Sand & Refinish vs Screen & Recoat: What’s Right for Your Floors in Bellevue, WA?
Not sure if your hardwood floors need a full sand & refinish or a screen & recoat (also called buff & coat)? You’re not alone — this is one of the most common questions we get from Bellevue and Seattle homeowners. In this guide, we’ll break down each process, what it costs, how long it lasts, and how to choose the right option for your floors.
Understanding Sand and Refinish
Screen and recoat (buff & coat) is a faster, lighter process that refreshes the topcoat. We abrade the existing finish and add a fresh protective coat.
When it’s right:
- Floor looks dull or slippery
- Only light surface scratches
- Wood underneath is in good condition
- You don’t want to change color
What to expect:
- Often done in 1 day
- Floors last 1–5 years before another refresh
- Minimal dust/odor
- Cost: ~$1.50–$2.75/sq ft in Bellevue/Seattle
When It’s the Right Choice
- Floors have deep scratches, dents, or water damage
- Finish has worn through to bare wood
- You want to change the color of your floors
- Boards are uneven, cupped, or discolored
- It’s been 7–10+ years since the last refinish
What to Expect
- Process length: Usually takes 2–4 days, plus 24–48 hours of cure time before heavy furniture.
- Results lifespan: With proper care, refinished floors last 7–10+ years.
- Mess & dust: Creates more dust than a screen and recoat, but we offer dust containment systems for a cleaner experience.
- Cost (Bellevue area): Around $4.00 per sq ft plus optional services (dust containment, appliance removal/reinstall).
Benefits of Sand and Refinish
- Restores your floors to a like-new condition
- Lets you choose a brand-new stain color
- Extends the life of your floors for many years
- Adds value to your home, especially before selling
Our Process (Bellevue & Eastside):
- Free in-home assessment (we test if your floor qualifies for a screen & recoat)
- Dust-controlled work (containment available)
- Samples: DuraSeal stain colors; finishes like Bona Traffic HD
- Care guide + warranty included
Why OC Flooring: 120+ five-star reviews • Licensed & insured • Local team • Clear, written quotes
Still not sure which service is right for your floors? Let us help.
📞 Call us at (425) 595-1079 or Schedule a Free Estimate today.
Oleg Chaikovskyi
Owner of
OC Flooring
Bellevue, WA
