Screen & Recoat vs. Full Refinish: How to Choose (and What It Costs)

What a screen & recoat is

A screen & recoat (also called a buff & coat) lightly abrades the existing finish and adds a fresh protective topcoat. There's no sanding to bare wood, it's usually done in a single day, and it renews shine and protection — buying your floors years of extra life. In Central Kentucky it typically runs about $1.50–$2.50 per square foot.

What a full refinish is

A full refinish sands the floor all the way down to bare wood. That's what erases deep scratches, gray worn areas, dark stains, and lets you change the color. It's more involved — typically 3–5 days and $4–$6 per square foot — but it's the only way to truly reset a floor.

A simple test

Put a few drops of water on a worn area. If it beads up, your finish is still doing its job and a screen & recoat will likely refresh it. If the water soaks in and darkens the wood, the finish is worn through and you're probably looking at a full refinish. Deep scratches that reach bare wood, gray traffic lanes, or wanting a new color all point to a full refinish too.

Not sure? That's what the free estimate is for

We'll look at your floors and tell you honestly which one you need — even when the cheaper screen & recoat is all it takes.