Hardwood floor refinishing is one of the most transformative — and most misunderstood — renovation DIY projects. Here’s the honest assessment of when to DIY, when to hire, and how to avoid the most costly mistakes.
The Refinishing Decision
First question: Does this floor actually need refinishing, or just cleaning?
Many floors that look dull and dirty haven’t reached the end of their finish life — they’re just grimy. A thorough clean with hardwood-specific cleaner (Murphy’s Oil Soap, Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner) and a proper burnishing/screening in high-wear areas can extend the life of an existing finish by 5+ years at a fraction of refinishing cost.
If cleaning doesn’t solve the problem, assess: are there actual scratches through the finish (into the wood)? Sun bleaching through the finish? Worn-through areas in high-traffic zones? These require proper refinishing.
The DIY Feasibility Assessment
DIY-appropriate:
- Small floor areas (under 300 sq ft)
- Floors with minor surface scratches
- Homeowners who are comfortable with power tools and have time for proper technique learning
Hire a professional:
- Open-concept main floors (500+ sq ft) where drum sander errors are very visible
- Engineered hardwood (limited refinishing cycles due to thin veneer — typically 1/16" to 1/8")
- Floors with significant damage, cupping, or uneven sections
- Floors adjacent to stairs and transitions that require skill in matching sheen
The Refinishing Process
- Sand: Drum sander on main areas, edge sander on perimeters. Start with 36 or 60 grit (depending on condition), progress through 80, 100, 120 grit.
- Screen: Final pass with floor buffer and 100–120 screen to remove drum sander marks.
- Clean: Vacuum and tack cloth every surface including walls and ceiling (dust settles everywhere).
- Stain (optional): If changing colour. Water-based stain requires wood conditioner; oil-based stain penetrates more evenly without conditioning.
- Finish: Minimum 3 coats. Water-based polyurethane (faster drying, less odour, amber-free): Bona Traffic HD, Loba. Oil-based polyurethane (richer amber tone, longer dry time): more forgiving for DIY application.
Ontario-Specific Note
Toronto’s humidity swings — 80%+ in summer, 20–30% in heated winter air — cause hardwood to expand and contract seasonally. This is normal. Maintain indoor humidity 35–55% with a humidifier in winter to minimize gaps.
Hardwood refinishing questions and contractor recommendations at home.renovation.reviews.
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