If you are unsure whether or not your wood flooring needs to be refinished, try giving it a quick test to determine whether your hardwood floor’s finish has faded or is just simply dirty. First, find an area of your floor that receives heavy traffic. Take a table spoon of water and pour it onto the floor. Look to see what happens to the water.

Your floor is properly sealed if you notice the water forming beads.

The finish is partially worn if the water slowly seeps in and slightly darkens the floor. If this happens a maintenance coat is needed.

A total refinish is definitely needed if the water quickly soaks into the floor and leaves a dark spot.