Serving Historic Homes Throughout Lawrence | Mr. Sandman

Call (603) 881-9367

Working with Older Housing Stock

Nearly half of Lawrence’s housing was built before 1939. These older homes—Victorians in Mount Vernon, colonials in Tower Hill, multi-families throughout the city—often have original hardwood floors that have survived decades of use.

Older floors present specific challenges. Finish buildup from multiple refinishing cycles. Uneven wear patterns. Sometimes damage from past renovations or neglect. We assess thickness carefully before sanding because floors that have been refinished many times have less material remaining.

If your Lawrence home has original floors from the 1920s or 1930s, we examine them thoroughly, explain what’s possible, and provide honest guidance about whether refinishing makes sense or if sections need replacement.

The Work

Sanding removes old finish and surface damage down to bare wood. Multiple passes with progressively finer grits create a smooth surface ready for urethane. Three coats of finish provide protection and durability.

You choose latex-based urethane (dries quickly, minimal odor) or oil-based urethane (traditional finish, longer cure time). You also choose between satin finish (contemporary, hides minor imperfections) or gloss finish (traditional shine, shows everything).

Most Lawrence jobs complete in three days. We protect your home during the process, minimize dust with containment equipment, and clean thoroughly after each day.

Where We Work in Lawrence

• Mount Vernon and Colonial Heights
• Tower Hill and Prospect Hill
• North Lawrence and South Lawrence
• Arlington and North Common
• Downtown Lawrence

We refinish hardwood floors throughout Lawrence—historic homes, multi-family properties, single-family residences. Every neighborhood. Every floor type. Every condition.

Common Lawrence Floor Issues

• Water damage near entries or around old radiators
• Uneven wear where finish has worn through in high-traffic areas
• Scratches and gouges from decades of use
• Dark stains from pet accidents or water exposure
• Gaps between boards from seasonal humidity changes

Most surface damage can be removed through sanding. Deep stains or structural issues require different solutions, which we discuss during the estimate.

What to Expect

Call (603) 881-9367 to schedule an assessment. We visit your Lawrence home, examine your floors, answer questions, and provide a written estimate.

If you proceed, rooms must be empty before we begin. We complete the sanding and finishing work over three days, then provide instructions for curing and maintenance.

Over 40 years refinishing hardwood floors in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Consistent work. Fair pricing. Reliable completion.