Find the hardwood guide for your decision
Choose the question that matches your floor. These links go straight to the detailed guidance.
| Your question | Start here |
|---|---|
| Can sanding save this floor, and what changes the cost? | Refinish or replace: condition and cost |
| Dull finish or light scratches | Screen and recoat versus full refinishing |
| Pet stains, gouges or water-damaged boards | Hardwood floor repair and board replacement |
| New wood beside an existing floor, or stairs | Installation, matching, lacing and stair scope |
| Finish appearance and return-to-use | Water-based versus oil-based finish |
| Preparing rooms and scheduling access | Refinishing timeline and preparation |
| Cleaning, humidity and future recoating | Hardwood care and maintenance |
Match the service to the condition
| What you see | Direction to evaluate |
|---|---|
| Dull finish; light scratches remain in the finish | Professional cleaning and a screen and recoat |
| Finish worn through; deep scratches; unwanted color | Full sanding and refinishing |
| Localized stains, missing boards, vents, or old patches | Board repair or replacement before refinishing |
| Movement, softness, repeated moisture, or loose flooring | Find the cause before choosing a finish |
| Widespread failure or a fundamentally unwanted layout | Replacement may be the more honest option |
What a complete hardwood proposal identifies
- Areas included and how closets, landings, stairs, and transitions are counted
- Repairs, lacing, vent work, and board replacement
- Natural versus stain, including where samples will be viewed
- The sealer, finish product, coat system, and sheen
- Base shoe, thresholds, stair parts, and paint touch-up responsibility
- Dust-reduction controls, furniture, pets, access, and realistic cure instructions
Kansas City houses add context
In an older Kansas City home, check old patches, floor registers, additions and changes in floor height before deciding to replace the wood. Removing carpet or a wall can create a matching and lacing problem even when the surrounding floor remains sound.
Seasonal humidity can change gaps and movement. NWFA homeowner guidance gives a general indoor range of 30–50% relative humidity and 60–80°F. The requirements for the actual floor take priority.
When the existing floor is sound, professional hardwood refinishing may preserve usable material. Use the matching and lacing guide when new rooms need to connect to existing wood.
Five questions worth asking on-site
- What damage is likely to remain visible after sanding?
- Is there enough usable wood for the proposed work?
- Which repairs are included, and how will replacement boards be blended?
- What exact finish system is being applied?
- When can people, pets, furniture, and rugs return?