A Company that Restores Wood Floors offering Wood Floor Cleaning, Wood Floor Refinishing & Wood Floor Wax Removal in Columbia, Troy, Maryville IL & St Louis MO
- jkostopoulos21
- Jun 8
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 20
After two decades of crawling around on hardwood floors in the greater St. Louis area, I've seen just about everything you can imagine. Beautiful century-old oak floors brought back to life, expensive exotic wood ruined by well-meaning homeowners, and everything in between. I'm Ryan Overbey, owner of AO Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Restoration. I've worked on thousands of floors since 2003. Today, I want to share what most homeowners never learn until it's too late.
The biggest misconception I encounter? That hardwood floor maintenance is either "mop it occasionally" or "sand it down to bare wood." The truth is, there's a whole world of maintenance options between those extremes. These options can save you thousands of dollars and extend the life of your floors. What I'm about to share is what the big box store employees won't tell you because they simply don't know.
Understanding Your Floor's True Condition
Before diving into maintenance options, assess your floor's true condition honestly. I've walked into homes where owners swore their floors just needed "a quick touch-up." Only to find wood so damaged that replacement was the only option.
Here's my simple diagnostic method I call the "penny test." Take a penny and try to scratch the finish in an inconspicuous area. If the penny easily cuts through to bare wood, your finish is shot. If it takes real pressure to make a mark, you've got options.
Red Flags to Watch For
Look for these red flags that mean calling a professional immediately:
Black staining around nails or between boards (usually water damage).
Soft or spongy spots when you walk.
Gaps wider than a nickel between boards.
Finish that's completely worn away in high-traffic areas.
I once had a client wait so long that water had rotted the subfloor underneath. What could have been a $1,200 screen and re-coat became an $8,000 replacement job. The cost implications of waiting are real. Every month you put off proper maintenance could be adding hundreds to your eventual bill. Wood doesn't get better with time and neglect.
Screen and Re-coat: The Sweet Spot of Floor Maintenance
If I could recommend only one maintenance service to homeowners, it would be screen and re-coat. This is where you get the biggest bang for your buck. It's the service that separates knowledgeable contractors from the amateurs.
When to Consider a Screen and Re-coat
Screen and re-coat works when your wood is still in good shape, but the finish is starting to show wear. Think of it as putting a new protective layer over your existing floor. We use a large buffing machine with a fine abrasive screen to lightly scuff the existing finish. Then, we apply a new coat of polyurethane on top.
Here's when it's the right choice:
Your floors have minor scratches.
The finish looks dull in high-traffic areas.
The wood itself is still solid.
You should see wood grain clearly, and there shouldn't be any deep gouges or staining. The ideal timing for screen and re-coat is every 3-5 years for most homes, though high-traffic households might need it every 2-3 years.
When Not to Consider a Screen and Re-coat
This option isn't appropriate for:
Deep scratches that go through to bare wood.
Pet stains that have penetrated the finish.
Areas where the wood itself is damaged.
I had one client insist on a screen and re-coat over dog urine stains. Three months later, the smell came right back through the new finish. We ended up sanding those areas down to bare wood anyway.
The Process
The process itself takes about a day for an average-sized room. You'll hear the buffing machine (it sounds like a loud floor polisher), smell the polyurethane as it goes down, and need to stay off the floors for 24-48 hours depending on humidity and temperature. The fumes aren't dangerous with proper ventilation, but they're noticeable.
What separates good contractors from mediocre ones? Proper prep work is essential. Any professional worth hiring will:
Move all your furniture.
Thoroughly clean the floors.
Check for loose boards before starting.
If someone quotes you a screen and re-coat without even looking at your floors in person, you should run.
What Screen and Re-coat Will and Won't Fix
Will Fix: Minor surface scratches, dullness, and worn finish.
Won't Fix: Deep gouges, staining, or structural issues.
Set realistic expectations. You're refreshing the protective layer, not performing miracles.
Can you DIY this? Technically yes, but I’ve seen more DIY screen and re-coat disasters than I care to count. The equipment rental alone costs $100-150, plus materials and your weekend. The risk of ruining your floors by applying the finish unevenly or in bad weather conditions means most homeowners are better off hiring professionals.
Wax Removal: Dealing with Yesterday's "Solution"
Old wax is the enemy of modern floor finishes. If your home was built before 1980, someone likely waxed those floors at some point. Here's the problem: you cannot apply polyurethane over wax. It simply won't stick, resulting in a peeling, bubbling mess.
Identifying Waxed Floors
How do you know if your floors have been waxed? Drip a small amount of water on the floor. If it beads up and sits there for several minutes, you likely have wax. Additionally, waxed floors often have a yellowish tint and show white marks when scratched.
Wax removal is labor-intensive and often underestimated by homeowners and inexperienced contractors. We utilize commercial-grade wax strippers, which means proper ventilation and safety equipment are non-negotiable. The process involves applying the stripper and then scrubbing everything with specialized pads.
A Cautionary Tale
Here's a story that illustrates why this matters: A contractor called me after applying polyurethane over waxed floors without testing first. The entire 1,200 square foot main level peeled like sunburned skin within a week. What should have been a $2,400 screen and re-coat turned into a $6,000 full strip and refinish. We had to remove all the failed finish plus the underlying wax.
Environmental concerns are real with chemical strippers. We follow all EPA guidelines and dispose of waste properly. This isn't a DIY job unless you're prepared to deal with hazardous chemicals safely.
Clean and Buff: Light Maintenance That Actually Works
Clean and buff is the lightest maintenance option, suitable for floors that just need a refresh. We're talking about floors with a good finish that have gotten dull from everyday wear but don't have significant scratching.
The Difference Between Cleaning and Buffing
This involves deep cleaning with professional equipment, followed by buffing with fine pads to restore some shine. It's not magic. However, for the right floors, it can add 6-12 months of life before you need a screen and re-coat.
The difference between buffing and screening is significant. Buffing uses finer pads and doesn't cut through the existing finish. Screening removes a thin layer of the existing finish.
For most homes, clean and buff makes sense every 12-18 months if you're maintaining your floors properly. High-traffic commercial spaces might need it every 6 months.
Equipment Matters
The buffer at your local rental shop isn't the same as what we use professionally. Ours runs smoother, has better dust collection, and won't leave swirl marks if operated correctly.
Full Refinishing: When There's No Other Option
Sometimes, there's no avoiding full refinishing. This means sanding down to bare wood and starting over. This option is typically for scenarios where the wood is damaged, stained, or when previous maintenance has been neglected too long.
What to Expect
Living through a refinish is challenging. Plan on 3-5 days where your floors are unusable, plus another few days for the smell to dissipate. Dust gets everywhere despite our best containment efforts. I always tell clients to remove anything they cherish from the refinishing area.
The process starts with coarse sandpaper to remove all old finishes and level the floor. We typically do three passes: 36 or 40 grit, then 60 grit, and finally 100 grit. Each grit removes the scratches from the previous one.
Considerations for Different Wood Species
Species make a difference in refinishing. Oak is forgiving and takes stain well, while maple can be blotchy. Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry are beautiful but can be tricky to work with. I've seen contractors ruin expensive exotics by not understanding their characteristics.
The Importance of Finish Options
Finish options have real-world implications. Oil-based polyurethane is more durable and gives that classic amber warmth, but it takes longer to cure and has more odor. Water-based finishes dry faster and have less smell, but they're generally not as durable. For high-traffic areas, I still recommend oil-based despite the inconvenience.
What Adds to Cost
Factors that add to cost include moving heavy furniture, multiple coats of stain, oil-based finishes (longer process), and repairs to damaged boards. What’s worth it? Quality finish application and proper sanding. The difference between two coats and three coats might be $200, but it could mean three extra years of life.
Hazards and Safety: What They Don't Tell You
Floor refinishing involves real safety risks that are often glossed over. Chemical exposure from strippers and finishes can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory irritation. Proper ventilation is essential.
Fire Hazards
Fire hazards are serious with oil-based finishes. The rags used for staining and finishing can spontaneously combust if not disposed of properly. We soak all rags in water and store them in metal containers. I’ve seen garage fires start from improperly stored rags.
Lead Paint Concerns
Lead paint is a concern in homes built before 1978. If your floors were painted, sanding can create hazardous dust. Professional testing and proper containment procedures are required by law in many areas.
Precautions During Application
During oil-based finish application, you need serious ventilation. Open windows, use fans, and consider staying elsewhere overnight. Pets are sensitive to fumes and should be removed during the entire process.
Dust from Sanding
The dust from sanding isn't just annoying; it's a health concern. Even with dust collection systems, fine particles get airborne. Anyone with respiratory issues should stay away during sanding.
Benefits of Proper Maintenance: More Than Just Looks
Regular maintenance isn't just about aesthetics. Well-maintained hardwood floors can last 50-100 years or more. I've restored floors from the 1920s that are still beautiful today because they were properly cared for.
ROI Comparison
The ROI is substantial. Replacing 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring costs $8,000-15,000. Proper maintenance over 20 years may cost $3,000-5,000. The math is clear.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality improves with proper maintenance. Old, worn finishes can harbor dust, allergens, and odors. Fresh finishes create a barrier that's easier to clean.
Impact on Property Value
Property value impact is real. Real estate agents inform me that well-maintained hardwood floors can add $2,000-5,000 to a home's value—sometimes more in higher-end markets.
What to Know Before Calling Contractors
Before hiring a contractor, ask these questions:
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
Can you provide local references?
What's included in your quote?
How do you handle dust containment?
What type of finish do you recommend and why?
Red Flags in Estimates
Red flags in estimates include:
Prices that seem too good to be true (they usually are).
Contractors who won't provide written estimates.
Anyone insisting on payment upfront.
Companies that can't explain their process clearly.
The Importance of Insurance and Licensing
Insurance and licensing matter. A contractor without proper insurance becomes your liability if someone gets hurt. Licensing requirements vary by state. Legitimate contractors should be able to provide proof of both.
Seasonal Considerations
Seasonal considerations are important. High humidity in summer can extend drying times. Winter heating can create dust and uneven drying. Spring and fall are generally ideal, but experienced contractors can work year-round with proper precautions.
Preparing Your Home
Prepare your home by removing all furniture and belongings from the work area. Even with dust containment, fine particles travel. Cover items in adjacent rooms and seal off doorways.
Final Advice from the Trenches
After 20+ years and thousands of floors, here are my top three pieces of advice:
Don't wait until your floors look terrible to start maintenance. By then, your options are limited and expensive. Regular screen and re-coat every 3-5 years will keep your floors beautiful for decades.
Not all contractors are created equal. The cheapest bid usually costs the most in the long run. Look for contractors who assess your floors properly and explain their recommendations clearly.
Understand that hardwood floors are a long-term investment. Quality installation, proper maintenance, and patience with the process will reward you with floors that last generations.
The one thing I wish every homeowner knew? Your floors are telling you what they need if you know how to listen. Dullness means the finish is wearing thin. Minor scratches mean it's time for screen and re-coat. Deep gouges or staining means more aggressive treatment is needed.
When should you tackle maintenance yourself versus calling professionals? Simple cleaning and basic care are definitely DIY territory. However, screen and re-coat, wax removal, and refinishing are best left to experienced professionals. The risk of ruining your floors far outweighs the potential savings for most homeowners.
Your hardwood floors are likely one of your home's most valuable features. They deserve proper care from people who understand what they're doing. Don't trust them to the lowest bidder or treat them as an afterthought. With proper maintenance, they'll be beautiful long after you're gone.
About the Author & AO Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Restoration
For more information or professional tips, contact Ryan Overbay, owner and president of AO Hardwood Floor Cleaning and Restoration. Since 2003, AO Cleaning has been serving the St. Louis metro area with one clear mission: delivering cost-efficient, top-quality floor care maintenance and refinishing services to our local community.
What started as a commitment to our neighbors has grown into a trusted name across St. Louis, Monroe, and Madison Counties, including St. Louis, Columbia, Belleville, Fairview Heights, Waterloo, and O'Fallon.
Our reputation speaks for itself with over 300 five-star Google reviews. A team of certified professionals brings over 20 years of industry experience to every job. We believe in transparency and education, which is why we've shared our expertise through over 300 instructional videos on YouTube, showing homeowners exactly what quality work looks like.
As a locally owned and operated business, we understand the unique challenges that St. Louis area homes present. We're not just your floor contractors; we’re your neighbors, and we treat every project with the care and attention we’d want in our own homes.
Ready to give your floors the care they deserve? Whether you need a simple screen and re-coat, full refinishing, or just want honest advice about your floor's condition, AO Cleaning combines convenience with competitive rates that won't break your budget.
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover why hundreds of St. Louis area homeowners trust us with their most important investment – their home.
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