Hardwood floors are one of the most beautiful, long-lasting features in any home. But over time, even the most well-loved hardwood can start to show its age. If your floors are looking a little worse for wear, it might be time to ask the question: Do my hardwood floors need refinishing?

At Gramer Flooring, we help Cincinnati homeowners bring their floors back to life with professional hardwood refinishing services. In this post, we’ll walk you through the top signs that your floors need a refresh—and share a simple test you can do at home to know for sure.

5 Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors

Refinishing is like hitting the reset button on your hardwood. Here are the tell-tale signs your floors are overdue:

1. The Finish Looks Dull or Worn

   • High-traffic areas lose their shine first—think entryways, kitchens, and hallways.

   • If mopping doesn’t restore the gloss, the protective layer has worn off.

2. There Are Visible Scratches and Scuffs

   • Light surface scratches are normal, but deep scratches into the wood need attention.

   • Pets, furniture legs, and kids’ toys are common culprits.

3. Discoloration or Fading From Sunlight

   • UV rays can bleach your floors, especially by windows or glass doors.

   • You may notice uneven color or a “shadow” where rugs used to be.

4. Gray or Black Water Stains

   • These are signs water has penetrated the wood.

   • Gray tones mean the polyurethane finish is gone; black stains often signal deeper damage.

5. You Can See Bare Wood

   • If the stain is wearing off and you see raw wood, refinishing is no longer optional—it’s urgent.

Try the Water Drop Test at Home

Not sure how bad your finish really is? Here’s a quick DIY test you can try in 30 seconds:

The Water Drop Test

• Pour a tablespoon of water onto a high-traffic section of your floor.

• Watch what happens:

  • Beads up? Your finish is still in good shape.

  • Soaks in slowly? Your finish is wearing thin.

  • Soaks in immediately? Time to call in the pros.

If water is soaking into your wood, it’s vulnerable to warping, staining, and damage. That means it’s time to refinish before bigger problems start.

What Happens During Refinishing?

Hardwood floor refinishing is a multi-step process best handled by professionals. Here’s what you can expect from Gramer Flooring:

• Dustless sanding to remove old finish and smooth the surface

• Custom staining options to match your home’s style

• Protective sealant to guard against wear, water, and scratches

• Fast, clean installation with minimal disruption to your daily routine

We also offer low-VOC and odor-free finish options, ideal for families with kids or pets.

Cincinnati’s Trusted Floor Refinishing Experts

Whether your floors are lightly worn or deeply scratched, Gramer Flooring is here to help you restore their natural beauty. We serve homeowners across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with expert craftsmanship and honest advice.

• Get a free in-home quote
• Choose from a wide variety of stains and sheens
• Enjoy floors that look brand new—without the cost of replacement

Ready to Bring Your Hardwood Back to Life?

Let’s make those tired floors look stunning again.
Call Gramer Flooring today at 859-663-7678 or visit https://gramerflooring.com/ to schedule your free consultation.