How many times can hardwood be refinished?

How Many Times Can a Wood Floor Be Sanded?

Wood floors are a durable and renewable flooring option that can be refinished multiple times throughout their lifespan. When maintained properly, wood floors are capable of lasting hundreds of years, making them one of the most sustainable flooring options available. Generally speaking, most solid wood floors can be sanded six to eight times during their overall service-life. A traditional sand job will remove 1/32” to 1/16” of actual material from the surface of the floor. However, the amount of material that will be removed and the number of times a floor can be sanded depends on several factors, including the type of wood, the thickness of the wear layer, the skill of the contractor, the flatness of the floor, and the equipment used to sand the floor.

Factors That Determine How Many Times a Floor Can Be Sanded

When existing floors need to be refinished, the amount of sandable material on the wear layer of the floor is critical. You should evaluate the thickness of the wear layer in several areas to capture a good idea of what shape that floor is in. The primary determinant of how many times a wood floor can be sanded is the thickness of the wear layer. Solid hardwood floors typically have a wear layer of around ¼” or more, allowing for multiple refinishes. Engineered wood floors can have wear layers ranging from 1/16” to ¼”. Where the wear layer is less than 3/32” (2.38mm), sanding is not recommended. NWFA’s Engineered Wood Flooring Refinishable Program helps identify engineered wood floors that have a sufficient wear layer, ensuring they are capable of being sanded while maintaining their integrity.