hardwood floor refinishing/bad job

[bryguy]

recently had my hardwood floors sanded and finished with 3 coats of poly. There is a noticeable shade difference between the perimeter and the center of the floor. The perimeter is a shade lighter. I know that a different sander was used for the perimeter. In my opinion, this should not have happened. The contractor is blaming this partially on the age of the floors. (37 years)

Should this have happened? Is this a bad job? Is there anything he can do now to fix this?

[Rich]

I would say it would be because the different sander used either had different sandpaper or a completely different grit. You'll see it sometimes even with a random orbital versus a regular palm sander - because of the different action. I'm not a floor finisher - but IMO it should not have happened. As far as fixing the floor - I would imagine it's redoing the whole thing.

[bryguy]

I would say it would be because the different sander used either had different sandpaper or a completely different grit. You'll see it sometimes even with a random orbital versus a regular palm sander - because of the different action. I'm not a floor finisher - but IMO it should not have happened. As far as fixing the floor - I would imagine it's redoing the whole thing.

Does everyone agree/disagree with Rich?

[ITE]

I agree with Rich, and unfortunately, it sounds like a do-over

[Cole]

Does everyone agree/disagree with Rich?
I agree.

I have refinished hardwood floors and you are not supposed to be able to see a different change in color.

[11chaos]

Sounds like the Contractor is giving you the business. Did he have a portfolio?