Hardwood Refinishing
Restore the natural beauty of your existing hardwood floors with professional sanding and refinishing services. Hardwood refinishing removes surface wear, scratches, and discoloration while renewing the color, durability, and finish of your floors.
- Dust-controlled sanding and refinishing
- Custom stain colors and finish options
- Repair of scratches, dents, and worn areas
Hardwood Refinishing Services
ABQ Flooring Solutions provides professional hardwood floor refinishing services designed to restore the beauty and performance of existing wood floors. Our refinishing process removes surface wear, scratches, and discoloration while renewing the finish and extending the life of your hardwood floors.
Our services include sanding, staining, sealing, and finish application, along with minor repairs to damaged or worn areas. Whether your floors need a refresh or a complete color change, we help coordinate materials, finishes, and timelines to deliver a clean, durable result.
If you have a specific look or finish in mind, just ask — we’re happy to discuss custom stain and finish options.
Hardwood Refinishing FAQ
frequently asked questions by our customers
What is included in hardwood refinishing?
Hardwood refinishing typically includes sanding the existing floor to remove surface damage, applying stain if desired, and sealing the floor with a durable protective finish. Minor repairs to scratches, dents, and worn areas are also addressed as part of the process.
Can you change the color of my hardwood floors?
Yes. During the refinishing process, we can apply a new stain color or return the floors to a natural finish. We’ll help you choose a stain and finish that fits your space and lifestyle.
How long does hardwood refinishing usually take?
Most hardwood refinishing projects take 2–4 days, depending on the size of the space, the condition of the floors, and the type of finish selected. Dry and cure times vary by product.
Can all hardwood floors be refinished?
Most solid hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times. Some engineered hardwood floors can also be refinished depending on the thickness of the wear layer. We’ll evaluate your floors and let you know the best option.
Learn More
Restore the beauty of your Albuquerque hardwood floors without the expense and disruption of full replacement. At ABQ Flooring Solutions, we provide professional hardwood refinishing services throughout the Albuquerque metro area, bringing worn, scratched, and faded hardwood floors back to their original luster—or transforming them with a completely new stain color.
Whether you're in a historic Nob Hill bungalow with original 1940s oak floors, a North Valley home with worn hardwood, or a Sandia Heights property that needs a color update, our expert refinishing services can save you thousands compared to replacement while giving you beautiful, like-new floors.
What is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
Hardwood refinishing is the process of sanding down the existing finish and top layer of wood, then applying new stain (optional) and protective finish coats. This removes surface damage, scratches, stains, and worn finish, revealing fresh wood underneath.
The Refinishing Process
- Sanding: Remove old finish and top layer of wood using progressively finer grits
- Staining (Optional): Apply wood stain to change color or enhance natural grain
- Finishing: Apply 2–3 coats of protective polyurethane or oil finish
- Curing: Allow finish to fully cure before furniture placement
Can Your Albuquerque Hardwood Be Refinished?
Solid Hardwood – YES (Multiple Refinishes)
- Solid hardwood flooring can be refinished 5–10 times throughout its lifetime:
- 3/4 inch thickness = many refinishes possible
- Sanding removes only ~1/16 inch
- 50–100+ year lifespan with proper maintenance
Many historic Albuquerque homes still have original hardwood that can be refinished
Engineered Hardwood – LIMITED (1–2 Refinishes)
- Must measure the wear layer thickness
- 2mm+ = typically 1 refinish
- 4mm+ = potentially 2 refinishes
- Requires professional evaluation before sanding
Laminate – NO (Cannot Be Refinished)
LVP – NO (Cannot Be Refinished)
Types of Hardwood Refinishing Services
1. Full Sanding & Refinishing
Complete restoration for heavily worn Albuquerque hardwood:
- Removes deep scratches and stains
- Restores like-new surface
- Typical timeline: 3–5 days
- Best for homes with decades-old finish
- 2. Screen & Recoat (Buff & Coat)
Light refresh for hardwood in good structural condition:
- No color change
- Renews shine and protection
- 1–2 day timeline
- Lower cost than full refinishing
- 3. Stain Color Change
Transform outdated hardwood color trends found in many ABQ homes:
- Orange oak
- Yellowed oil finishes
- Honey tones
Modern stain colors include grays, natural matte, espresso, and Scandinavian light finishes.
Albuquerque Climate Considerations
1. Dry Climate (Low Humidity)
- Fast drying times for stain and finish
- Less seasonal movement than coastal markets
- Finish may cure faster than expected
- 2. Temperature Variations
-
Wood expands/contracts with hot days & cool nights
-
Minor gapping in winter is normal in ABQ homes
3. Finish Selection for the Southwest
- Water-based polyurethane (popular, fast dry, low odor)
- Oil-based polyurethane (classic amber tone, durable)
- Hardwax oils (natural matte look)
Popular Hardwood Stain Options in Albuquerque
Modern Tones
- Weathered Oak
- Classic Gray
- Driftwood
Rich & Timeless Browns
- Jacobean
- Dark Walnut
- Espresso
Natural & Light Tones
- Clear natural
- Golden oak
- Provincial
Hardwood Refinishing by Albuquerque Neighborhood
Nob Hill & UNM Area (Historic Craftsman & Bungalows)
- Original oak floors
- Full refinishing + natural or walnut stain popular
North Valley (Ranch & Custom Homes)
- Larger plank styles
- Natural matte finishes trend here
Sandia Heights & High Desert (Modern Homes)
- Contemporary gray and light tones
- Screen & recoat often recommended
Northeast Heights (Mid-Century Homes)
- Color updates from orange to neutral stains
- Level sanding and protective finish ideal
The Hardwood Refinishing Timeline
Small Project (1–2 rooms): 4–5 days
Medium Project (3–4 rooms): 5–6 days
Large Project (whole house): 7–10 days
Dry times are typically faster in Albuquerque than in humid climates.