CHICAGO’S NORTH SHORE · FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1996Toll-free 1-800-615-3211Call (847) 781-0100

ACCESS WOOD FLOORING · NORTH SHORE

Hardwood Floor Refinishing on the North Shore

Scratches, worn traffic paths, and an uneven finish can hide the character of your wood floors. Access Wood Flooring sands and refinishes hardwood in Winnetka, Highland Park, Wilmette, Glencoe, and surrounding North Shore communities.

We assess your floor before recommending refinishing, so you know whether the existing wood can be restored and what results to expect.

Rich wood flooring in a traditional sitting room
Floor Sanding and Refinishing · Access Wood Flooring

Assessment

Check the floor’s condition and remaining wood.

Sanding

Dust-controlled preparation of the surface.

Finish

Discuss stain, sheen and return-to-use guidance.

01 / FLOOR SANDING AND REFINISHING

Keep the Wood and Update the Finish

Refinishing removes the existing finish and sands the wood surface before stain, if selected, and new finish coats are applied. It can address many signs of surface wear and allows you to consider a different stain color.

Deep stains, damaged boards, and gaps may need separate repairs or a different solution. We explain those limitations before work starts.

Floor sanding with a modern dust-extraction sander

02 / FLOOR SANDING AND REFINISHING

Dust Control During Sanding

We sand with Oneida Vortex and Bona DCS dust-containment systems that collect dust at the machine as we work. Kitchen cabinets are protected with clear plastic and blue masking tape. This greatly reduces airborne dust and cleanup, although no sanding process is completely dust-free.

We discuss room preparation and access with you before the project begins.

Refinished oak floor under a dining table

03 / FLOOR SANDING AND REFINISHING

Choose Your Color and Sheen

We discuss stain colors during your consultation, then apply about 12 × 12-inch samples directly to your floor so you can make the final choice in your own light. We finish with commercial-grade products such as Bona Traffic HD and Loba Supra A.T., most often in satin, with semi-gloss and gloss available.

After the work, follow the care instructions for your finish. See our hardwood floor care tips for everyday maintenance.

Wood grain and a glossy protective finish

WOOD, DETAIL & FINISH

Details worth a closer look

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Stained oak floor in an open living room
Warm tones in a furnished living room
A darker floor finish in a bright room
A darker floor finish in a bright room
Natural grain beside a bay window
Natural grain beside a bay window

BEFORE & AFTER · ROUND LAKE, IL

Hardwood floor refinishing in Round Lake

An oak floor with an old, outdated finish was sanded down to bare wood and refinished in a custom blend of Classic Gray and Provincial stain, finishing with a fresh protective topcoat.

Before: worn, outdated finish on an oak floor in Round Lake, IL
Before Old, outdated finish
During sanding: the old finish removed down to bare oak
In progress Sanding to bare wood
After: oak floor refinished with a custom Classic Gray and Provincial stain blend
After Custom stain, new finish
Close-up of the new stain color on the refinished oak floor in Round Lake, IL
After Stain color close-up
See more projects in the gallery

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Your questions,
answered.

Have a question about your floor? We can review it during your free estimate.

(847) 781-0100
Can every wood floor be refinished?

No. Suitability depends on the floor’s construction, remaining wear layer, previous sanding, and condition. Engineered flooring requires particular care when assessing whether sanding is possible; laminate cannot be sanded like hardwood.

Will refinishing fix gaps between boards?

Not necessarily. We assess whether gaps relate to seasonal movement, installation, or damage before recommending a treatment.

When can I walk on the floor and replace furniture?

Usually light foot traffic is possible after about two hours and furniture can return after about two days, depending on the finish system and site conditions. At the final walkthrough we explain drying times, when furniture can go back and which floor-care products to use.

How long does sanding and refinishing take?

A typical sanding and refinishing project takes about four working days. We help move furniture with your cooperation; please remove fragile items and empty china cabinets and drawers before we start.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR HOME

See What Your Existing Floors Can Become