Common Questions
Common Hardwood Floor Questions in Grants Pass, Oregon
Hardwood floor questions in Grants Pass usually come down to one choice: recoat, refinish, repair or replace. Imel and Sons Hardwood Floors has helped Rogue Valley homeowners make that call for more than 43 years.
Recoating and Refinishing
Recoat vs Refinish Hardwood Floors: Which One Fits Your Floor
Most floors that look tired only need a fresh coat of finish. Knowing how often to recoat hardwood floors, and when a floor has worn past that point, can spare you the time and cost of a full sand-down.
Recoat or refinish? Mike checks this in person before recommending either.
Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Call (541) 479-7919What is the difference between recoating and refinishing?
Recoating cleans and lightly abrades the existing finish, then adds a new protective coat on top, so the wood itself is never sanded. Refinishing sands the floor to bare wood and builds it back up with stain and fresh coats. Recoating suits floors that are dull but intact. Our hardwood floor recoating and hardwood floor refinishing pages explain each process.
Can my floor be recoated, or does it need a full sand-down?
A floor can usually be recoated when the finish is worn or dull but the wood underneath is not exposed, stained deep or badly scratched. Imel and Sons recoats hand-scraped, site-finished, prefinished and antique floors. If wear has reached bare wood, a recoat will not bond evenly and refinishing is the better choice. Mike checks this in person before recommending either.
How often should hardwood floors be recoated?
There is no fixed calendar, because foot traffic, pets and sunlight wear finish at different rates. The right time is when the sheen looks dull or traffic lanes appear, but before the finish wears through to bare wood. Recoating at that stage keeps the boards protected and pushes a full refinish years further out. A quick inspection tells you whether your floor is ready.
What does the Bona Traffic HD system do for a recoat?
Bona Traffic HD is the finish system Imel and Sons uses for recoating. The preparation lifts contaminants, waxes and oils from the old finish so the new coat adheres properly, and the finish restores a protective sheen without sanding the floor down. It suits busy homes as well as commercial hardwood floor recoating for shops and offices.
Installation and Laminate Questions
Should I choose solid or engineered hardwood?
Solid hardwood is milled from one piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished many times over its life. Engineered hardwood has a real wood top layer over a stable core, which makes it a strong choice where moisture or temperature swings are a concern. Imel and Sons installs both. Read more about engineered hardwood installation and how it compares.
What is the difference between prefinished and site-finished hardwood?
Prefinished boards arrive with the stain and finish already applied at the factory, so the floor is ready soon after it is laid. Site-finished boards are installed raw, then sanded, stained and finished in your home, which allows a custom color and a smooth, uniform surface. Imel and Sons handles both types of hardwood floor installation.
Is laminate a good alternative to hardwood?
Laminate gives you the look of wood at a more affordable price point. Its wear layer resists moisture and everyday scuffs, and it needs little upkeep beyond regular cleaning. It installs over a level, clean and dry subfloor. Laminate cannot be sanded and refinished like hardwood, so it suits rooms where budget matters most. Learn more about laminate flooring installation.
Floors the crew installs
- Solid hardwood
- Engineered hardwood
- Prefinished or site-finished
- Laminate flooring
Hardwood Floor Care Tips and Repair Questions
What makes a hardwood floor squeak?
Squeaks usually come from boards or subfloor that have loosened over time and rub against each other or against fasteners as you walk. Seasonal changes in humidity can make the movement worse. A squeak is rarely a reason to replace a floor; the loose area can usually be secured from above or below. Our squeaky floor repair service explains the options.
How can I keep my hardwood floor looking good between visits?
Sweep or dust-mop often, since grit acts like sandpaper underfoot. Wipe up spills quickly, put felt pads under furniture legs, and use mats at entry doors. Avoid wet mopping and wax or oil products, which build residue that can block a future recoat. When cupping or warping appears after a leak, call soon about water damaged hardwood floor repair before the damage spreads.
Can a damaged section be fixed without replacing the whole floor?
Usually, yes. Squeaks, warping, cracks, splinters, stains and damaged boards can often be repaired in place, and new boards can be blended into the existing floor so the patch disappears. Matching species, width and finish is the careful part, and it is something Mike has done on floors he installed years earlier. Our hardwood floor repair work starts with an in-person look.
Hours and Service Area
Scheduling, Hours and Travel: Hardwood Floor Questions for Grants Pass and Beyond
What are your business hours?
The Imel and Sons Hardwood Floors office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed Saturday and Sunday. Call (541) 479-7919 during those hours to ask a question or set up a visit. You can also send a request through our contact page at any time, and we will reach out during business hours to follow up.
Which towns does Imel and Sons serve?
Imel and Sons Hardwood Floors is based in Grants Pass and works throughout Josephine County, Jackson County and the surrounding Rogue Valley. That includes Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland, Eagle Point and Merlin, along with homes and businesses between them. See our Rogue Valley service areas for each town, or call to confirm whether your address is on the route.
How do I get a free estimate?
Call the office at (541) 479-7919 or send a request through the free hardwood floor estimate form. Tell us what the floor looks like now and what you want it to become. Mike then arranges a time to see the floor in person, explains the pros and cons of each option, and gives you a free, no-obligation quote before any work is scheduled.
Still Wondering
Ask Mike About Your Own Floor
Every floor has its own history, and the best answer often comes from seeing it in person. Whether you are wondering how often to recoat hardwood floors in a busy home or whether old boards can be saved, Mike can tell you on site. Call the office or request a visit, and Mike will tell you plainly whether your floor needs a recoat, a refinish or a repair.
Any time
Send a Request
Tell us about your floor and the team will reach out to set up a free estimate.
- A free estimate visit and a clear quote
- The pros and cons of each option, explained