Can you refinish prefinished wood floors?
Ava Hall
Updated on April 11, 2026
Refinishing requires heavy sanding: While prefinished floors do not need to be refinished for a very long time, eventually the surface seal will start to fade, scratch, and discolor slightly. This cuts down on the thickness of the floor planks and limits how many times you can then refinish the floor in the future.
.
Keeping this in view, can you change the color of prefinished hardwood floors?
The answer is usually YES! Many homeowners don't realize that you can change the color of hardwood flooring when you refinish your floors. Yes, it's true…you can go light or dark or red tones or anywhere in between.
Likewise, can you polyurethane over prefinished hardwood flooring? In general, you shouldn't apply polyurethane over a floor that has already been stained and sealed with other products. If the manufacturer indicates that the floor has been treated with polyurethane but you want to apply additional coats for added protection, you may do so after the floor has been installed.
Regarding this, how much does it cost to refinish prefinished hardwood floors?
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Costs Per Square Foot
| Room Size | Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 12x12 | 144 | $450-$750 |
| 16x16 | 256 | $800-$1,300 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $1,200-$2,000 |
| 24x24 | 576 | $1,750-$2,900 |
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood floors?
In general, it will almost ALWAYS be less expensive to refinish your hardwood floors. If you replace them, you need to pay for additional wood as well as ripping up and hauling away existing hardwood. Even if you have this, it will still be less expensive then replacing the whole floor.
Related Question AnswersCan you sand and stain prefinished hardwood floors?
Refinishing requires heavy sanding: While prefinished floors do not need to be refinished for a very long time, eventually the surface seal will start to fade, scratch, and discolor slightly. This cuts down on the thickness of the floor planks and limits how many times you can then refinish the floor in the future.How long does it take to sand and refinish a hardwood floor?
Refinishing hardwood floors typically takes between 3-4 days to complete. Between belt sanding, staining, sealing, and applying a finish coat, drying time is essential.What color should I refinish my hardwood floors?
The answer is usually YES! Many homeowners don't realize that you can change the color of hardwood flooring when you refinish your floors. Yes, it's trueyou can go light or dark or red tones or anywhere in between. Most are pleasantly surprised it doesn't matter if you are going light to dark or vice versa.Can you Restain wood floors without sanding?
It may be over-sanded, or it may have a veneer that's too thin to sand. Luckily, you have options other than leaving the floor as it is or replacing it. There are many options for refinishing an old wood floor. The best way to refinish wood floors without sanding is to use a technique called screen and recoat.How hard is it to Restain hardwood floors?
If the scratches don't go all the way through to the wood, you can scuff-sand your floors with a buffer and apply a fresh coat or two of finish. The hardwood floor refinishing process is easier and less expensive than sanding down to bare wood and takes less time. In a few hours your floors will look as good as new.Are prefinished hardwood floors better?
Prefinished solid wood floors initially cost more than unfinished wood flooring—about $2 per square foot for a good grade of red oak. But once you factor in finishing costs, prefinished ends up being less expensive.How can I make my hardwood floors look good?
After recoating, this room's formerly scuffed-up hardwood flooring (below) looks good as new.Contents
- Empty the room.
- Make any necessary repairs.
- Clean the floor.
- Allow the floor to dry.
- Gently scuff the old finish.
- Vacuum the dust.
- Apply your chosen finish.
- Additional References for Refinishing Wood Floors.
