Let’s clear things up with quick answers to your hardwood floor questions

Yes, Hardwood Rescue NC is fully insured and covered for every project we take on in Morrisville, Raleigh, and the Triangle. We carry full liability insurance and workers’ compensation to protect your home, your family, and our team throughout your flooring installation, refinishing, or stair work project. This means you can trust that if anything unexpected happens, you are completely protected, and your project remains stress-free. We believe in doing business the right way — with clear communication, transparency, and protection for our clients.

Absolutely. We care about your family’s health and the environment, which is why we use eco-friendly, low-VOC, water-based finishes like Bona Traffic HD for refinishing and high-quality adhesives and products during installations. These products produce less odor, dry faster, and maintain indoor air quality while providing a durable, beautiful finish. Whether you’re installing new floors or refinishing your current hardwood, you can feel confident that your project will be safe for your family, pets, and the environment.

The cost of hardwood floor refinishing in Raleigh and other cities like "Benson, Creedmoor, Holly Springs, Pittsboro, Smithfield, Willow Springs, Youngsville" and the Triangle area generally ranges from $3 to $6 per square foot, depending on the condition of your floors, the type of wood, stain color changes, and the finish chosen. Factors like repairs, moving furniture, and the square footage of your project can influence the final price. We provide free, detailed estimates with clear pricing so you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees or surprises. Refinishing is often a cost-effective way to make your floors look brand new without the expense of replacement.

Most hardwood floors should be refinished every 7–10 years, depending on foot traffic, pets, and the type of finish previously applied. High-traffic areas like kitchens or entryways may need refinishing sooner, while less-used areas may last longer. Regular maintenance, using rugs in high-traffic areas, and cleaning with proper hardwood-safe products can extend the time between refinishing. If your floors look dull, have visible scratches, or have lost their protective layer, it may be time to schedule a refinishing to restore their beauty and protect your investment.

Yes, but it depends on the thickness of the real wood veneer on your engineered hardwood floors. Engineered hardwood can typically be refinished once or twice if the wear layer is thick enough (generally at least 2–3mm). We carefully assess your floors to determine if they are suitable for refinishing without risking damage. If refinishing isn’t an option, we may recommend a screen and re-coat to refresh the surface. During your free estimate, we’ll evaluate your engineered floors and provide honest recommendations to protect your flooring investment.

The best seasons to refinish hardwood floors in North Carolina are spring and fall, when temperatures and humidity levels are moderate. This helps finishes cure properly and minimizes moisture-related expansion or contraction of the wood. However, with our advanced climate control and equipment, we can refinish floors year-round, ensuring a successful outcome no matter the season. During your estimate, we will advise on any preparations needed based on the current season to achieve the best results for your project.

In most cases, you do not need to fully move out, but you will need to stay out of the work area while refinishing is in progress and while the finish cures. We use low-VOC, fast-drying, water-based finishes that reduce odor and cure faster, making it easier for you to remain in your home if the layout allows. We will work with you to plan the project in phases if needed to minimize disruption, especially in larger homes. We will provide clear guidance during your estimate so you can prepare comfortably for your project.

Solid hardwood is made from a single piece of wood, offering timeless beauty, the ability to be refinished multiple times, and a lifespan of decades when properly maintained. It is sensitive to moisture and temperature changes, making it ideal for above-grade installations in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.

Engineered hardwood consists of a real hardwood top layer bonded to multiple layers of plywood, providing increased stability and resistance to moisture and temperature changes, making it suitable for basements or areas with higher humidity. Engineered hardwood can often be refinished once or twice, depending on the wear layer thickness, and it offers the same beautiful appearance as solid hardwood with more versatility for installation locations.

Drying times depend on the type of finish used, humidity, and temperature. With our water-based, low-VOC finishes, floors are typically ready for light foot traffic within 24 hours and furniture can be moved back in after 48–72 hours. Rugs should generally be placed back after 7–10 days to allow the finish to fully cure. We will provide clear instructions specific to your project to ensure the best results and longevity for your newly refinished floors.

Here’s how to prepare your home for your flooring project:

✅ Clear Furniture & Personal Items: Remove furniture, rugs, and small decor from the work area. We can assist with moving large items upon request.
✅ Cover Nearby Areas: Cover items in adjacent rooms to protect from dust, especially during refinishing.
✅ Secure Pets & Children: Keep them away from the work area for safety and to allow the finish to dry undisturbed.
✅ Plan Access Routes: You may need to plan alternate routes through your home during the project.
✅ Communicate Needs: Let us know about any concerns, timelines, or special requests ahead of time.

During your estimate, we will walk you through the preparation process specific to your project to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.