Our home was built in 2003 (acquired by us in 2010) with 2 1/4 red oak natural finished planks (I hate hate hate them). Its scratched up and faded in places. We are in between refinishing and replacing. Replacing becomes a big issue because the flooring is installed under the cabinets. Is there a work around to this?? Can you just cut them off at the cabinet base and fill gap with quarter round? Other ideas?

Undercut saw, angle grinder, or oscillating multi tool to cut flooring off under the cabinets so you can slip the new floor under......new floor same thickness as current? This method would give a cleaner look but you could use the shoe molding if you're ok with that look.