The amount of time needed, from start to end, to refinish hardwood floors is a common question homeowners tend to ask their friends, the Reddit community, or flooring professionals before buying new floors. Floor refinishing can vary in duration, but a standard 3-4 days is the typical timeframe for a 1,000 square foot job. The time that is actually needed depends on some factors like your home layout, as we will explore in this blog post.
We'll cover the distinctions between oil- and water-based polyurethane finishes. Also how floor size and humidity change drying times. Finally, the sanding processes, wood species, and polyurethane curing periods slow things down as well. At the end of this article, you will know how much time is needed for floor refinishing on your wood floor project. A free consultation from a local flooring contractor can give you a pretty good estimate if you want to take the guesswork out of it. We want you be safe and keep your home healthy if you plan to DIY and sand your floors on your own. I wish a few customers did more research about this topic before they refinished their hardwood floors and a year later found they needed to replace it.
Table of Contents:
- How Long Does It Take to Refinish A Hardwood Floor
- Choosing Between Oil-Based and Water-Based Finishes
- Professional Sanding Process & Timeline
- Post-Refinishing Care & Waiting Periods
- FAQs in Relation to Refinishing Wood Flooring and How Long Does it Take From Start to Finish
- Conclusion
How Long Does It Take to Refinish A Hardwood Floor
This Old House provides more details about professional hardwood finishing techniques and timelines. The time required for finishing hardwood floors depends on many factors, including the type of finish used, the size of the area, humidity changes, or species of wood. Also, any prep work needed such as repair or furniture removal does add to the final timeline. Understanding these factors will help you plan your hardwood project more effectively.
Type of Finish: Oil-Based vs Water-Based Polyurethane
Oil based polyurethane coatings are generally preferred due to their durability and appearance. However, oil based polyurethane takes longer to dry compared to water based polyurethane. On average, oil-based polyurethane takes 24 hours per coat for proper drying before applying another coat or walking on the hardwood floors. This means that a typical three-coat application may take up to 72 hours for complete curing In contrast, water based polyurethane finishes have faster drying times. These are usually around 4-6 hours per coat. But they may not provide the same level of protection and aesthetic appeal as their oil-based counterparts. It's essential to consider these differences when planning the finishing timeline for your floors. Water-based polys are also available in premium finishes, offering the addition of aluminum oxide. Consider Traffic fro Bona, or one of the high end products from Last n Last.
Size of the Area Being Refinished
The larger the area of hardwood flooring that you need to sand and recoat, the longer it will take overall. Most flooring professionals can sand up to 1000 sq ft of hardwood floors per day, so larger areas may add on extra days for completion. If you have a large home with four to six rooms that need redone, it can be a time-consuming process to sand the floors, with more wall space adding more time. The stain application and dry time will vary based on a larger home floor as well.
Weather Conditions Affecting Wood Flooring Drying Times
Humidity plays a significant role in the drying time of the polyurethane. In high humidity, it will take longer for each coat to dry. This can add extra days to your timeline if you do live in an area with high humidity. I cannot tell you how many times that a customer was in a hurry for us to finish their hardwood but the poly would still be wet when we arrived in the morning to add another coat. This is almost always due to high humidity outside the home, and mostly on new construction homes that do not have HVAC. If your house has air conditioning you have much more control over this part of your time frame. Getting the water out of the air will insure a more speedy cure of your polyurethane. It will also help to get rid of the smell.
The Effort It Takes To Sand Wood Floors
Sanding hardwood flooring is no easy task. While the work is physically demanding, there are other considerations. This blog only helps you to understand how long it will take to redo a polyurethane floor in your home. The skills needed to complete this task to your satisfaction will need to be discovered elsewhere. A sand and finish professional is typically someone that has worked on floors for many years. We do not sand floors anymore but at one time had a full-time crew just to sand and refinish flooring. Refinishing hardwood floors is not a task for the inexperienced; one mistake on a hardwood project and you may leave a depression or gouge in the wood that simply cannot be removed. A few mistakes like that will make a fellow go to work in a carpet or vinyl job!
Another roadblock is renting good equipment. In the past we had to rent equipment when our sander broke, and getting quality equipment was a chore. Many of the offerings that we found were worn out.
Am I saying that you shouldn't do it? Absolutely not. To refinish hardwood into a floor that gives you joy is a rewarding experience when it goes well. But definitely consider hiring a professionals.
Species of Wood Requiring Special Attention
Certain species of hardwood, such as pine and maple, may add extra steps during the sand and refinishing process. These species may need a coat of pre-conditioner before staining. Or an extra coat of stain to achieve the desired color depth. The time-frame for revitalizing a hardwood floor will vary, based on the finish type and the project area size. The climate conditions and wood species play a part as well. The oil or water based polyurethane is key to the time frame as well.
Choosing Between Oil-Based and Water-Based Finishes
When redoing your floors, it's essential to choose an appropriate poly that complements your flooring material. Oil-based polyurethane coatings are preferred by many due to their durability and appearance. However, they take longer to dry compared to water-based polyurethane finishes. Despite being less expensive than water-based alternatives, oil-based finishes generally last longer.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Oil-Based Polyurethane
- Durability: Oil-based polyurethane takes longer to dry but offers a more durable wearlayer that can withstand daily wear and tear better than its water-based counterpart. On the other hand, using a water-based polyurethane gives you the option of using one of the premium finishes that contain aluminum oxide. While these coatings cost more they will add many years to the lifetime of your new finish.
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Aesthetics: Many people prefer the look of oil-based poly because it provides richer color and smoother texture on wood floors. Keep in mind that an oil-based finish will cause your floor to darken a bit, as well as take on a warmish tone. Water-based poly will not do this.
- Cost: In general, oil-based poly is less expensive than water-based products, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Drying Time: The downside of using oil-based products is the extended dry time between coats. Additionally, there will be more smell from fumes.
Pros and Cons of Using Water-Based Polyurethane
- Eco-friendly Option: If you're looking for an environmentally friendly option, a water-based finish has lower VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than oil-based products. And it will have less smell.
- Quick Drying Time: Water-based polyurethane will dry faster than its oil-based counterpart, allowing you to apply multiple coats in a shorter time frame and move furniture back sooner.
- Maintenance: Water-based polys are easier to clean and maintain over time compared to oil-based options.
- Cost & Durability: The main drawback of water-based poly is that it's typically more expensive and may not be as durable or long-lasting as an oil-based coating.
- More Ture Coloration From Stain: Using an oil-based poly on your floors will cause the stain to appear more dark, and possibly add a warm tint. Apply stain and a small amount of finish to a piece of your flooring before you start your project if you feel it is necessary.
In order to make the best decision for your hardwood floors, consider factors such as drying time, durability, and product selection. Consult with a flooring professional to get specific about your project. Professional sanding processes involve specialized equipment that must be used correctly to get a smooth wearlayer.
Professional Sanding Process & Timeline
The process of redoing hardwood floors involves sanding up to 3 different passes for complete coverage. Most flooring professionals can sand around 1000 sq ft per day with a rough pass, edge pass, and trim pass. Therefore, larger floor areas may add extra days for completion. If you have pine or hard maple floors they can require more time and attention.
Sanding Equipment Used by Professionals
Flooring professionals use a variety of equipment to achieve the best results when working on your wood floor. Some common floor tools include a drum sander, orbital sanders, and edgers. Drum sanders are powerful machines that remove old finishes quickly but require skillful handling to avoid damaging the wood surface.A drum sander is necessary to sand hardwood. Orbital sanders provide a much slower, but gentler approach suitable for DIY enthusiasts. Edgers are essential for reaching tight corners and edges that other sanders cannot reach.
How Different Floor Types Affect Sanding Timelines
- Pine: Pine is a softwood that requires special care during the wood finishing process because it can dents and scratch easily. It often needs an additional coat of stain or a conditioner applied beforehand that will prolong the project timeline.
- Hard Maple: Hard Maple floors require more time to redo because they are denser than other woods like oak or cherry, which makes it harder to penetrate with sandpaper.
- Herringbone & Parquet: These intricate patterns require more attention and precision during the sanding process adding extra time to complete the task of finishing the floor.
Take the wood sanding time into account when planning to redo a floor. Accurate sanding is a must when restoring floors to their former glory, and it needs to be done with precision for an optimal outcome. To properly maintain your newly redone floor, it's important to understand the post-refinishing care & waiting periods that come after the sanding process is completed.
Post Refinishing Hardwood Care & Waiting Periods
After completing the process of sanding hardwood floors, it is time to add the stain and wait. Wait at least 24 hours before walking on your newly stained floors and four days before moving furnishings back onto it. This waiting period ensures proper curing of the urethane applied during the process, allowing your floors to maintain their longevity and appearance over time.
Importance of Waiting Periods for Walking on Refinished Floors
Oil-based poly needs more time to dry than water-based, however, this extra period of waiting allows for a stronger and longer-lasting finish. Walking too soon on freshly coated floors can lead to scuffs or an uneven color that may require additional touch-ups or even re-sanding in some cases. One of the reasons for the longer drying times is that some boards can dry slower because they are more dense. A quartersawn board may take longer because of its higher density.
Tips for Moving Furniture Back Without Damaging the New Finish
- Wait Patiently: Resist the urge to move things back immediately after applying 3 coats of either oil-based or water-based polyurethane.
- Felt Pads: Make sure you use felt pads under heavy items like sofas or tables. These pads will help prevent scratches or damage to your newly finished wood floor.
- Lift Instead of Dragging: When moving larger pieces like dressers or entertainment centers lift them off the ground instead of pushing them back into place.
- Use a Dolly: For extremely heavy items, consider using a furniture dolly to help distribute weight evenly and reduce the likelihood of damaging your new surface.
In addition to these precautions, it's essential to maintain proper care for your floor after it is refinished. Check out our guide on cleaning hardwood floors for more information on maintaining your investment. Frequently asked questions about redoing floors are listed below.
FAQs in Relation to Refinishing Wood Flooring and How Long Does it Take From Start to Finish
How long does it take professionals to refinish hardwood floors?
Professionals typically require 3-6 days for redoing your hardwood floor, depending on the size of the floor and weather conditions. This includes sanding, applying multiple coats of polyurethane, and drying time between each. This Old House provides more details about professional restoration timelines.
How long do you have to stay off hardwood floors after refinishing?
After applying the new poly on your hardwood floors, wait at least 24 hours before walking on them with socks or soft-soled shoes. For furniture placement and normal foot traffic, allow a minimum of 48 hours for oil-based polyurethane and 72 hours for water-based. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for specific curing times.
Can I refinish hardwood floors one room at a time?
Yes, you can renew the wearlayer on your waterproof hardwood flooring one room at a time by isolating each area during the process using plastic sheeting or drop cloths. This approach allows you to maintain access to other rooms and minimize disruption in your living space. However, it will prolong the overall project duration.
Should I Attempt This Task On My Own?
There are many reasons that might make a homeowner want to sand their floors themselves, with cost certainly leading the pack. Getting your hardwood floors refinished is certainly not rocket science. The part that requires skill is when you sand the existing floors. Do you need to sand it deep to cut out dents and gouges? Or do you just want to scuff the existing surface so that the new layer of poly will stick? This second option requires little skill, but using a sander is not so easy. Many times I have started the buffer and quickly lost control. While a sander will move more slowly, it bites much harder. Any damage caused by a sander will be difficult to repair completely. In my opinion, this decision should be made not only on the economic needs, but on your expectations of the quality of the finished flooring. If you want the floor to be great you should probably consider hiring professionals. The floor condition will also come into play, as a floor with gouges and deep scratches, or even a smell, will require more skill.
Conclusion
You can see why the question of time can vary dramatically! Refinishing solid hardwood floors or even engineered hardwood flooring is an involved job that necessitates meticulous pre-planning and implementation. Factors such as the choice of finish, floor size, wood type, and humidity can slow it down. The curing period is overlooked when estimating how time is needed to redo wood floors as well.
If you want your hardwood floors refinished but aren't sure where to start or how long it will take, check out a local flooring company to get a realistic timeline. If you'd rather not wait on the refinishing process and have professional flooring installers do the work we can furnish a new hardwood floor art a similar cost. Our experienced team of flooring professionals can help you create a stunning space in your home without breaking the bank. Ready to put wood in your home? Do the floors in your house need help? Do you need to save money on your flooring purchase? Visit ReallyCheapFloors.com Product Catalog today to learn how to find the best flooring for your home along with other helpful resources!
