Hardwood Refinishing in St. Louis: Recoat or Full Refinish?

Not all hardwood floor restoration is created equal. Understanding the difference between a recoat and a full refinish helps you choose the right service and avoid unnecessary expense.

A recoat (also called a screen and recoat) involves lightly abrading the existing finish with a buffer and applying a fresh coat of polyurethane. This process works when the existing finish is worn but not damaged through to the wood. It is faster, less expensive, and less disruptive than a full refinish.

A full refinish involves sanding the floor down to bare wood, removing all existing stain and finish. New stain is applied (if desired), followed by multiple coats of polyurethane. This process is necessary when there are deep scratches, stains, gray areas, or when you want to change the floor's color.

Most hardwood floors can benefit from a recoat every 3 to 5 years to maintain the protective finish. A full refinish is typically needed every 7 to 10 years for high-traffic areas, or less frequently for lightly used rooms.

Kelly's Flooring offers both recoating and full refinishing services throughout the St. Louis area. Our team will assess your floors and recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective solution.