Does Your Floor Need a “Screen and Recoat” or a Full Sand-Down?
We hear it all the time from homeowners in older neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Edmonds, or Everett: “My floors look tired, but I’m terrified of the dust and the cost of refinishing.” At Carpet To Go, we treat your home like our own Mom’s house, which means we want to save you money and hassle whenever possible. Before you commit to a massive sanding project, you need to know the difference between a “Screen and Recoat” and a “Full Refinish.”
Option A: The Screen and Recoat (The Refresh)
Think of this as a deep exfoliating facial for your hardwood floors. If your hardwood is still structurally sound but has lost its “glow” or has light surface scratches, this is the way to go.
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The Process: We use a floor buffer with a specialized abrasive screen to lightly scuff the existing top layer of polyurethane. We don’t remove any wood; we just “rough up” the finish so a new layer of finish can bond to it.
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The Benefit: It’s completed in a single day, costs significantly less than a full sand, and creates almost zero dust. It’s perfect for homeowners in Kent or Renton who just want to bring back that “new floor” shine before listing their home or hosting a big event.
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The Catch: This won’t fix deep gouges, sun-fading, or gray patches where the wood is exposed.
Option B: The Full Sand-Down (The Reset)
If your floors have been through decades of kids, pets, and PNW mud, they might need the “Total Reset.”
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The Process: We use heavy machinery to sand the floor down to raw, bare wood. This removes the old finish entirely, along with any deep scratches, dents, and stains.
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The Benefit: This allows you to completely change the color of your floor. Want to move from a 1980s “orange oak” to a modern “warm earthy” chestnut? This is your chance.
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The Catch: It’s a multi-day process that involves more noise and requires the room to be completely empty.
The “Water Drop” Test
Not sure which one you need? Try this: Put a few drops of water on the most worn area of your floor. If the water beads up, your finish is still working, and a Screen and Recoat will likely do the trick. If the water soaks into the wood and turns it dark, the finish is gone, and you need a Full Sand-Down to protect the integrity of the timber.
Whether you need a quick refresh or a total transformation, our experienced staff is here to guide you. We serve families across the Puget Sound with impeccable service and a 5-year warranty. Contact Us today to have an estimator visit your home and give you an honest assessment of your classic hardwoods!