A wood floor is one of the nicest features in a home because of its good looks and durable surface. When there are surface scratches and the wood has lost its sheen, consider restoring it. You can do this without actually refinishing the floor by using a wood floor restoration system called Renewal by Varathane. You still have to remove all the rugs and furnishings in the room, which can be the most daunting task of the project, but Renewal eliminates the sanding process.

It's a three-part process that chemically sands the floor and creates a receptive surface that bonds the underlying finish to the new topcoat. A floor refinisher will charge $138 to restore a 10-by-12 foot floor using a sandless system. You can do it yourself for $75, the cost of the product, and save 46 percent.

It's a good day's job from start to finish. You can walk on the floor 24 hours later, but it's not ready for normal use until a few days later. The system includes solutions, wood finish, a scrubbing and lambswool pad, and an applicator block. You need a threaded broom handle, roller pan, measuring cup and rags. If there's a coat of wax on the floor, remove it with mineral spirits before the application.

To revitalize the shine of a polyurethane-finish floor without having to sand it use Hardwood Floor Reviver by Minwax.