Sanding the edges and corners
We edge the perimeter and hand-scrape corners so the whole floor reaches the same smoothness. Those areas are part of the sanding work, not spots we leave for the finish to cover.
Filling gaps, cracks and nail holes
We fill gaps, cracks and nail holes, then re-sand so the filler sits flush with the wood. Filling alone does not complete that step.
Preparing for an even finish
We vacuum and tack the floor dust-free before any finish touches the wood. We use T-bar and lambswool applicators to flow on even finish coats.
Comparing refinishing with new installation
New hardwood installation costs $6 to $12 per square foot. If you are comparing refinishing with replacement, use that range for the new-installation side of your budget. It is not a refinishing price.
From First Call to Finished Job
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Tell Us What You Need
Tell us what you need done and when, you'll get a straight answer, not a sales pitch.
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We Walk the Job
We come out, look at the space, and confirm exactly what the job involves.
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Clear, Written Price
You get the scope and the price in writing before any work starts. No surprises.
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We Do the Work
Our crew does the work, checks it, and leaves the site clean. You see everything we did.
What this typically involves:
- Assess species, existing finish, and how much wear-layer thickness is left before committing to a full sand
- Rough-cut the field with coarse grit to strip old finish, then step up through medium and fine grits
What It Typically Costs
Typical ranges, not a fixed price - the exact number is confirmed in writing before work starts.
$40–$150
Good to Know Before You Call
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
Most full refinishes run $3–$8 per square foot depending on condition, species, and whether you're changing color. A screen-and-recoat is $1–$3 a square foot. New installation runs higher. A walk-through and square-foot measure give an accurate number, beware quotes given without seeing the floor's condition.
My floors are cupping, can that be sanded flat?
Sometimes, but only after the moisture problem behind the cupping is found and fixed and the boards have re-acclimated. Sanding cupped boards flat while they're still wet means they'll crown once they dry. We meter the wood first; rushing this step ruins floors.
Do you fix gaps between boards?
Seasonal gaps that open in winter and close in summer are normal and we generally don't fill those hard, because filler will squeeze out when the boards swell back. Permanent gaps and cracks we fill during sanding so they sit flush and take finish evenly.
A Few More Questions
How long before I can walk on and furnish the floors?
With waterborne finish you can usually walk in socks the next day and return light furniture in a couple of days. Oil-based needs longer. Either way the finish keeps hardening for a couple of weeks, so we advise waiting on rugs and heavy furniture until it has fully cured.
Can you change the color of my floors?
Yes, once the floor is sanded to bare wood we can stain it lighter or darker before the finish coats. Some species take stain more evenly than others; we always test the stain on your actual floor in an out-of-the-way spot so you approve the real color, not a sample board.
Can you match a repair to the rest of my existing floor?
For board replacement we source matching species and profile, weave the new boards into the field rather than blocking them off, then sand and finish the whole area together so the repair blends. An exact match on an old, ambered floor is hardest with brand-new wood, and we'll tell you honestly how close it will get.
What's hardwax oil and why would I pick it over polyurethane?
Hardwax oil penetrates the wood for a natural, low-sheen matte look and is easy to spot-repair without recoating the whole floor. Polyurethane sits on top as a harder film with more scratch and water resistance. Oil suits people who want a raw, matte feel and easy touch-ups; poly suits high-traffic and busy households.
Serving Pittsfield and Nearby
We cover Pittsfield, MA. Call (413) 347-4859 to confirm coverage for your address.
What You Can Hold Us To
No-Pressure Quotes
Talk to a local pro now: (413) 347-4859.
Updated October 2026