Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful features a Durham home can have—but even the best floors show wear over time. Whether it’s surface scratches, fading, or dullness, refinishing can breathe new life into your floors and your home.
Refinishing is a smart investment that can save homeowners thousands of dollars over full replacement. In most cases, you’re just a few steps away from restoring the original charm and warmth of your hardwood floors.
Why Refinish Instead of Replace?
Refinishing removes the worn-out top layer and applies a fresh coat of sealant, preserving the original wood underneath. If your floors have cosmetic damage but are structurally sound, refinishing is the way to go.
It’s also an eco-friendly option, as you avoid contributing to landfill waste and minimize the use of new resources. For more details, check out our hardwood floor refinishing service information.
Common Signs Your Floors Need Refinishing
Durham homes experience seasonal temperature and humidity changes that can wear down hardwood surfaces over time. Here are some key signs your floor is due for a refresh:
- Scratches and scuffs: Especially in high-traffic areas like entryways and hallways.
- Discoloration or fading: Often caused by sunlight exposure or old finish breakdown.
- Water stains: Dark spots or rings that indicate finish failure.
- Lack of shine: When your floors look dull even after cleaning.
The Refinishing Process Explained
Refinishing takes about 2–5 days, depending on the size of your space and condition of the flooring. Here’s how it works:
- Inspection & Prep: Furniture is moved, and problem areas are identified. We’ll make minor repairs before sanding begins.
- Dustless Sanding: We sand off the old finish and remove surface scratches with a dust-controlled system to keep your home clean.
- Optional Staining: Choose from a wide range of stain colors to modernize your floors or match existing décor.
- Protective Finish: Several coats of sealant are applied to protect the wood and restore its shine.
Choosing the Right Finish for Durham’s Climate
Humidity and seasonal shifts in Durham can affect how hardwood finishes perform over time. That’s why choosing the right protective coat is so important.
We recommend water-based polyurethane for its fast drying time, low odor, and eco-friendliness. If you’re after deeper color and classic durability, oil-based polyurethane is also an option. Both are long-lasting when applied professionally.
Professional Refinishing vs. DIY Kits
DIY kits may seem tempting, but they rarely deliver the quality or durability of professional refinishing. Uneven sanding or poor sealing can lead to costly mistakes that reduce the life of your floors.
With Burch Brothers Flooring, you’re getting trained professionals, commercial-grade equipment, and years of experience working on Durham homes just like yours.
Hardwood Flooring Alternatives
Thinking of upgrading instead of refinishing? If your floors are too thin to refinish again, or if you’re considering something new, we offer excellent alternatives.
Options like laminate flooring and luxury vinyl plank provide a wood-like appearance with added durability and water resistance—perfect for active Durham households.
Maintaining Your Refinished Floors
Once your floors are refinished, a little maintenance will keep them shining for years to come. Use felt pads under furniture legs, sweep or vacuum regularly, and clean using a microfiber mop with a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner.
Avoid water pooling and never use steam mops, as excess moisture can damage the new finish.
Want a floor that truly fits your lifestyle? Reach out to Burch Brothers Flooring today to schedule your free hardwood refinishing consultation in Durham.
