Hardwood Floor Refinishing
Hardwood floors are more than just a surface to walk on they are an investment in your
home’s character warmth and resale value. However, years of foot traffic pet claws and moving furniture eventually take their toll. If your once gleaming floors now look dull scratched or dated, you don’t necessarily need a full replacement
Hardwood floor Refinishing Introduction
Hardwood floors are more than just a surface to walk on they are an investment in your home’s character warmth and resale value. However, years of foot traffic pet claws and moving furniture eventually take their toll. If your once gleaming floors now look dull scratched or dated, you don’t necessarily need a full replacement.
Hardwood floor refinishing is the art of restoring the original beauty of your floor. By removing the old worn out top layer and applying a fresh protective coat you can breathe
new life into your space.
If you are dealing with historic solid wood or modern engineered planks understanding the difference of wood floor refinishing is the first step toward a stunning home transformation as solid wood and engineered wood needs different techniques for refinishing
What is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
At its core, hardwood floor refinishing is a restoration process. It involves sanding down the existing finish and a thin layer of the wood itself to remove surface imperfections like scratches, stains, and minor dents. Once the raw wood is exposed and smoothed a new stain (optional) and several layers of protective sealant are applied.
This process doesn’t just make the floor look new it protects the wood from moisture and rot, significantly extending the lifespan of your flooring. If you’ve been searching for hardwood floor refinishing in calgary you’re likely looking for a way to save your existing investment rather than ripping it out and starting over
Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Calgary, Alberta
Calgary presents a unique environment for wood. Our climate is characterized by drastic swings in humidity and temperature from bone dry winters to humid summer storms. This causes wood to expand and contract which can lead to gaps or cupping over time. Professional wood floor refinishing requires an understanding of these local conditions.
Local experts know that acclimation is key and that certain finishes perform better in dry climates. When you choose a Calgary based specialist you are ensuring that the materials and techniques used are specifically suited for the Alberta prairies
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost in Calgary
Budgeting for a home project is always a priority. The cost to refinish hardwood floors in Calgary typically depends on several factors
Square Footage: Larger areas usually have a lower cost per square foot but higher overall totals.
Condition of the Wood: Deep gouges or water damage require more intensive sanding.
Type of Finish: High-end eco-friendly or specialized commercial grade finishes may increase the price.
Staining: Adding a custom color involves more labor than a clear coat.
Average Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors in Calgary
On average, the cost to refinish wood floors in the Calgary area ranges between $4.00 and $7.50 per square foot. While this is an upfront investment, it is significantly cheaper than the $12.00 to $20.00 per square foot you might pay for a full tear out and new installation
Types of Hardwood Floor Finishes
Water Based Polyurethane
This is a popular natural wood finish because it stays clear over time and dries quickly. It has low odors and fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Oil Based Polyurethane
Known for its amber glow, this finish is durable but takes longer to dry and has a stronger smell during application
Hard Wax Oils
These penetrate the wood rather than sitting on top, providing a very natural, matte look that is easy to spot repair
Acid Cured (Swedish Finish)
Extremely durable and fast drying often used for exotic woods or high traffic areas.
Unfinished vs. Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
Unfinished Hardwood Flooring
Unfinished wood flooring consists of raw planks installed and then sanded and finished onsite. This allows for a perfectly level floor and custom staining.
If you want a seamless look without micro beveled edges unfinished oak flooring or unfinished white oak flooring are classic choices that offer total creative control
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring
Pre finished hardwood flooring (or prefinished wood flooring) is finished at the factory. It arrives with the stain and topcoat already applied. This makes the installation faster and cleaner, as there is no on site sanding.
However, prefinished hardwood often has small grooves (bevels) between planks, and you are limited to the colors offered by the
manufacturer
Process of Sanding and Hardwood Floor Refinishing
The sanding and refinishing hardwood floors process is very important. Here is how a professional team typically handles it
Preparation: The room is cleared and baseboards are protected.
Coarse Sanding: A heavy drum sander removes the old finish and levels the wood.
Medium or Fine Sanding: Progressively finer sandpaper is used to smooth the grain.
Edging: A smaller sander reaches the corners and edges where the big machine can’t go.
Buffing: A floor buffer ensures the surface is perfectly smooth for the finish.
Staining (Optional): If you want to change the color, the stain is applied and allowed to dry.
Sealing/Finishing: Multiple coats of hardwood floor finishes are applied, with light sanding between coats to ensure adhesion
What Type of Materials Can Be Refinished?
Engineered Hardwood Refinishing
Engineered hardwood consists of a real wood veneer atop a plywood core. Can you refinish it? Yes, but with caution. It depends on the thickness of the wear layer. If the wood layer is thick enough, it can be refinished once or twice.
Laminate and Vinyl Wood Refinishing
Laminate wood flooring and vinyl hardwood flooring (LVP) are synthetic products. They do not have a real wood surface, so they cannot be sanded or refinished. If these are damaged they generally must be replaced
Solid Wood Flooring Refinishing
Solid wood flooring is the king of refinishing. Since it is one solid piece of timber from top to bottom, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times (usually 5 to 7 times) over its century
long lifespan
Refinishing Without Sanding and Stairs Refinishing Services
Refinishing Without Sanding
In some cases, your floors aren’t damaged but just dull. Refinishing hardwood floors without sanding (screening) involves lightly scuffing the existing topcoat and applying a fresh layer of finish. This is a great way to maintain pre finished hardwood flooring or engineered hardwood without removing any of the wood’s surface
Refinish Stairs
Stairs are the focal point of many homes. Refinish stairs projects are labor intensive because they require hand sanding and detail work but they tie the whole home together. We ensure your treads and risers match your floor perfectly
Why Choose Arbutus Hardwood for Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
When it comes to hardwood refinishing in Calgary, homeowners in Calgary consistently turn to Arbutus Hardwood for several key reasons. Here is why we stand out as the premier choice for restoring your home’s elegance
Three Decades of Proven Expertise
With over 30 years of experience our team has handled every wood species imaginable. We understand the unique challenges of the Calgary climate and how it affects solid wood flooring and engineered hardwood. Our experts treat every floor as a work of art ensuring the best finish every time
State of the Art Dust Free Sanding
One of the biggest fears with wood floor refinishing is the mess. Arbutus Hardwood utilizes an advanced DCS (Dust Containment System) that captures 99% of dust at the source. This means no thick clouds of sawdust in your vents, on your furniture, or in your lungs just a clean, professional workspace
Transparent and Fair Pricing
We believe in earning your trust before your money. Arbutus Hardwood provides detailed upfront quotes on the average cost to refinish hardwood floors with no hidden fees. Our commitment to integrity means we only use employees not subcontractors to ensure consistent quality control from the first sand to the final coat
Custom Restoration Solutions
If you need to refinish stairs to match your new floors or require a specialized natural wood finish for your home, we offer consultations. We specialize in matching existing stains and restoring even the most damaged floors
OUR PARTNERS
TESTIMONIALS
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Questions
Typically, a standard project takes 3 to 5 days depending on the square footage and the type of finish used. Water based finishes dry faster, allowing you to walk on them sooner
While sanding naturally creates dust we use advanced dust containment systems that capture up to 99% of particles, keeping your air and furniture clean
Yes! During the hardwood refinishing process, once we sand down to the raw wood we can apply a variety of stains ranging from modern greys and whites to classic dark walnuts
Most solid wood flooring can be refinished 5 to 7 times. Engineered hardwood can usually be refinished once or twice if the wear layer is at least 3mm thick
Use felt pads on furniture, avoid wet-mopping with harsh chemicals, and sweep or vacuum regularly to prevent grit from scratching the new wood floor finish
Want to Refinishing Your Hardwood Floor Today?
Your floors are the foundation of your home’s beauty. If you’re ready to transform your home from scratches, it’s time to invest in professional hardwood refinishing. Our Service area is Calgary and its surrounding are
You can fill the form below or directly contact on our number:
Phone: 403.371.7531
Email: Dave@arbutushardwood.com
