If your hardwood floors are scratched, dull, stained, or dated, you may be wondering: Can…
Hardwood Floor Refinishing: What’s Included (and What’s Not)
If you’re planning a hardwood floor refinishing project in Philadelphia, it’s important to understand exactly what’s covered—and what isn’t. Refinishing your floors is one of the best ways to restore their natural beauty, extend their lifespan, and boost your home’s value.
But as with any home improvement project, knowing what’s included in a standard refinishing service (and what counts as an add-on) can help you plan your budget, avoid surprises, and choose the right refinishing team.
At Hudson Hardwood Floors, we’ve worked in hundreds of homes across Philadelphia—from historic brownstones in Society Hill to modern condos in Center City—and we believe in clear communication and transparent pricing. Here’s what to expect.
What’s Included in a Standard Hardwood Floor Refinishing Service
A professional refinishing service typically includes the following steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Floor Evaluation | Before beginning, we inspect your floors to assess condition, type of wood, and any problem areas. This helps determine the right refinishing method. |
| 2. Dustless Sanding | Our dustless floor refinishing process removes old finish, surface scratches, and minor imperfections while capturing up to 98% of dust. This is especially valuable in Philadelphia’s older rowhomes, where dust can quickly spread through small spaces. |
| 3. Minor Repairs | Small cracks, nail holes, or surface scratches are filled and smoothed. Structural repairs or board replacements are considered add-ons (more below). |
| 4. Cleaning and Prep | The floor is vacuumed and cleaned to ensure no debris interferes with the new finish. |
| 5. Staining (Optional) | If you want to change your floor’s color, a custom stain can be applied. Otherwise, we proceed with a natural finish. |
| 6. Finish Application | We apply 2–3 coats of premium finish (either oil-based or water-based). For faster drying and lower odor, many Philadelphia homeowners prefer low-VOC, water-based finishes. |
| 7. Final Inspection | Once the finish cures, we conduct a final walkthrough with the homeowner to ensure the floors meet Hudson Hardwood’s high standards. |
What’s Not Typically Included
Certain services fall outside the scope of a standard refinishing project and may incur additional costs. These include:
| Add-On | Description |
|---|---|
| Deep Structural Repairs | If boards are warped, split, or water-damaged, they may need replacement before refinishing can begin. |
| Subfloor Repairs or Leveling | Common in older Philadelphia homes where joists have shifted or sagged over time. |
| Furniture Moving | While Hudson Hardwood offers optional furniture moving, it’s not always included in base pricing. |
| Carpet or Tile Removal | Floors covered with other materials require extra prep time for removal and cleaning. |
| Special Finishes or Custom Stains | High-gloss, matte, or custom-colored finishes may increase costs slightly. |
For more details about pricing and cost factors, visit our Cost of Hardwood Floor Refinishing page.
What Impacts Refinishing Costs in Philadelphia
Philadelphia homes present some unique challenges that can influence pricing and project scope:
Historic Flooring: Original pine or oak planks in older homes require gentler sanding and additional care.
Urban Logistics: Narrow streets, limited parking, and condo regulations can extend setup times and labor costs.
City Labor Rates: Refinishing in Center City or the Main Line may carry slightly higher labor costs compared to suburban jobs.
Humidity & Climate: Philly’s humid summers and dry winters affect drying and curing times—especially with oil-based finishes.
That’s why Hudson Hardwood always provides personalized quotes based on your home’s layout, floor condition, and desired finish.
Why Choose Dustless Floor Refinishing
Philadelphia homeowners love our dustless floor refinishing because it:
Keeps your home cleaner with minimal airborne particles.
Improves indoor air quality—especially helpful in homes with pets, kids, or allergies.
Allows you to stay in your home during the project (many clients in Queen Village and Fairmount do!).
Shortens cleanup time and gets your space back to normal faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Philadelphia homes take 3–5 days, depending on size and drying time. Using fast-drying, water-based finishes can shorten this timeline.
Yes—especially if you choose dustless floor refinishing. It minimizes dust and odor, making it easier to remain in your home safely.
Refinishing removes old layers of finish and exposes fresh wood, while buffing (or polishing) simply smooths the topcoat.
Yes, but these are optional services. We’ll include them in your quote if needed.
Schedule a Refinishing Consultation Today
At Hudson Hardwood Floors, transparency and craftsmanship are at the heart of what we do. Whether you’re refinishing original 1920s floors or updating newer hardwoods, we’ll walk you through the process step-by-step—with no hidden fees or surprises.
📞 Call us today at (215) 694-7296 or schedule your free quote online to find the right solution for your floors.
We proudly serve Philadelphia and surrounding areas including Chestnut Hill, Main Line, Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties.
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