Refinishing is not suitable for every floor. If the damage goes through the finish and into the timber, or if the floor has movement, repairs, heavy staining or deep surface wear, a full sanding process is usually needed instead.
Examples where full floor sanding or broader wood floor restoration is often the better route include:
- deep scratches or gouges
- black water staining
- cupping, crowning or movement
- damaged boards or unstable parquet
- thick old coatings, paint or adhesive residues
- floors that need repairs before finishing
In these cases, refinishing alone may improve the surface temporarily, but it will not deal with the underlying problem.
A scrub and recoat, sometimes called a maintenance recoat, is a more limited form of refinishing. This is only suitable where the existing finish is still intact enough to accept a new coat and the wear has not gone too far into the surface.
This approach is most commonly used on lacquered floors that:
- have lost some sheen
- show light wear in traffic areas
- do not need deep correction
- do not have contamination, waxes or severe finish failure
A scrub and recoat is not the same as full sanding. It refreshes the protective layer rather than reshaping or correcting the wood beneath.
Where it is viable, it can be a useful maintenance option. Where it is not, a full sanding or more involve wooden floor repair services may be needed.
The refinishing process depends heavily on the existing and intended finish system.
Lacquered floors
Lacquer creates a protective film on the surface of the wood. Refinishing lacquered floors often involves preparing the old coating correctly and applying fresh lacquer where the existing finish is suitable for recoating.
Lacquer systems are generally:
- durable
- lower maintenance
- well suited to family homes and heavier traffic areas
They are also the most common finish where maintenance recoats are considered.
Oiled floors
Oiled floors behave differently. Oil penetrates into the timber rather than sitting on top as a film. Refinishing an oiled floor often requires a different preparation approach and may involve maintenance oiling, refreshing, or more targeted work depending on the condition of the surface.
Oiled floors are often chosen for:
- a more natural look
- a lower sheen finish
- easier local maintenance in some cases
We offer refinishing solutions for both lacquered and oiled wooden floors, but the correct method depends on the floor’s current condition and what has previously been used on it.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming every tired-looking floor only needs a fresh top coat. In reality, the success of refinishing depends on things like:
- the condition of the existing finish
- whether contaminants are present on the surface
- the amount of wear in the timber itself
- previous sanding history
- whether the floor is lacquered or oiled
- whether movement, gaps or repairs are needed first
This is why inspection matters. A floor that looks restorable with a recoat may actually need floor repairs or a full sanding process before a new finish will perform properly.
Where refinishing is suitable, the process is usually more controlled and limited than a full re-sand. Depending on the floor and finish, this may include:
- inspection and suitability check
- minor preparation or repairs where needed
- surface preparation / light abrasion
- cleaning and contamination removal
- application of the most appropriate finish system
- drying and aftercare guidance
The exact process depends on whether the floor is being re-lacquered, re-oiled, or taken slightly further as part of a more involved refinishing project.
Check out our professional floor sanding video to get an idea of the finishing sanding machines we use along with some floor finishing techniques we utilise.
Floor refinishing is often more affordable than a full sanding project, but the final cost depends on the condition of the floor, the finish system, and how much preparation is required.
In general:
- maintenance recoats are usually at the lighter end of the scale
- more involved refinishing sits between a basic recoat and a full sanding project
- floors needing repairs or deeper correction are often better treated through sanding rather than refinishing alone
For full pricing guidance and general cost ranges, see our floor sanding prices.
Can both lacquered and oiled floors be refinished?
Can both lacquered and oiled floors be refinished?
Yes, but they need different approaches. Lacquered floors and oiled floors behave differently, so the correct method depends on the finish already on the floor and its condition.
When is refinishing not enough?
When is refinishing not enough?
Refinishing is usually not enough where there is deep damage, movement, heavy staining, failed repairs, or widespread finish breakdown.
How long does refinishing take?
How long does refinishing take?
Timescales vary depending on the size area, and which products and system we use for refinishing, but is generally a process we can get done within the same day the vast majority of the time.
Request a Floor Refinishing Assessment
If your wooden floor looks tired, worn or patchy but may not need a full re-sand, we can assess whether refinishing is the right option.
For more involved work, you may also need:
