Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors in Port Washington, NY

July 14, 2025

Is Your Hardwood Floor Trying to Tell You Something?

As a flooring contractor serving Port Washington, NY, and surrounding areas, I’ve seen countless hardwood floors go from worn-out to stunning with a little refinishing work. But the big question is: how do you know when it’s time?

If your floors are scratched, faded, or simply don’t have the same shine they once did, refinishing hardwood floors near me could be the perfect solution. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common signs that your floors are due for a refresh, plus what you need to know before starting the refinishing process.

How to Tell If You Need to Refinish Hardwood Floors

1. Scratches, Dents, and Gouges Are Everywhere

Minor scratches are normal, but when your floors start looking like they’ve been through a battle, it’s time to refinish. Scratches from pet claws, furniture, and daily foot traffic can wear down the protective layer of your floor, exposing raw wood underneath.

I recently refinished floors in a Manhasset, NY home where deep scratches were collecting dirt, making the entire floor look worn out. Once we sanded down the damage and applied a fresh finish, the homeowners were amazed at how much brighter and newer their space felt.

DIY Fix vs. Refinishing:

Small surface scratches? Try a touch-up marker or a hardwood floor repair kit.
Deep scratches and widespread damage? Refinishing is the best long-term solution.

Tip: Wondering if refinishing is a good investment? Check out this guide on whether refinishing hardwood floors is worth it—spoiler alert: it usually is!

2. The Finish Looks Dull and Worn

Hardwood floors should have a natural glow that enhances your home. If they look dull and lifeless, even after cleaning, the protective finish has worn down.

One of my clients in Roslyn, NY was convinced she needed new flooring because her hardwood looked faded. Instead, we refinished her floors with a satin polyurethane finish, restoring the rich color and natural sheen. The best part? It was a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Test it yourself:
Pour a few drops of water onto your floor.

If the water beads up, your finish is still doing its job.
If it soaks in, your protective layer is gone, and refinishing is needed.

3. Water Stains and Discoloration Won’t Go Away

Spills, pet accidents, and even humidity can cause dark stains or discoloration on hardwood floors. If you’ve tried cleaning and the stains remain, refinishing is your best option.

One client in Great Neck, NY, had dark water stains near the front door from years of wet boots. Instead of replacing the flooring, we sanded it down, applied a rich walnut stain, and sealed it with a high-durability finish. The result? A floor that looked brand new—without the high cost of replacement.

More on this: If you own a rental property, you may be wondering if refinishing counts as a repair or an improvement for tax purposes. Here’s a great breakdown: Is Hardwood Floor Refinishing a Repair or Improvement?

4. Splinters and Rough Patches

Hardwood floors should feel smooth and comfortable, even when walking barefoot. If splinters are popping up, it’s a sign that the wood is drying out and breaking down.

A couple in Sands Point, NY called me when their toddlers started getting tiny splinters from their playroom floor. Sanding and refinishing smoothed out the rough patches and made the space safe for their little ones.

Tip: If your floor is beyond refinishing and you’re considering an upgrade, you might look into floating floors as a low-maintenance alternative.

5. Fading from Sunlight Exposure

Hardwood floors naturally fade in sunlight, leading to uneven tones where rugs or furniture once sat.

If you’re noticing lighter or darker patches on your floor, refinishing can restore the uniform color. One of my clients in Old Westbury, NY opted for a slightly darker stain to even out sun-faded areas—and the result was stunning!

Prevent future fading: Use UV-protective window treatments or area rugs in sunny spots.

Can You Refinish Engineered Hardwood Floors?

Yes, but it depends on the thickness of the top veneer. Engineered hardwood has a thin layer of real wood over plywood, which means it can only be sanded a limited number of times before it’s worn through.

One client in Old Westbury, NY, had engineered oak floors that were looking dull and scratched. After checking the veneer thickness, we determined they were thick enough to refinish—and the results were stunning.

More on this: Not all engineered floors can be refinished. Here’s what you need to know before getting started: What to Know Before Refinishing Engineered Hardwood Floors.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: What’s the Best Choice?

Many homeowners consider DIY refinishing to save money, but it’s easy to make mistakes that ruin your floors permanently.

Why Hire a Pro?

Professionals have dustless sanding equipment to keep your home clean.
They ensure even application of stain and polyurethane.
You get a longer-lasting, more durable finish.

More info: Want a step-by-step look at the refinishing process? Check out this guide from HGTV.

How to Find the Best Refinishing Hardwood Floors Near Me in Port Washington, NY

Check Reviews – Websites like Angi and HomeAdvisor can help you find trusted professionals
Look for Licensed & Insured Contractors – Never hire someone who isn’t properly licensed and insured.
Ask for Before & After Photos – A reputable contractor should have a portfolio of past works
Get Multiple Quotes – Compare services and prices before making a decision.

If you’re looking for trusted local professionals, Healthy Home Service Hardwood Flooring Blog is a great place to start.

Final Thoughts: When to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Your hardwood floors are an investment in your home’s beauty and value. If they’re looking worn, scratched, or dull, refinishing hardwood floors near me can restore them to their former glory.