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Screening vs. Sanding: Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Screening vs. Sanding: Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Screening and Recoating vs. Sand and Refinish

Knowing the Right Maintenance Approach for Your Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a lifetime investment — and keeping them looking their best requires the right maintenance strategy. Two of the most common methods for restoring a floor’s appearance are screening and recoating and full sanding and refinishing.

At Artistry Hardwood Flooring, we help clients understand which approach makes sense based on floor condition, finish type, and long-term goals.

 

 

1. Screening and Recoating

  • What It Is: A light abrading of the existing finish (not the wood itself) followed by the application of a fresh coat of finish.

  • When to Use:

    • The floor’s finish is worn or dull but the wood beneath is undamaged.

    • There are light surface scratches but no deep gouges or stains.

    • Typically needed every 3–7 years, depending on traffic and finish type.

  • Benefits:

    • Quick and relatively inexpensive compared to a full refinish.

    • Restores luster and adds years of protection to the existing finish.

    • Less dust and disruption to the home or project site.

  • Limitations:

    • Cannot fix deep scratches, dents, or color changes in the wood.

 

 

2. Sand and Refinish

  • What It Is: Complete removal of the old finish and a thin layer of the wood surface by sanding, followed by application of a new finish.

  • When to Use:

    • Deep scratches, dents, or wear that go beyond the finish layer.

    • Color changes, stains, or uneven fading in the wood.

    • Desire to change the floor’s color or sheen.

  • Benefits:

    • Essentially gives you a brand-new floor surface.

    • Allows for full color customization — from light natural tones to dark stains.

    • Can reset the floor’s lifecycle for decades more.

  • Limitations:

    • More expensive and labor-intensive than screening.

    • Generates more dust and requires more downtime.

    • Limited number of times possible based on wear layer thickness (3–5mm for most Artistry collections).

 

 

3. How to Decide

  • Minor wear? Go with a screen and recoat to preserve the finish and delay full refinishing.

  • Major damage or color change? Choose a sand and refinish for a complete reset.

 

 


Our oil-finished floors often allow for spot-repair without even needing a full recoat, while urethane finishes benefit greatly from regular screening to maintain protection. Knowing your floor’s finish type is key to choosing the right approach.

 

 

Regular maintenance extends the life of your hardwood floor dramatically. A strategic mix of screening and occasional refinishing can keep a quality hardwood floor looking beautiful for generations.