The floors were refinished about 10 years ago and already look dull — is that normal lifespan?

Ten years is on the shorter side for a floor refinish to look dull, but it's not uncommon depending on traffic and maintenance. A properly applied polyurethane finish should typically last 7-15 years before needing attention, so you're right in that middle range.

Several factors affect how long a refinished floor maintains its appearance. High-traffic areas like entryways, kitchens, and hallways naturally show wear faster than bedrooms or formal dining rooms. The type of finish used also matters - oil-based polyurethane generally lasts longer than water-based, though water-based has improved significantly in recent years. The number of coats applied during refinishing is crucial too - a proper job should include at least 2-3 finish coats, with some contractors applying up to 4 coats in high-traffic areas.

Your maintenance routine over the past decade plays a huge role in the current appearance. Using harsh cleaners, steam mops, or wet mopping can break down the finish prematurely. Even something as simple as not using furniture pads or tracking in sand and grit can cause the protective coating to wear through faster. Pet nails, high heels, and heavy furniture movement without protection all contribute to finish deterioration.

The good news is that dull floors don't always need a full refinish. If the wood itself isn't damaged and you're just dealing with a worn finish, a buff and recoat might be all you need. This process involves lightly abrading the existing finish and applying fresh topcoats, typically costing $1.50-$3 per square foot in the Ottawa market - much less than a full sand and refinish at $3-$6 per square foot.

Before deciding on your next step, have the floors professionally evaluated. A licensed flooring contractor can determine whether the wear has gone through to the wood or if it's just surface-level finish deterioration. They can also identify any moisture issues or subfloor problems that might have contributed to premature wear. For a professional assessment of your floors and refinishing options, request a consultation from Ottawa Floor Install.

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