What's the difference between refinishing and recoating?
Refinishing sands down to bare wood and applies new stain and finish. Recoating (screening) lightly abrades the existing finish and adds a new protective layer. Refinishing is best for damaged floors or color changes, while recoating works well for maintenance.
How long does refinishing take?
Most projects take 3-5 days depending on the size of the area, type of finish, and number of coats. We'll provide a specific timeline during your free estimate.
Is the process dusty?
We use dustless sanding equipment that captures 99% of dust at the source. While no process is 100% dust-free, our system dramatically reduces airborne particles and cleanup time.
When can we walk on the floors?
With water-based finishes, light walking is usually possible within 24 hours. Full cure takes about 7 days, during which we recommend socks only, no heavy furniture, and no rugs.
What finish do you use?
We primarily use Bona water-based finishes for their durability, low odor, and quick dry time. Oil-based options are available for those who prefer a warmer amber tone.
Can you match my existing floor color?
Yes. We create custom stain blends to match existing floors for repairs or additions. We'll test samples on-site to ensure the best match before proceeding.
How should I clean and maintain hardwood floors?
For day-to-day cleaning, use a soft broom or microfiber dust mop and a cleaner made for hardwood floors. Avoid soaking the floor with water, steam mops, and harsh household cleaners. Use felt pads under furniture, keep grit off the surface with entry mats, and maintain steady indoor humidity.
How much does hardwood floor refinishing cost in Tacoma?
Refinishing in Tacoma and the greater Puget Sound area typically runs $3–$6 per square foot. The final price depends on floor condition, square footage, whether staining is included, number of finish coats, and any repairs needed beforehand. We provide free in-home written estimates before any work begins.
How do I know if I need refinishing or just a recoat?
Recoating works when the finish is still intact but dull or lightly scratched. A quick test: drop a small amount of water on the floor — if it beads up, the finish is still sealing. Refinishing is needed when the finish is worn through to bare wood, when there are deep scratches or pet stains below the finish, or when you want to change the stain color. Refinishing removes 1/32”–1/16” of wood and resets the surface completely.
What should I do to prepare for a refinishing appointment?
Remove all furniture from the rooms being refinished before we arrive — we do not move furniture. Remove floor vents and grates. Keep pets out of the work area for the full project. Plan to avoid walking on refinished surfaces for at least 24 hours after each finish coat. Water-based finishes (our default) have minimal odor; most customers stay in the home.
What is the difference between solid and engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is a single piece of wood, typically 3/4” thick, refinishable 5–8 times. Engineered hardwood has a real wood veneer (1–4mm) over a plywood core — more dimensionally stable in the humid Pacific Northwest, installable over concrete, and available in wider planks. Both look identical when installed. Solid is generally the better long-term choice on above-grade wood subfloors; engineered is preferred over concrete, on radiant heat, or in rooms with humidity swings.
Is hardwood or LVP better for my home?
Hardwood lasts 50–100+ years, can be refinished to restore or change color, and adds the most resale value. LVP is 100% waterproof, more dent-resistant, and costs less per square foot — but cannot be refinished and must be fully replaced when worn. We recommend hardwood for main living areas, dining rooms, and bedrooms; LVP for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
How do I choose a hardwood flooring contractor in Tacoma?
Verify the contractor is licensed in Washington State, carries general liability insurance, and is bonded — ask to see the certificate of insurance. Check Google, Yelp, and Angi reviews for consistency. Get written estimates with scope, materials, timeline, and price. Be cautious of quotes well below market ($3–$6/sq ft for refinishing) — improper sanding sequences or incompatible products cause premature finish failure. Forever Hardwood Floors is licensed, insured, bonded, and holds a 5.0-star average across 46 verified reviews.
Need a quote?
Explore our Tacoma service pages or request a free estimate.