What comes first, floor refinishing or painting?
This is a question we often get asked.
In any home renovation or construction project, there is a sequential order to the process of which trades goes before the other. We always recommend that the floor refinishing goes before painting. Even with our Dust Containment System (which removes approximately 90% of the dust from the refinishing process) there is still going to be fine dust left behind. Many times, customers hire us after the rooms have been painted and they tell us to be careful of the walls and baseboard. The project did not follow the sequential order. It is unreasonable to expect us, even with the greatest care, to be careful of the walls and baseboard when we are in a room with at least 2 men and all of our equipment and hoses, and when it comes time to stain the floor, not to get stain on the baseboard and walls. The stain has the consistency of water, and splatters easily, whereas paint is thicker and is easier to control. So, we tell the homeowner we cannot be responsible for marking of floor stain on baseboards, radiators, walls, trim, moldings, cabinets, doors, etc. But reasonable care will be taken to avoid such damage. If rooms are painted before floors are refinished, they may need to be repainted or touched up by a painter at homeowner's expense. The answer is... Floor refinishing goes before panting (despite what the painter may tell you). |
"In the 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, a joint study by the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry showed that homeowners who install new wood flooring recover 118% of the cost and the homeowners who have their wood floors refinished recover 147% of the cost!"
Goldstein, B. (2022, August-September). Recoating wood flooring 101. Wood Floor Business, 35(4), 42. |
Pricing

How much will it cost?
What do you charge per sq. ft.?
Unfortunately, there is no straight answer. It is difficult to give a price without
inspecting the job. Each job differs from one another, and many factors come into play.
→ Size of the rooms
→ Condition of the floor.
→ Open square area, versus small confined space.
→ Dark stain, or Natural color
The tangibles and most importantly the intangibles must be determined when
comparing estimates of any home improvement project.
→ The quality of the materials and equipment used
→ The experience of the company & craftsman employed
→ Reputation of the company
→ Communication with the customer throughout the project.
→ Do you feel comfortable having this contractor in your home?
Some companies give a low ball square footage price, then charge you with additional fees for closets, saddles/thresholds, etc. Some schedule the work and don't show up, drag a project out for weeks or perhaps use day laborers. (Not skilled craftsmen)
In the end an inexpensive price may wind up costing your more money & time lost if the job has to be done over again. With any home improvement project there is always going to be some mishaps, and that occasionally includes our company as well, but we always stand behind our work and will do right by you.
We strive to be the leading contractor of wood flooring services by providing our customers with superior quality, unsurpassed service, fine craftsmanship, at a competitive price.
We have run our professional company for over 30 years with the majority of our business from satisfied repeat customers. We take pride in treating your home as if it were our own.
What do you charge per sq. ft.?
Unfortunately, there is no straight answer. It is difficult to give a price without
inspecting the job. Each job differs from one another, and many factors come into play.
→ Size of the rooms
→ Condition of the floor.
→ Open square area, versus small confined space.
→ Dark stain, or Natural color
The tangibles and most importantly the intangibles must be determined when
comparing estimates of any home improvement project.
→ The quality of the materials and equipment used
→ The experience of the company & craftsman employed
→ Reputation of the company
→ Communication with the customer throughout the project.
→ Do you feel comfortable having this contractor in your home?
Some companies give a low ball square footage price, then charge you with additional fees for closets, saddles/thresholds, etc. Some schedule the work and don't show up, drag a project out for weeks or perhaps use day laborers. (Not skilled craftsmen)
In the end an inexpensive price may wind up costing your more money & time lost if the job has to be done over again. With any home improvement project there is always going to be some mishaps, and that occasionally includes our company as well, but we always stand behind our work and will do right by you.
We strive to be the leading contractor of wood flooring services by providing our customers with superior quality, unsurpassed service, fine craftsmanship, at a competitive price.
We have run our professional company for over 30 years with the majority of our business from satisfied repeat customers. We take pride in treating your home as if it were our own.
The Sanding
The sanding of a wood floor and the subsequent application of stains & finishes is an art not a
science. You cannot succeed by reading about it. You have to have done it before.
There are endless numbers of horror stories to drive home the point. The consumer
must insist upon the involvement of a professional with experience, reputation, and
the latest equipment available.
science. You cannot succeed by reading about it. You have to have done it before.
There are endless numbers of horror stories to drive home the point. The consumer
must insist upon the involvement of a professional with experience, reputation, and
the latest equipment available.
Have You Dreaded Refinishing Your Hardwood Floors for Fear That the Process is All About Dust?
Have you hear horror stories about toxic, solvent-based finishes driving homeowners
out of their home ? To eliminate the dust and toxic fumes from the sanding process,
Savino Brothers advanced finishing system is the most convenient, cleanest and safest
finishing process available.
out of their home ? To eliminate the dust and toxic fumes from the sanding process,
Savino Brothers advanced finishing system is the most convenient, cleanest and safest
finishing process available.
Eliminate Dust...
The innovative concept of the Atomic DCS ® system is to have a powerful vacuum engine connected to all of the sanding equipment, evacuating the airborne dust generated from the sanding process, and collecting it outside your home.
The Atomic DCS ® is the most powerful dust containment system available, reducing dust far beyond what the traditional sanding process generates
The Atomic DCS ® is the most powerful dust containment system available, reducing dust far beyond what the traditional sanding process generates
The Environmental Choice
Waterborne finishes are VOC compliant and nonflammable.
The primary difference between waterborne and solvent-based finishes is that water, not toxic solvents, is the urethane carrier. As the finish dries, the water evaporates into the air, leaving the protective urethane coating on the wood. The fast-drying formula with a non-offending odor eliminates the need to vacate the area during finishing, providing a healthier environment for the contractor and improved indoor air quality for the business or home.
The primary difference between waterborne and solvent-based finishes is that water, not toxic solvents, is the urethane carrier. As the finish dries, the water evaporates into the air, leaving the protective urethane coating on the wood. The fast-drying formula with a non-offending odor eliminates the need to vacate the area during finishing, providing a healthier environment for the contractor and improved indoor air quality for the business or home.
Waterborne Urethane Finishes
are durable hardwood floor finishes. They are non-yellowing and will not change color over time, highlighting the true beauty of the wood.
Waterborne urethanes are environmentally friendly with low VOC's. With no toxic fumes, you don't have to move out of the house during the refinishing.
Your floor can be walked on with stocking feet in two to three hours, and furniture can be placed (not dragged) in forty-eight hours. Drying times may vary. Area rugs can be put down in one week when the finished is fully cured.
Waterborne urethanes are environmentally friendly with low VOC's. With no toxic fumes, you don't have to move out of the house during the refinishing.
Your floor can be walked on with stocking feet in two to three hours, and furniture can be placed (not dragged) in forty-eight hours. Drying times may vary. Area rugs can be put down in one week when the finished is fully cured.
Bona Mega™
Features
Mega™ is a one-component waterborne 100% polyurethane finish for the surface treatment of wooden floors in commercial and residential areas subject to heavy wear. Mega™ has the performance of a two-component finish. It has all the advantages of a waterborne system.
MEGA™ Value
Mega is the finish we use most often, it offers premium performance at an affordable cost.
Excellent Durability
Fast Drying time—2-3 hours (depending on humidity levels)
Exceptional build— with excellent flow and leveling
Available in gloss, semi–gloss or satin
High resistance to wear, scuff marks and scratches
Very good chemical resistance
Natural Clear finish—will not change color over time
Mega™ is a one-component waterborne 100% polyurethane finish for the surface treatment of wooden floors in commercial and residential areas subject to heavy wear. Mega™ has the performance of a two-component finish. It has all the advantages of a waterborne system.
MEGA™ Value
Mega is the finish we use most often, it offers premium performance at an affordable cost.
Excellent Durability
Fast Drying time—2-3 hours (depending on humidity levels)
Exceptional build— with excellent flow and leveling
Available in gloss, semi–gloss or satin
High resistance to wear, scuff marks and scratches
Very good chemical resistance
Natural Clear finish—will not change color over time
Bona Traffic HD™
Features
Traffic is a two-component waterborne 100% polyurethane finish for the surface treatment of wooden floors in commercial premises where a very high resistance to wear is required. Traffic Satin provides a clear natural appearance giving “invisible protection” and the look of an oiled floor but, unlike oil, offers years of virtually maintenance-free protection. It provides lowest gloss level available. Traffic Semi-Gloss has a higher sheen level but all the other qualities of the satin version.
Bona Traffic™ is designed specifically for the unique demands of commercial and heavy-traffic residential hardwood floors. Traffic's technologically advanced waterborne formula provides the ultimate in durability, outperforming any finish in the industry—moisture cure, solvent-based, oil-modified, or other waterborne finishes.
Unprecedented Durability—outperforms moisture cure finishes without the hazardous side effects, and all the benefits of a waterborne finish
Fast Curing Rate—minimizes downtime, allowing quicker access to the floor
Fast Drying—2 to 3 hours between coats (depending on humidity levels)
Exceptional Build—with excellent flow and leveling
Natural Clear Finish—will not change color over time, highlighting the true color of the wood or stain
Oil versus water?
It’s a common misconception that waterbase finishes are not as durable as oil modified finishes.
In Taber test results, its proven that waterborne finishes withstand the wear and tear of commercial and residential floors better that oil modified finishes
Lab Testing: The Taber Abraser Grit Feed Test the most commonly accepted standard lab test for durability, evaluates the resistance of a material to abrasion. For hardwood floors, this equates to evaluating wear. The grit feeder method used in this independent study, conducted by SGS US Testing Co., in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the most accurate and gives the most realistic prediction of actual durability.
Traffic is a two-component waterborne 100% polyurethane finish for the surface treatment of wooden floors in commercial premises where a very high resistance to wear is required. Traffic Satin provides a clear natural appearance giving “invisible protection” and the look of an oiled floor but, unlike oil, offers years of virtually maintenance-free protection. It provides lowest gloss level available. Traffic Semi-Gloss has a higher sheen level but all the other qualities of the satin version.
Bona Traffic™ is designed specifically for the unique demands of commercial and heavy-traffic residential hardwood floors. Traffic's technologically advanced waterborne formula provides the ultimate in durability, outperforming any finish in the industry—moisture cure, solvent-based, oil-modified, or other waterborne finishes.
Unprecedented Durability—outperforms moisture cure finishes without the hazardous side effects, and all the benefits of a waterborne finish
Fast Curing Rate—minimizes downtime, allowing quicker access to the floor
Fast Drying—2 to 3 hours between coats (depending on humidity levels)
Exceptional Build—with excellent flow and leveling
Natural Clear Finish—will not change color over time, highlighting the true color of the wood or stain
Oil versus water?
It’s a common misconception that waterbase finishes are not as durable as oil modified finishes.
In Taber test results, its proven that waterborne finishes withstand the wear and tear of commercial and residential floors better that oil modified finishes
Lab Testing: The Taber Abraser Grit Feed Test the most commonly accepted standard lab test for durability, evaluates the resistance of a material to abrasion. For hardwood floors, this equates to evaluating wear. The grit feeder method used in this independent study, conducted by SGS US Testing Co., in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the most accurate and gives the most realistic prediction of actual durability.
What to Expect
It is important to schedule well in advance of the date you want the project to start. We book up fast, especially in the summer time. Pets must be secured from walking on the floors and allowing us to complete out work.
A wood floor should be viewed from a standing position, in normal lighting to identify any flaws. Not responsible for uneven tones in the finished floor due to the character of the wood, water, or pet urine stains, bruised wood fibers, stain from carpet padding, or any other stain that will not sand out. If rooms are painted before floors are refinished, they may need to be repainted or touched up by a painter at homeowner’s expense. We strongly recommend painting after floors have been refinished. Owner is responsible for building permits if needed.
It is the homeowner's responsibility to remove all furniture from the room before we arrive to start work. Insurance policy prevents us from moving furniture. We suggest Lynx Transportation for furniture removal. Visit them at lynxtransport.com
For new installation, the wood needs to acclimate, which will vary from a few days to a few weeks. Be prepared for some noise and disruption.
Most stains dry in a few hours (depending on humidity levels) and waterbase urethanes dry in about two hours (depending on humidity levels). Light foot traffic after the first few hours if needed, furniture can be put back in the room after forty-eight hours, and area rugs about one week.
A wood floor should be viewed from a standing position, in normal lighting to identify any flaws. Not responsible for uneven tones in the finished floor due to the character of the wood, water, or pet urine stains, bruised wood fibers, stain from carpet padding, or any other stain that will not sand out. If rooms are painted before floors are refinished, they may need to be repainted or touched up by a painter at homeowner’s expense. We strongly recommend painting after floors have been refinished. Owner is responsible for building permits if needed.
It is the homeowner's responsibility to remove all furniture from the room before we arrive to start work. Insurance policy prevents us from moving furniture. We suggest Lynx Transportation for furniture removal. Visit them at lynxtransport.com
For new installation, the wood needs to acclimate, which will vary from a few days to a few weeks. Be prepared for some noise and disruption.
Most stains dry in a few hours (depending on humidity levels) and waterbase urethanes dry in about two hours (depending on humidity levels). Light foot traffic after the first few hours if needed, furniture can be put back in the room after forty-eight hours, and area rugs about one week.
Natural Color
Your floors are sanded down to the bare wood using a course, medium, and fine sand paper. Floors are then buffed/screened, vacuumed and tacked and one coat of sealer is applied. When the sealer coat is dry, we then buff/screen, vacuum, and tack in between each additional coats of urethane to insure proper adhesion and smoothness.
Stained Color
Floors will be sanded down to the bare wood using a course, medium, and fine sand paper. Floors are then buffed/screened, vacuumed and tacked and 1 coat of stain is applied. (Several samples of stain will be applied to the floor so you may choose a color) when the stain is dry, 1 coat of sealer is applied. When the sealer coat is dry, we then buff/screen, vacuum and tack in between each additional coat of urethane to insure proper adhesion and smoothness.
Luster
Satin finish - Has some sheen, but is the least shiny. Does not show as many scuffmarks or scratches. It is the most popular.
Semi-Gloss - Has a shiny finish.
Gloss - Is the shiniest of the finishes, shows more scuffmarks, scratches, and imperfections in the floor.
Semi-Gloss - Has a shiny finish.
Gloss - Is the shiniest of the finishes, shows more scuffmarks, scratches, and imperfections in the floor.
GREENGUARD

The US Environmental Protection Agency, the American Lung Association, the World Health Organization and other public health and environmental organizations view indoor air pollution as one of the greatest risks to human health.
Bona innovations of dust containment and waterborne products have significantly reduced the health and environmental hazards of hardwood floor care. We were the first manufacturer in the industry to offer a complete hardwood floor finishing and floor care system, GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality.
Bona innovations of dust containment and waterborne products have significantly reduced the health and environmental hazards of hardwood floor care. We were the first manufacturer in the industry to offer a complete hardwood floor finishing and floor care system, GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality.
Dust Containment
The wood dust particle count with traditional sanding equipment is over 20 times the OSHA limit, resulting in an unnecessary threat to your health and an inconvenient mess for your customers.
The innovative concept of the trailer-mounted Bona Atomic Dust Containment System means having a more powerful system, providing evacuation of the airborne dust that is generated from the entire sanding process. GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality. Effective dust containment is essential for protecting your health and is a competitive advantage for your business.
The innovative concept of the trailer-mounted Bona Atomic Dust Containment System means having a more powerful system, providing evacuation of the airborne dust that is generated from the entire sanding process. GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality. Effective dust containment is essential for protecting your health and is a competitive advantage for your business.
Waterborne Finishes
Bona waterborne finishes have no toxic fumes and low VOC's so they are healthier for your family, pets, and the environment. In addition, there is no need to vacate your home during the finishing process due to fast dry times and easy water clean-up. This Swedish waterborne technology highlights the true beauty and elegance of the wood and provides the ultimate in durability. GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality.
Floor Care
Bona waterborne floor cleaners GREENGUARD Gold Certified, non-toxic and specially designed to be safe for floors, families, and the environment. In addition, Bona Microfiber Cleaning Pads are machine washable up to 300 times, saving your money and protecting the environment.
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that establishes standards and testing for indoor products. Their goal is to improve public health by helping manufacturers build safer products. These products will not pollute the air with harmful levels of dangerous chemicals or particulates.
The GREENGUARD Gold Certification
GREENGUARD Gold Certification (formerly known as GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certification) offers stricter certification criteria, considers safety factors to account for sensitive individuals (such as children and the elderly), and ensures that a product is acceptable for use in environments such as schools and healthcare facilities. It is referenced by both The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building Rating System.
The GREENGUARD Gold Certification requirements comply with the State of California's Department of Public Health Services Standard Practice for Specification Section 01350 (California Section 01350) for testing chemical emissions from building products used in schools and other environments. As such, GREENGUARD Gold Certified products can be used to earn valuable credits in the CHPS Best Practices Manual for K-12 schools, the US Green Building Council's LEED® Green Building Rating Systems, the Green Guide for Healthcare, the NAHB Green Building Guidelines, Green Globes, Regreen and many other building codes, standards and specifications.
The GREENGUARD Gold Certification requirements comply with the State of California's Department of Public Health Services Standard Practice for Specification Section 01350 (California Section 01350) for testing chemical emissions from building products used in schools and other environments. As such, GREENGUARD Gold Certified products can be used to earn valuable credits in the CHPS Best Practices Manual for K-12 schools, the US Green Building Council's LEED® Green Building Rating Systems, the Green Guide for Healthcare, the NAHB Green Building Guidelines, Green Globes, Regreen and many other building codes, standards and specifications.