Three different jobs
A screen and recoat abrades the existing finish and adds new finish on top. It does not touch the wood.
Sanding and refinishing removes the old finish and a thin layer of wood, then applies stain if wanted and new finish.
Replacement removes the flooring entirely when too little wood remains, damage is widespread or the subfloor needs work.
Signs a recoat may be enough
A recoat suits floors whose finish is worn but intact.
- Dull, lightly scuffed finish
- No bare or gray wood showing
- No color change wanted
- No history of wax or silicone polish (or it has been dealt with)
Signs full refinishing is needed
Refinishing suits floors with damage into the wood or a desired color change.
- Bare, gray or water-darkened wood
- Deep scratches or gouges
- A stain color change
- Old finish peeling or failing
Wear layer: the limit on sanding
Every full sanding removes wood. Solid floors that have been sanded many times, and engineered floors with thin wear layers, may not survive another sanding without exposing the tongue or core. A contractor can often check at a floor vent or threshold. This is why not every older floor can be refinished.
Frequently asked questions
Is a recoat cheaper than refinishing?
Usually it involves less labor and material, but actual prices come only from a contractor's quote.
Can I recoat instead of refinishing forever?
Not indefinitely. Recoating maintains the finish layer. Once wear reaches the wood, sanding is needed.