(BPT) - Key takeaways:
- Homeowners value hardwood floors because of their warmth, beauty and endurance.
- It's important to protect the appearance, value and lifespan of hardwood floors by refinishing.
- Bona's "Floor Doctor," Zack Clavin, recommends hiring an expert to do the job correctly, and using warterborne floor finishing products.
- Bona's Waterborne System provides durable, low-odor, low-VOC products (including finishes, sealers, stains, cleaners and more) that are designed to work together to restore, beautify and protect hardwood floors.
Beautiful, durable and unique, hardwood floors have an enduring appeal few other flooring materials can match. Each floor brings the warmth and character of natural wood into a home, creating a surface that can evolve and last for generations. In a 2026 Bona survey, 87% of homeowners ranked flooring among the home features they're most willing to invest in.
However, over time, even well-maintained hardwood floors may show signs of everyday wear, especially in high-traffic areas. Scratches, fading, worn areas or a dull finish regular cleaning can't address may mean it's time to consider refinishing. Refinishing restores the floor's appearance and protective finish, bringing new life to the natural beauty of the wood and helping withstand years of use.
"Refinishing floors helps preserve their durability and restores their beauty, making it an investment in the long-term value of this vital part of your home," said Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor." "You can even use Bona waterborne finishes to adjust the color and sheen of the floor while breathing new life into them."
Where to begin if you want to refinish your hardwood floors
Ready to restore your worn hardwood floors, but don't know where to start? You're not alone. Bona found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of homeowners experience at least moderate anxiety about floor refinishing.
With autumn being a prime time to refresh hardwood floors, Clavin shares five common refinishing mistakes homeowners make - and how to avoid them.
Refinishing floors helps preserve their durability and restores their beauty, making it an investment in the long-term value of this vital part of your home.
1. Thinking refinishing can be DIYed
While you'll find countless TikTok and YouTube videos about refinishing floors, this is one home improvement project where DIYing can quickly become a costly mistake. Improper sanding, uneven stain application or rushing drying times can all lead to disappointing results that take even more time and money to fix.
Instead, work with a trained flooring professional who understands the precision and craftsmanship refinishing requires, and knows how the right products and techniques work together to get the job done right the first time, saving homeowners stress, time and expense.
2. Hiring any random contractor
Deciding to hire a professional is the first step. Finding the right one is just as crucial. Not all contractors bring the same level of skill and expertise to a refinishing project, so Clavin recommends using a flooring professional with proven experience, proper training and a track record you can trust. Bona Certified Craftsmen, for example, are hand-selected, highly skilled professionals trained in the latest refinishing techniques, giving homeowners confidence their floors are in experienced hands from start to finish.
Find a Bona Certified Craftsman near you to ensure your floor will be properly and beautifully refinished.
3. Choosing the wrong products
Using the right product to refinish your hardwood floors can make all the difference in how they look, perform and hold up over time. Rather than selecting a stain, sealer or finish in isolation, Clavin recommends using a complete waterborne system that's designed to work together throughout the refinishing process.
"It's a common misconception that waterborne finishes aren't as durable as oil-based finishes," said Clavin. "However, Taber tests prove Bona waterborne finishes withstand wear and tear better than oil-modified finishes."
Bona has pioneered durable, sustainable waterborne floor finish technology, with the complete Bona Waterborne System combining stains, sealers and finishes designed to work together to restore, beautify and protect hardwood floors. The system delivers durable performance even in high-traffic areas while preserving the natural beauty and color of the wood without ambering over time.
"Homeowners don't have to choose between performance and a comfortable refinishing experience," added Clavin. "Bona waterborne finishes are low-odor, low-VOC and GREENGUARD certified, so there's less disruption during the process."
From refinishing through ongoing maintenance, the Bona Waterborne System provides a complete approach to bringing worn hardwood back to life and protecting that investment for years to come.
4. Using the least expensive materials
Cheaper refinishing options may save money upfront, but that choice can come at the expense of durability, leading to refinishing again sooner than expected. Homeowners recognize the tradeoff: Bona found 60% prioritize balancing cost and durability in home improvement decisions, and 55% are willing to spend more upfront for long-term quality.
High-quality products can help that investment go further. Bona's waterborne finishes can provide durable protection for well over a decade with proper care, reducing the frequency of refinishing projects.
"A waterborne finish may cost more upfront, but is better for your home and the environment," Clavin said. "Investing in properly refinishing your hardwood floors today will pay off in the long run."
5. Not factoring in drying and cure times
A refinishing project doesn't end when the final coat goes down. Dry and cure times determine when you can safely walk on your floors, move furniture back and return to everyday life. In addition, temperature, humidity and the type of finish can all impact timing, which is why fall is typically the best season to refinish floors.
Which products you choose also makes a significant difference. Oil-modified and acid-cured finishes can take two to three times longer to dry and cure than waterborne options. For instance, Bona Traffic HD dries within two to three hours before floors can be walked on in socks, and fully cures in just three days, so homeowners can return to enjoying their space sooner.
Understanding these timelines can help you plan around furniture, family, pets and guests while giving the floor time to properly cure.
FAQs:
- Are waterborne finishes durable? High-quality waterborne floor finishes often last well over 10 years, depending on use and maintenance. Bona waterborne finishes are so durable that they've been chosen for use on some of the world's top sport floors.
- How can I change my floor's color when refinishing? Refinishing lets you update your home with a stain color and sheen level reflecting your design style. Bona Chroma comes in 9 base shades which can be custom mixed to create your desired hue.
- Why do I need to leave the house during refinishing? If your contractor uses a waterborne finish, you can stay in your home during the process.
- Is fall the best season for refinishing? Humidity levels are often lower in the fall, making it easier for the finish to dry and cure. This timing also gives you a beautifully refreshed home for holiday hosting.
Visit Bona.com to learn more about hardwood floor care and refinishing.