Transforming Dated Prefinished Floors: A Stevens Point Success Story

Posted by Aaron Schaalma

The Challenge: Updating 15-Year-Old Prefinished Floors

Worn prefinished floor in a kitchen
A worn, orange-toned oak floor showing signs of age in a Stevens Point home

Our clients in Stevens Point faced a common dilemma: their 15-year-old prefinished red oak floors were showing signs of wear and had an outdated orange oak color. As they embarked on a kitchen remodel, they wondered if anything could be done to refresh their floors.

The Consultation Process

During our initial meeting, we discussed:

  1. Options for refinishing prefinished floors
  2. The unique process involved
  3. Color options to complement their new kitchen

We always discuss color choices early on to prepare appropriate samples for the clients.

Adapting to Changes

As the kitchen remodel progressed, we accommodated two significant changes:

  1. Widening of a doorway, requiring a header board
  2. Application of color samples directly on the floor

This approach allowed our clients to visualize how different colors would complement their new cabinets.

Provincial stain color on red oak floor
Wood stain color sample applied directly to a red oak floor

The Refinishing Process: More Than Meets the Eye

Refinishing prefinished floors is more complex and costly than standard wood floor refinishing due to the factory-applied aluminum oxide finish. Our process involves:

Pallmann Spider refinishing hardwood
Removing the old coating with diamond discs
  1. Using diamond discs to remove the original coating
  2. Proceeding with our standard refinishing techniques
  3. Water popping to open the wood grain
  4. Applying the chosen stain
  5. Finishing with two coats of water-based sealant

The Stunning Result

Stained Red oak floors
A beautifully refinished red oak floor with a rich brown stain in a Stevens Point home

The final product showcases how a carefully chosen brown stain can transform red oak floors, breathing new life into this Stevens Point home.

By taking the time to understand our clients' needs and adapting to changes in their remodeling plans, we were able to deliver a floor that not only looks beautiful but also complements their newly renovated kitchen perfectly.

Here’s what this client said when the job was finished: “Aaron did an amazing job on our floors, they look fabulous. Great communication, great service—just could not be happier with his work.”

We’re so grateful for the chance to help people love their floors! Let us know how we can help you.

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