I've stained before, but I've never refinished. I worked in retail hardware for 18 years (I'm a nurse now), so I know the tools of the trade, but haven't used them all... yet!
I'll have to think this thru. Not sure I want to put that much sweat into it while the kids are still growing. Besides that, my work area is the garage and it is slightly above zero outside now. brrrr! I have until Spring to mull this one over I think!