There are old pet stains in a few spots — can refinishing remove both the marks and the smell?

Pet stains can often be removed through refinishing, but success depends on how deep the urine has penetrated into the wood. Surface stains and light odors typically sand out completely, while deep penetration may require board replacement.

Surface-level pet stains that haven't soaked through the finish are usually eliminated during the sanding process. The dustless sanding equipment removes the top layer of wood along with the stained finish, revealing fresh wood underneath. Most pet odors at this level disappear once the contaminated wood fibers are removed.

Deep urine stains that have penetrated through the finish and into the wood grain are more challenging. If the stain has reached the subfloor, sanding alone won't eliminate the odor source. Professional refinishers can assess the depth by examining the wood after initial sanding passes. Dark black stains that go deep into the grain often indicate the need for board replacement in those specific areas.

Ottawa's humidity levels can actually help during the refinishing process, as proper moisture content in the wood allows for better stain removal. However, any subfloor contamination needs addressing before refinishing begins. Professional contractors will check moisture levels and may recommend subfloor sealing or replacement if urine has soaked through.

The refinishing process includes applying fresh stain and finish that creates a moisture barrier, preventing future pet accidents from penetrating as easily. Oil-based finishes tend to provide better odor blocking than water-based options, though both work well over properly prepared wood.

Before starting refinishing, have a flooring professional assess the affected areas. They can determine if spot board replacement is needed or if full refinishing will solve both the visual and odor issues. For a free assessment of your pet-stained floors, request a consultation from Ottawa Floor Install.