Expert Hardwood Refinishing
Bring Your Hardwood Floors Back to Life
Hardwood floors are one of the most valuable investments in a Utah home. Years of foot traffic, pet scratches, UV fading, and dry winter air can leave them looking dull and worn. Before you assume you need new floors, consider refinishing. Pine River Construction has restored floors across Salt Lake City, Highland, Orem, Lehi, Draper, Park City, and the wider Wasatch Front. Utah County and Salt Lake County both make up the core of our refinishing work.
From the first sanding pass to the final coat, Bob and his sons work in your home the same way they'd want someone working in theirs. Whether your floors have surface scratches, deeper gouges, a dated orange finish from the 90s, or cupping from humidity changes, we tell you honestly what's possible and what it will cost before any work begins.
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Before
After
How It Works
Our Hardwood Floor Refinishing Process
Free In-Home Assessment
We check floor thickness, existing finish type, moisture levels, and any board damage before quoting. No surprises after the work starts.
Sanding
Three grit passes with commercial drum and edge sanders connected to high-capacity dust collectors. The floor is down to bare wood when we're done. 99% of dust captured at the source.
Stain Selection
Custom stain is tested on your actual floor before full application. You approve the color before we commit. No guessing from a chip card.
Finish Coats
Two to three coats of your chosen finish, screen-sanded between coats for adhesion. Utah's dry air speeds up recoat windows compared to more humid states.
Full-Service Refinishing
Everything Included. No Hidden Costs.
From the first sanding pass to the final finish coat, we handle the complete refinishing process. One crew, one quote, zero surprises.
- Free in-home assessment and written estimate
- Furniture move (we move large pieces; you handle small items and breakables)
- Commercial-grade dustless drum and edge sanding
- Hand sanding in corners and tight areas
- Custom stain color selection and testing on your floor
- Minimum 2–3 coats of finish (oil-modified or water-based polyurethane)
- Light screen-sand between coats for adhesion
- Hard wax oil finish option available for a more natural look
- Final walkthrough and care instructions
Why Choose Pine River
What Sets Us Apart
Family Owned
Bob, Wes, Jay & Derek Price are on every refinishing job. You meet the family at the estimate and they show up to do the work.
30+ Years Local Experience
We've refinished hardwood in Utah's climate long enough to know every challenge it presents, and exactly how to handle it.
Licensed & Insured
Fully licensed and insured in Utah. General liability and workers' compensation on every refinishing project.
5.0 Google Rating
Every 5-star review is earned and we work hard to keep it that way.
Finish Options
Choose Your Finish Type
The finish you choose affects durability, sheen, and how your floors feel underfoot. We'll help you decide.
When to Refinish vs. Replace
An Honest Assessment Every Time
Not every worn floor needs to come out. Solid hardwood floors that are 3/4" thick can typically be sanded and refinished 6 to 8 times over the life of the floor. A floor installed in 1985 may still have three or four refinishes left in it. We assess the existing finish, board thickness, and any structural issues during your free estimate.
If refinishing is possible, it's almost always the smarter financial choice at $4 to $8 per square foot compared to full replacement. If there's significant structural damage, extensive water damage, or the floor is simply too thin to sand safely, we'll tell you that honestly. We can also handle the hardwood floor installation when replacement is the right call. One contractor, start to finish.
- Utah's low winter humidity (often 20-35%) speeds up dry time on water-based finishes, which we factor into our coat schedule
- Engineered hardwood can be refinished when wear layer is 3mm or greater
- Site-finished results allow unlimited stain options and seamless blending with existing floors
- Dry Utah air is an advantage for refinishing: faster recoat windows than most other states
Pricing
What Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost in Salt Lake City?
Most refinishing projects in Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front run $4 to $8 per square foot, all-in. A typical 1,000 sq ft main floor comes out to $4,000–$8,000 depending on floor condition, stain choice, and finish type.
- Sand & clear coat only: $4-$5/sq ft. No stain change, same finish type. Floor has surface scratches but good existing color.
- Sand, stain & refinish: $5-$6.50/sq ft. Custom stain color, 2-3 coats of finish. The most common scope.
- Full restoration: $6.50-$8+/sq ft. Heavy wear, board repairs, or outdated orange 90s finish that needs multiple sanding passes.
These figures reflect current going rates across Salt Lake County and Utah County. We provide detailed written estimates with no surprises at billing.
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Common Questions
Hardwood Refinishing FAQ
Solid 3/4" hardwood can typically be refinished 6 to 8 times over its lifespan. Each sanding removes roughly 1/32" of material, and once you've reached the tongue-and-groove, refinishing is no longer safe. Engineered hardwood depends on the veneer thickness. A 3mm or thicker wear layer allows for 1-2 refinishes.
Most jobs take 3 to 5 days. Sanding is done in one day, stain the next, then two to three coats of finish with dry time between each. Utah's low humidity often speeds up recoat windows, a real advantage compared to more humid states.
Yes. We use commercial dustless drum sanders and edge sanders with high-capacity dust collectors. These systems capture 99%+ of airborne dust at the source, keeping your home and HVAC clean throughout the project.
With oil-modified poly, plan to stay off for 24 hours after the final coat and keep furniture off for 72 hours. Water-based finishes allow light traffic in 12–24 hours. Full cure (when you can put rugs down) takes 7–14 days regardless of finish type.
Often yes, but it depends on the wear layer. Floors with a 3mm+ veneer can handle a careful light sanding. We assess wear layer thickness during your free estimate so you know what's possible before committing to anything.
Refinishing in Salt Lake City and across the Wasatch Front typically runs $4 to $8 per square foot depending on floor condition, stain color, number of coats, and finish type. A 1,000 sq ft main floor generally comes out to $4,000–$8,000. We provide detailed written estimates so there are no surprises on billing day.
Where We Refinish
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Across the Wasatch Front
Ready to Get Started?
Get a Free Hardwood Floor Refinishing Estimate
Serving Salt Lake City, Draper, Lehi, Park City, and all of the Wasatch Front. Family-owned, licensed & insured, 30+ years of combined experience.
Or call us: (801) 872-7099