CDS Hardwood Floors

Hardwood Floor Refinishing in Maryland, Virginia & DC

Quick Answer

Hardwood floor refinishing is the process of sanding off the existing finish and top surface of your wood floor, then applying new stain and 2–3 coats of protective finish — restoring worn floors to like-new condition.

MHIC #141267

Fully Insured & Bonded

15+ Years Experience

Family-Owned

Refinishing is the single highest-ROI improvement you can make to a home with real hardwood. For a fraction of the cost of replacement, CDS Hardwood Floors can take a scratched, faded, pet-damaged or sun-bleached floor and return it to showroom condition — often with a fresh new color of your choosing.

We refinish every species and every era of hardwood installed in the DMV — from 1920s DC row-house pine to modern Bethesda white oak. Every project uses our dustless sanding system and premium Bona or Loba waterborne finish, which cures faster, contains fewer VOCs and yields a harder wear layer than the polyurethane most competitors use.

Our stain library covers every current trend: natural, matte white-oil, gray, greige, English chestnut, dark walnut, jacobean and true black — plus custom blends. You'll approve stain samples on your actual floor before we finish.

Key Takeaways

Refinishing costs roughly a third of replacement
Waterborne finishes cure harder and off-gas less than oil polyurethane
Always approve stain samples on your actual floor, not a chart
A well-refinished floor should last 15–25 years before the next full refinish

Benefits

• Costs roughly one-third of replacing your floors
• You can change color completely — go lighter, darker or grayer
• Removes deep scratches, pet stains and water rings
• Dustless sanding keeps your home clean and habitable
• Improves resale value and speeds a home sale

Our Process

1. Free consultation & stain samples
We show finished samples on your actual floor — the only reliable way to preview a stain.
2. Furniture prep & containment
Rooms are sealed with plastic and dust barriers.
3. Coarse sanding
36 or 40 grit removes existing finish and surface damage.
4. Progressive sanding
60, 80, 100 and 120 grit passes leave a mirror-smooth surface.
5. Stain application
Water- or oil-based stain applied by hand and buffed to your approved sample.
6. Finish coats
2–3 coats of Bona Traffic HD, Loba 2K Supra AT or similar commercial-grade finish, with light buff between coats.
7. Cure & walkthrough
Light foot traffic in 24 hours, furniture in 3–5 days, full cure in 7–14 days.

Ready to talk about your project?

Schedule a consultation (240) 731-7030

Materials We Use

• Bona Traffic HD & Bona Mega ONE waterborne finishes
• Loba 2K Supra AT commercial finish
• DuraSeal, Bona and Rubio Monocoat stains
• 36–120 grit premium sanding abrasives
• HEPA-filtered dust containment equipment

What to Expect

• 3–5 days from start to walk-on for most whole-home refinishes
• Minimal odor with our waterborne finishes
• Rooms sealed off and returned clean at end of day
• Daily updates from your project lead
• No shoes on finish for at least 24 hours after final coat

What Affects Pricing

We don't publish flat pricing — every home is different. These are the factors we weigh in your written estimate:

• Square footage (economies of scale on larger jobs)
• Number of stairs, closets and transitions
• Whether you're staining or going natural (staining adds a day)
• Number of finish coats (2 vs 3)
• Sheen selection (satin, semi-gloss, matte)
• Repairs, board replacements or pet-stain remediation required

Common Problems & How We Solve Them

Dark pet stains

We can spot-sand and replace affected boards, or embrace a darker stain that camouflages remaining discoloration.

Sanded through the veneer

Engineered floors can only be refinished 1–3 times depending on wear-layer thickness. We assess wear-layer depth before quoting.

Uneven color absorption

Water-popping the wood before stain evens absorption — a step most competitors skip.

Maintenance Tips

• Wait 7 days before rugs; 14 days before wet-cleaning
• Clean weekly with Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner
• Never use vinegar, Murphy's, Swiffer Wet or steam
• Plan a screen-and-recoat every 5–7 years to extend the finish

Warranty & Guarantee

All CDS craftsmanship is backed by our workmanship guarantee. Manufacturer finish warranties are transferred to you in full.

Why Choose CDS Hardwood Floors

Family-owned, licensed (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded, with 15+ years serving Maryland, Virginia, DC, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Our craftsmanship has earned us landmark commercial work (including DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, DC) alongside thousands of luxury residential projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does hardwood floor refinishing take in a typical home?

Most residential projects are completed within 3–7 working days, depending on square footage, drying times and any repairs required. We provide a firm timeline in your written estimate.

Do I need to move out during hardwood floor refinishing?

In most cases, no. Our dustless equipment keeps the home habitable, though we recommend staying off finished areas for 24–72 hours to let the finish cure.

Can I schedule a consultation?

Yes. Every hardwood floor refinishing project starts with a free on-site consultation and a detailed written quote, usually delivered within 24 hours.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes. CDS Hardwood Floors is a Maryland-licensed contractor (MHIC #141267), fully insured and bonded for your protection.