CMH Flooring: What to Know About Their Refinishing Services in South Carolina
CMH Flooring offers hardwood floor refinishing across South Carolina
CMH Flooring is a South Carolina-based flooring company that specializes in hardwood floor refinishing—sanding, staining, and sealing existing wood floors to restore their appearance and durability. They operate across multiple locations in the state and handle both residential and commercial projects. If you're looking to refresh worn hardwood floors rather than replace them, CMH Flooring is one option to research in your area.
The company focuses on the refinishing process itself, which involves removing the old finish, sanding the wood surface smooth, applying stain if desired, and sealing with a protective topcoat. This approach costs less than full replacement and can extend the life of your existing floors by years.
Key Takeaways
- CMH Flooring specializes in hardwood floor refinishing, not installation or replacement, and serves residential and commercial customers across South Carolina.
- The refinishing process includes sanding, staining, and sealing—work that typically takes several days and requires the space to be vacant during and after application.
- You can contact CMH Flooring directly through their local office or website to request an in-home estimate before committing to any work.
- Refinishing costs vary based on square footage, floor condition, and whether stain is included, so getting multiple estimates helps you compare prices.
What the refinishing process involves
CMH Flooring's refinishing work begins with sanding the hardwood surface to remove the existing finish, stains, and minor surface damage. This step exposes the raw wood underneath and creates a clean base for new stain and sealer. Depending on the floor's condition, this can take one to two days for a typical residential space.
After sanding, the company applies stain if you want to change the floor's color or enhance its natural tone. Stain sits on the wood for a set time, then is wiped away, and the floor is left to dry. If you prefer to keep the natural wood color, this step can be skipped. Once the stain is dry, CMH Flooring applies a protective sealer—usually polyurethane or a similar finish—in multiple coats to protect the wood from moisture, scratches, and wear.
The entire process typically takes three to five days from start to finish, including drying time between coats. You will not be able to walk on the floors or move furniture back into the space until the final coat has fully cured, which can take up to a week depending on the sealer used.
How to get an estimate from CMH Flooring
Contact CMH Flooring directly by phone or through their website to schedule an in-home estimate. A representative will visit your property, assess the condition of your hardwood floors, measure the square footage, and discuss your preferences for color and finish. They will then provide a written estimate that breaks down labor, materials, and timeline.
Bring photos or samples of flooring you like if you want a specific stain color or finish type. Be prepared to discuss how soon you need the work done and whether you have flexibility around scheduling, since refinishing projects require the space to be empty for several days.
Factors that affect refinishing cost
The cost of hardwood floor refinishing depends on several variables. Square footage is the primary driver—larger spaces cost more in total labor and materials. The condition of your existing floor also matters: floors with deep scratches, stains, or uneven surfaces may require extra sanding time, which increases the price.
Whether you add stain affects the cost as well. A natural finish (no stain) is typically less expensive than a stained finish because it skips a step and uses fewer materials. The type of sealer you choose—standard polyurethane, water-based, or oil-based—can also vary in price. Getting estimates from multiple refinishing companies, including CMH Flooring, allows you to compare pricing and services side by side.
Questions to ask before hiring
Ask CMH Flooring about their warranty on the refinishing work and what it covers. Find out whether they move furniture as part of the service or if you need to clear the space yourself. Clarify the timeline: when they will start, how many days the work will take, and when you can return to normal use of the floors.
Ask about their dust containment methods, since sanding creates fine wood dust that can spread throughout a home if not managed properly. Request references from recent projects so you can see examples of their work and hear from other customers about their experience. Confirm whether the estimate includes cleanup and disposal of old finish and sanding debris.
Preparing your home for refinishing
Before CMH Flooring arrives, remove all furniture, rugs, and personal items from the rooms being refinished. Close doors to adjacent rooms to contain dust and fumes. If you have pets, arrange for them to stay elsewhere during the work and for several days after, since the fumes from sealers can be strong and the wet finish is not safe for animals to walk on.
Ensure the space is well-ventilated by opening windows if weather permits. Turn off HVAC systems or set them to recirculate mode only, since the sanding and sealing process generates dust and odors that you do not want spreading through your home. Ask CMH Flooring whether you should stay out of the house during work or if it is safe to remain in other areas.
Hardwood floor maintenance after refinishing
Once your floors are refinished, proper care extends the life of the new finish. Avoid walking on the floors or placing heavy furniture back for at least a week after the final coat is applied, even if they feel dry to the touch. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent water damage, and use a damp (not wet) mop for regular cleaning.
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can damage the sealer. Most refinished hardwood floors last five to ten years before they need refinishing again, depending on foot traffic and how well they are maintained. CMH Flooring or another refinishing company can handle that work when the time comes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hardwood floor refinishing take?
The full process typically takes three to five days from start to finish, including sanding, staining (if chosen), and sealing with multiple coats. Drying time between coats adds to the overall timeline. You should plan for the space to be unusable for at least a week to allow the final coat to fully cure.
Can CMH Flooring refinish floors that have water damage or deep stains?
Refinishing can address surface stains and minor water damage by sanding them away. Severe water damage or rot may require floor replacement instead. CMH Flooring can assess your floors during an estimate and let you know whether refinishing is a viable option or if replacement is necessary.
What is the difference between water-based and oil-based sealer?
Water-based sealers dry faster, have less odor, and are easier to clean up, but may show wear sooner in high-traffic areas. Oil-based sealers take longer to dry and have a stronger smell, but typically provide a harder, longer-lasting finish. CMH Flooring can recommend which type suits your situation and budget.
Do I need to move out of my house during refinishing?
You do not have to leave entirely, but you should stay out of the refinished rooms and keep doors closed to contain dust and fumes. If you have young children or pets, it is often easier to stay elsewhere for the duration of the work and for a few days after to avoid exposure to sanding dust and sealer fumes.
How often do hardwood floors need to be refinished?
Most refinished hardwood floors last five to ten years before needing refinishing again, depending on foot traffic and maintenance. High-traffic areas may show wear sooner. Regular cleaning and prompt spill cleanup help extend the life of the finish between refinishing projects.