Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Hardwood Floor Refinisher

And why transparency matters more than the lowest bid.

Hardwood refinishing can make a home feel brand new, but the difference between a great result and a frustrating one usually comes down to the contractor’s process. The best refinishers welcome questions, explain options clearly, and put everything in writing.

If you’re comparing companies, use these questions to spot real craftsmanship and avoid surprises.

1) “Do I need a full refinish, or would a buff-and-coat work?”

A trustworthy refinisher won’t push sanding if your floor doesn’t need it. If the wood is in good shape and the finish is just dull or lightly scratched, you may be able to do a buff-and-coat (also called polishing or buffing) instead of sanding to bare wood. It’s faster, cleaner, and typically more affordable. If you have deep scratches, exposed wood, heavy staining, or uneven boards, a full refinish makes sense.

2) “What’s your dust control process, specifically?”

“Dustless” is a common phrase, but you want details:

• What sanding system do you use?
• Is it connected to a high-powered vacuum/HEPA filtration?
• How do you protect vents, doorways, and adjacent rooms?
• What cleanup happens between sanding and finishing?

A solid answer sounds like a plan, not a slogan.

3) “How will you handle repairs before sanding?”

Ask what happens if they find:

• Loose boards or squeaks
• Water or pet stains
• Splits, chips, or gaps
• Uneven areas or old patchwork

Pros should explain what can be repaired, what might require board replacement, and how that affects timeline and cost.

4) “What finish system do you recommend for my home and why?”

The best refinisher matches the finish to your lifestyle:

• Waterborne polyurethane for fast dry times and low odor
• Oil-based systems when warmth/ambering is desired
• Optional higher-durability systems for pets, kids, and heavy traffic

They should explain sheen choices (matte/satin vs. semi-gloss), coat count, and what “cure time” really means in day-to-day living.

5) “Can you show me examples of floors like mine?”

Ask for photos of:

• Similar wood species and stain tones
• Stairs and edges (where poor work shows first)
• Transitions to tile/carpet
• Before-and-after projects

Consistent craftsmanship is easy to spot when you know where to look.

6) “What exactly is included in your written quote?”

A transparent quote should specify:

• Rooms/areas included
• Prep (nail setting, minor patching, furniture moving expectations)
• Repair allowances vs. additional costs
• Stain steps (samples, approval process)
• Number of finish coats and product type
• Cleanup, ventilation, and protection steps
• Timeline from start to light foot traffic and furniture

If the estimate is vague, the final bill often isn’t.

7) “What are the risks or limitations for my floor?”

This is a great “honesty test.” A professional will mention realities like:

• Deep black stains may not sand out fully
• Some boards may need replacement for best results
• Certain woods take stain differently
• Seasonal movement can cause minor gaps

If someone promises perfection without seeing your floor, be cautious.

8) “What do you recommend for maintenance after refinishing?”

Great refinishers want your floor to stay great. They’ll give guidance on:

• Hardwood-safe cleaners (and what to avoid)
• Felt pads and entry mats
• Rug timing after finishing
• When a future buff-and-coat (polishing/buffing) makes sense

Why Signature Custom Flooring is the transparent, trustworthy choice in Wisconsin.

If you’re in central or northeastern Wisconsin, Signature Custom Flooring stands out for both their craftsmanship and their clear and honest communication. You’ll get straightforward recommendations (including when a buff-and-coat is enough), a dust-managed plan, clear product/finish options, and a detailed scope so you know exactly what you’re paying for and what results to expect.

If you want a refinisher who treats your home with care and communicates like a partner, reach out to Signature Custom Flooring for an honest assessment and a quote you can trust.