(BPT) - Key takeaways:
- Hardwood floors are valued for their beauty, warmth and endurance.
- Refinishing protects the lifespan, appearance and value of hardwood floors.
- Zack Clavin, Bona's "Floor Doctor," recommends waterborne floor finishing systems, and hiring an expert to do the job right the first time.
- Bona's Waterborne System provides durable, low-odor, low-VOC products (including finishes, sealers, stains, cleaners and more) designed to work together to restore, beautify and protect hardwood floors.
Hardwood floors have an enduring appeal few other flooring materials can match. Beautiful, durable and unique, each floor brings the warmth and character of natural wood into a home, creating a surface that evolves and lasts for generations. In fact, a 2026 Bona survey found that 87% of homeowners rank flooring among the home features they're most willing to invest in.
Over time, even well-maintained hardwood floors can begin to show signs of everyday wear. Scratches, fading, worn areas or a dull finish that regular cleaning can't address may signal that it's time to consider refinishing. More than a cosmetic refresh, refinishing restores the floor's appearance and protective finish, while bringing new life to the natural beauty of the wood and helping it stand up to years of use.
"By refinishing floors, you're preserving their durability and restoring their beauty, which is an investment in the long-term value of this vital part of your home," said Bona's "Floor Doctor," Zack Clavin. "You can even use Bona waterborne finishes to adjust the color and sheen of the floor while helping them wear better."
Where to start when thinking of refinishing your hardwood floors
Ready to bring your worn hardwood floors back to life, but not sure where to start? You're not alone. Bona found that nearly two-thirds (62%) of homeowners experience at least moderate anxiety about floor refinishing projects.
With autumn being an ideal time to refresh hardwood floors, Clavin shares five common refinishing mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.
Refinishing helps preserve the durability of your hardwood floors while restoring their natural beauty, protecting an investment that can add value to your home for years to come.
1. Thinking refinishing is a DIY job
You can find countless TikTok and YouTube videos on how to refinish your floors, but this is one home improvement project where going the DIY route can quickly become a costly mistake. Improper sanding, uneven stain application or rushing drying times can lead to disappointing results that take even more time and money to correct.
For your floor refinishing project, work with a trained flooring professional who understands the precision and craftsmanship it requires, as well as how the right products and techniques work together to get the job done right the first time, saving homeowners added stress, time and expense.
2. Hiring a contractor at random
Deciding to hire a professional is just the first step. Finding the right one matters just as much. Not every contractor brings the same level of skill and expertise to a refinishing project, so Clavin recommends looking beyond a quick online search for 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 that 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. Selecting the wrong products
The products used 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 system 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 bringing together stains, sealers and finishes designed to work together to restore, beautify and protect hardwood floors. The system delivers durable performance even in high-traffic environments while preserving the natural beauty and color of the wood without ambering over time.
"Beyond durability, homeowners don't have to choose between performance and a more comfortable refinishing experience," added Clavin. "Bona waterborne finishes are low-odor, low-VOC and GREENGUARD certified, meaning there's less disruption to your home during the process."
From refinishing through ongoing maintenance, the Bona Waterborne System provides a complete approach to bringing worn hardwood back to life and helping protect that investment for years to come.
4. Choosing the cheapest materials
Selecting the least expensive refinishing option may save money upfront, but it can come at the expense of durability, and lead to refinishing again sooner than expected. Homeowners recognize that tradeoff: Bona found that 60% prioritize balancing cost and durability when making home improvement decisions, while 55% are willing to spend more upfront for long-term quality.
Investing in 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, helping extend the time between refinishing projects.
"A waterborne finish may cost more upfront, but is better for your home and the environment," Clavin said. "The investment you put into refinishing your hardwood floors today will pay off in the long run."
5. Forgetting about 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. On top of that, temperature, humidity and the type of finish can all impact timing, which is one reason fall's typically the best season to refinish floors.
The products you choose can also make a significant difference. Oil-modified and acid-cured finishes can take two to three times longer to dry and cure than waterborne options. Bona Traffic HD, for example, dries within two to three hours before floors can be walked on in socks and fully cures in just three days, helping homeowners get back to enjoying their space sooner.
Understanding these timelines upfront can help you plan around furniture, family, pets and guests while giving the floor time to properly cure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How durable are waterborne finishes? 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 top sport floors in the world.
- Can I change my floor's color when refinishing? Yes! Refinishing lets you update your home with a stain color and sheen level reflecting your design style. For example, Bona Chroma comes in 9 base shades which can be custom mixed to create your desired hue.
- Do I need to leave the house while hardwood floors are refinished? If your contractor uses a waterborne finish, you can stay in your home during the process.
- What's the best time of year for floor 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 ahead of holiday hosting.
Learn more about hardwood floor refinishing and care at Bona.com.
