Updated 6 November 2026
The difference in one line each
- Refinishing sands away the old finish and the top of the wood, then applies new stain (optional) and protective finish.
- Recoating lightly abrades the existing finish without reaching bare wood, then adds a fresh coat on top.
Is the wear in the finish or in the wood?
This is the deciding question. If scratches are only in the coating and the floor still has an even colour, a recoat can restore sheen and protection. If traffic lanes have turned grey, the wood is exposed, or scratches catch a fingernail and show lighter wood beneath, the damage is in the wood and the finish has already failed there. Recoating over that leaves the damage visible under a shiny layer.
A simple check: drip a little water in a high-traffic area. If it beads, finish is still there. If it soaks in and darkens the wood quickly, the protection is worn through.
Can I change colour with a recoat?
A conventional penetrating stain needs bare wood. Some compatible tinted coating systems can alter the look without a full resand, but suitability and adhesion need assessment and samples. For a substantial colour change, sanding may be the appropriate route. See staining.
Engineered floors: check the wear layer first
Engineered hardwood has a real-wood top layer glued over a plywood or composite core. If that wear layer is thick enough, it can be sanded and refinished. If it is thin, sanding risks breaking through to the core, and recoating may be the only safe way to renew it. A floor vent opening or a threshold often lets us see the board's edge and measure. Don't assume either way until it has been inspected.
Other things recoating won't fix
- Dents, deep gouges and pet or water stains.
- Wax or certain cleaning products on the surface, which can stop a new coat from bonding.
- Patchy, peeling or flaking finish.
Why recoating is still worth knowing about
Recoating periodically, before wear reaches the wood, can extend the time between full refinishes. Floor-care manufacturers describe it as a maintenance step for finishes that are dull but intact, done after cleaning and lightly abrading the surface so the new coat can adhere (for example, Bona's homeowner recoating guide). We mention it here for context; HFR Ottawa's services are refinishing, sanding and staining.
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Quick guide
| What you see | Likely approach |
|---|---|
| Dull sheen, fine scuffs, even colour | Recoat may be enough |
| Grey traffic lanes, water soaks in | Refinish |
| Want a different colour | Refinish with stain |
| Engineered floor, unknown wear layer | Inspect before deciding |
For what each option involves in time and budget, see the refinishing cost guide.