Hardwood floors are beautiful, aren’t they? They make your home feel warm, grounded, alive. But over time, they show their age. In Cary, NC, that aging can be faster than you think—thanks to humidity swings, kids, pets, and everyday traffic.
At Burch Brothers, we see it all the time. Homeowners ask us the same question: “Do my floors need recoating or refinishing?” Both restore beauty, but they do it in very different ways. That’s where most people get stuck.
This guide will make it simple. You’ll learn what each process does, when to choose one over the other, and how to keep your floors looking amazing for years.
Quick Takeaways (Fast Comparison for Homeowners)
- Recoating is a light refresh that adds a new protective layer without sanding.
- Refinishing is a full restoration that sands the floor down to bare wood and rebuilds the finish.
- Choose recoating if your floors are mildly worn, dull, or lightly scratched.
- Choose refinishing if you have deep scratches, stains, peeling, or want a new look.
- Keep in mind: Cary’s humidity swings can influence how long each option lasts.
What Is Recoating?
Think of recoating as a quick pick-me-up for your floors. The process cleans the surface, buffs it lightly, and applies a fresh protective finish.
The wood itself stays intact. It’s a gentle touch that restores shine and extends life without the hassle of sanding.
Benefits of Recoating
- Quick—often done in a single day.
- Less expensive than refinishing.
- Ideal for floors with minor scratches, scuffs, or dull spots.
- Extends the life of your current finish.
When Recoating Makes Sense for Cary, NC Homes
Recoating works best if your floors are still in decent shape. Maybe the kids and pets have added some light scratches. Maybe your floors look a bit tired.
If the wood isn’t deeply damaged and humidity hasn’t caused warping, a recoating can make your floors look refreshed and protect them for years.
What Is Refinishing?
Refinishing is the full makeover. It sands away the old finish down to bare wood, repairs dents and scratches, and lets you apply a new stain and protective coating. Essentially, it gives your floors a brand-new start.
Benefits of Refinishing
- Removes deep scratches, dents, and stains.
- Restores a like-new appearance.
- Allows you to change the color or sheen.
- Works for older floors that need a serious reset.
When Refinishing Is the Right Choice in Cary, NC
If your floors are peeling, grayed, or heavily worn, refinishing is your answer. Older homes in neighborhoods like Lochmere, Preston, or MacGregor often benefit from it.
Want a new look? Refinishing gives you that freedom to modernize the space while fixing the damage.
Recoating vs Refinishing: What’s the Real Difference?
| Feature | Recoating | Refinishing |
|---|---|---|
| Depth of Work | Adds a new finish | Removes wood and rebuilds finish |
| Cost Differences | Budget‑friendly | Higher cost but complete restoration |
| Time + Household Disruption | Fast, usually a single day | Several days, more prep required |
| Impact on Floor Lifespan | Extends current finish | Resets the floor’s life |
| Customization Options | Same look, just refreshed | Change color, sheen, or style |
How to Choose Between Recoating and Refinishing for Your Cary, NC Home
Ask Yourself These Questions:
- Are the scratches shallow or deep?
- Is the finish dull or peeling?
- Do you want a new look or just a refresh?
- Has humidity caused warping, gaps, or cupping?
- How quickly do you need the job done?
Quick Rule of Thumb: If it’s light wear, choose recoating. If it’s heavy damage or you want a style change, choose refinishing. It’s really that simple.
Maintenance Tips to Make Either Option Last Longer
Proper care can make a big difference in how long your hardwood floors look their best. These simple maintenance tips help protect your investment and keep your floors looking fresh for years.
Keep Humidity Stable (35–55%)
Cary’s weather swings. Too much humidity can warp floors. Too little can dry them out. A consistent 35–55% keeps wood happy.
Use Proper Cleaning Products
Skip the vinegar, ammonia, and steam mop. Stick to cleaners made for hardwood. Your floors will thank you.
Add Felt Pads + Door Mats
Prevent scratches and reduce grit damage from shoes and pets.
Refresh Finish Every 3–5 Years
Even a recoating schedule keeps floors in top shape and delays the need for full refinishing.
FAQs About Recoating vs Refinishing
How do I know if my floors can be recoated?
If the scratches are light and the finish is mostly intact, recoating is enough.
Will refinishing remove all scratches and stains?
It removes surface and mid-depth scratches. Deep structural issues may need repairs first.
How long do I need to stay off floors after recoating/refinishing?
Recoating: a few hours. Refinishing: several days for sanding, staining, and curing.
Can engineered hardwood floors be refinished?
Depends on the thickness of the wear layer. Some can, some cannot.
Will Cary humidity affect how long my finish lasts?
Yes. Floors in homes with high swings in humidity may need more frequent recoating or refinishing.
How often should a Cary homeowner recoat or refinish hardwood floors?
Recoating: every 3–5 years. Refinishing: usually every 10–15 years, depending on wear.
Ready for Beautiful Hardwood Floors Again? Work With Burch Brothers
Your floors carry your home’s story. Some years show more than others. If they need a refresh or a full reset, we can help. Burch Brothers has restored hardwood floors across Cary for years.
We’ll evaluate your floors, explain recoating vs refinishing, and recommend what’s right for your home, budget, and timeline. You’ll get honest guidance, clear steps, and craftsmanship that lasts.
When you’re ready, your floors will look the way you’ve always wanted them to—fresh, protected, and beautiful.
