Restore, Refresh, and Transform Your Hardwood Floors With Grades Hardwoods

Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful and durable features in any home, but even the strongest woods eventually show signs of wear. Scratches, dull areas, discoloration, UV fading, pet marks, and everyday traffic patterns slowly accumulate over the years. The good news? In most cases, you don’t need to replace your floors. A professional hardwood sanding and refinishing service from Grades Hardwoods can bring them back to life—often making them look better than the day they were installed.

At Grades Hardwoods, we specialize in premium hardwood floor sanding and refinishing throughout Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Holly Springs, and all surrounding Triangle communities. With European craftsmanship, industry-leading equipment, natural oil finishing expertise, and a family-owned commitment to quality, we deliver results that last for decades.

Whether your floors simply need a refresh or require extensive repair and restoration, our team ensures a seamless, dust-controlled, and beautifully finished result every time.

Why Refinish Your Hardwood Floors?

Refinishing is the most effective way to transform old, worn, or outdated floors without the cost of replacement. Homeowners choose sanding and refinishing when they want:

• A brand-new look without replacing the wood

Removing the existing finish allows us to completely restore the natural grain and apply the stain or finish of your choice.

• To remove scratches, dents, stains, and imperfections

Sanding levels the floor and erases years of wear—pet scratches, foot traffic patterns, fading, dull spots, and more.

• To change the color of their hardwood floors

Go lighter, darker, more modern, or more natural. Stain color transformation is one of the most dramatic upgrades homeowners choose.

• To upgrade to a natural oil finish

Many Raleigh-area homeowners now prefer natural oil finishes for their beauty, repairability, and eco-friendly qualities.

• To increase home value before selling

Refinished floors dramatically enhance the look and feel of your home, making it more appealing to buyers.

• To extend the lifespan of their flooring

Sanding and refinishing is the best long-term maintenance step to keep hardwood floors in excellent condition.

In most cases, sanding and refinishing can make 20-, 30-, or even 100-year-old floors look beautifully new again.

Our Hardwood Sanding & Refinishing Process

At Grades Hardwoods, refinishing isn’t just a service—it’s a craft. Every step is performed with precision, care, and attention to detail to ensure the highest quality and longest-lasting results.

1. Inspection & Preparation

Every project begins with an in-home consultation where we evaluate:

• The condition of your floors
• The wood species
• The thickness of the wear layer
• Any damaged or loose boards
• Areas needing repair or patching
• Previous finishes or coatings

We explain your options clearly, help you choose the right finish, and create a custom plan for your project.

2. Dust-Controlled Sanding for a Clean Home

We use professional sanding equipment designed to minimize dust and keep your home as clean as possible throughout the process.

Our sanding includes:

• Coarse sanding: Removes old finish, scratches, and deep imperfections
• Medium sanding: Evens the surface and refines the grain
• Fine sanding: Creates a smooth, consistent surface ready for staining or finishing

This step alone often reveals stunning natural grain patterns homeowners haven’t seen in years.

3. Repairs, Patching & Board Replacement

If your floors have:

• Deep gouges
• Pet damage
• Loose planks
• Water stains
• Warping
• Gaps

We repair or replace boards to ensure a flawless final result. We can even lace in new planks seamlessly if you’re expanding your flooring into another room.

4. Custom Stain Sampling (If You Choose a Stain)

Stain looks different on every wood species—so instead of guessing, we apply multiple sample colors directly on your sanded floor.

You’ll be able to compare:

• Lights vs. darks
• Modern grays and neutrals
• Natural Scandinavian-inspired tones
• Classic warm browns
• Deep rich tones like Jacobean or Ebony
• Custom blends

We help you choose a stain that fits both your home and your personal style.

5. Finish Application: Natural Oil or Polyurethane

Grades Hardwoods is known throughout the Triangle for our expertise in natural oil hardwood floor finishes, though we also offer high-quality water-based and oil-based polyurethane.

Natural Oil Finish (Our Specialty)

A premium finish that penetrates deep into the wood rather than sitting on top like plastic.

Benefits include:

• VOC-free and eco-friendly
• More natural look and feel
• Matte, low-sheen appearance
• Easy to repair without sanding
• Ages beautifully over time
• Ideal for families, dogs, and high-traffic homes

We use globally recognized, high-performance oil systems for long-lasting protection.

Water-Based Polyurethane

A popular choice for homeowners wanting:

• Low odor
• Fast dry times
• Clear, non-yellowing coating
• Semi-gloss, satin, or matte sheen

Oil-Based Polyurethane

A traditional option that offers:

• Warm, rich amber tone
• Strong durability
• Long-lasting protection

No matter which finish you choose, we apply it with precision to ensure a smooth, even, flawless final result.

Types of Hardwood Floors We Refinish

We refinish nearly all hardwood flooring types found in Raleigh-area homes, including:

• Red oak
• White oak
• Maple
• Hickory
• Brazilian cherry
• Walnut
• Pine floors
• Engineered hardwood (if thick enough)
• Prefinished floors
• Historic or antique flooring

Unsure what kind of floor you have? We identify species during your consultation and offer expert guidance on the best refinishing approach.

How Long Does Hardwood Refinishing Take?

Most projects take 2–5 days, depending on:

• Square footage
• Prep and repair work
• Type of finish
• Number of coats
• Whether you’re adding stain

Water-based finishes cure fastest. Natural oil finishes allow light use sooner but take a few days to fully harden.

During your estimate, we provide a clear timeline so you know exactly what to expect.

Hardwood Refinishing for Pets, Kids & Busy Homes

We understand what today’s homeowners need:

• Durable finish
• Easy maintenance
• Minimal downtime
• Family-friendly products

Our natural oil finishes are especially popular among families because they are:

• Safe for kids and pets
• Low odor and VOC-free
• Easily spot-repairable
• Less slippery than poly finishes

If you have dogs or active kids, we’ll help you choose the best finish for long-term performance.

Why Triangle Homeowners Choose Grades Hardwoods

1. Family-Owned With European Craftsmanship

Our roots in woodworking date back generations, and it shows in our attention to detail.

2. Specializing in Natural Oil Finishes

We’re one of the few hardwood flooring companies in Raleigh deeply experienced in natural oil systems.

3. Premium Equipment = Superior Results

We use German-built sanding systems, HEPA dust control, and precision finishing tools.

4. Transparent Communication

You always know what step we’re on and what to expect.

5. Five-Star Google Reviews

We consistently earn five-star feedback for craftsmanship, professionalism, and customer service.

6. Serving the Entire Triangle

Including Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Holly Springs, Wake Forest, Morrisville, and Durham.

Ready to Restore Your Hardwood Floors? Let’s Get Started.

Your floors can look brand new again—and we make the process easy.

📞 Call Now to Schedule Your Free In-Home Estimate
We’ll evaluate your floors, show stain samples, and answer every question.

💬 Request a Quote Online
Fill out our short form and upload photos for a fast, accurate estimate.

🎥 Explore  Our Blog &  Videos
Learn about natural oil finishes, stain colors, and hardwood maintenance tips.

Your hardwood floors deserve expert care.

Choose Grades Hardwoods—where craftsmanship meets natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions