Before starting on a full refinishing project, determine if your floors need to be completely sanded down to the bare wood or if the damage is shallow and mostly cosmetic. Deep scratches and gouges will require you to rough sand using a drum sander or belt sander, but small surface scratches or floors that have only lost their luster don’t need a complete overhaul. Instead, you can skip the rough sanding step and sand-screen the old finish with a buffer, removing only the top layer of polyurethane.

Professionals use various tools and cleaning solutions based on the type of floor they’re cleaning. They often use industrial steam cleaners to pull debris out of the carpet. For localized stains, they may use a commercial cleaner or a mixture of water, vinegar, and dish soap. For tile, they’ll typically use dish soap and hot water, plus a mixture of baking soda and hot water for the grout. For cleaning wood floors, they might use a low-heat steamer, a mop with an oil wood floor cleaner, or a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and lemon juice.

Regular vacuuming, deep cleaning, and prompt stain removal help maintain appearance and durability.

Commonly used in garages, epoxy is a synthetic resin coating that goes over the top of concrete surfaces. If you’re deciding between polished concrete and epoxy flooring, the best choice depends on your needs and personal preference. Epoxy is durable and highly customizable, while polished concrete tends to require less maintenance. They’re both long-lasting with similar price points, and professional installation is recommended for each.