement:
Removing old flooring and prepping the subfloor
Installing new hardwood planks
Sanding, staining, and finishing (if unfinished wood)
Our Experience in Minnesota Homes
We’ve revived century-old floors in historic homes, making them look brand new again. In other cases, we’ve installed custom quarter and rift sawn white oak with wide planks for a modern upgrade. Whether your project requires a careful restoration or a complete replacement, our team has the skill and experience to deliver exceptional results.
FAQs
Q: How long does refinishing take?
A: About 3–5 days for an average 1,000 sq. ft. floor.
Q: Can you change the color of my hardwood floors?
A: Yes! Refinishing gives you the opportunity to stain your floors darker, lighter, or even go natural.
Q: How many times can hardwood be refinished?
A: Typically 3–5 times, depending on the thickness of the boards.
