Refinishing wood flooring gives a longer life and new shine in your house. But at the same time the whole process will affect your daily life, therefore it’s a natural question one would wonder about how long will it take to complete the furnishing process. And thus, it is important to have a clear idea about the duration of the whole refinishing process.
Here in this article, we are going to answer this question practically to help you plan your refinishing of the floor.
What are the factors affecting the duration of Wood Floor Refinishing?
There are several elements that would be affecting the total timeline of your refinishing project, if we consider these factors carefully, we can reach an expected duration for the whole project itself.
Once you understand these factors you can make a realistic expectation for the timeline of your project. What will be a smart decision is hiring a professional like wood floor refinishing services, they will be helpful in streamlining the process and ensure you receive quality results.
Experts always work in steps and order. They assess your floor type, existing finish, and necessary repairs and then only determine the most efficient approach.
Now let’s discuss the factors in brief:
1. Type of Wood
Firstly, what decides your timing factor is the type of wood that has been used for your flooring. If wood like oak or hickory has been used the process will be longer as these woods have higher density. While if your floors are made from a particularly softer wood, the sanding process would be faster, reducing the overall duration of the whole project.
2. Condition of the Floors
What’s the current condition of your existing floor? It’s obvious that when your floors are heavily scratched and damaged it will demand more extensive sanding and preparation. Additionally, your floor may also require some repairs such as replacing damaged boards or filling gaps, which will add more time to the project. While vice versa will reduce the timing.
3. Refinishing Method
What’s the method your team has chosen? In traditional methods of refinishing which involves sanding down of the old finish takes comparatively longer time, also considering the area of work as a factor. While there are options available like “screen and recoat” which consumes less time than a full refinishing.
The Step-by-Step Process of Wood Floor Refinishing
To better understand the timeframe, it’s essential to know the various steps involved in the refinishing process. Each step has its specific duration and contributes to the overall timeline.
- Step 1: Assessment and Preparation
- Step 2: Sanding
- Step 3: Staining and Finishing
- Step 4: Final Touches
Average Time Frames for Different Floor Refinishing Projects
Here we have a chart that talks about average time consumed in various situations and dimensions. This will provide you with a general guideline for your expectations.
| Project Type | Estimated Duration |
| Small Room (e.g., bedroom) | 1–3 days |
| Medium Room (e.g., living room) | 2–4 days |
| Large Room (e.g., open concept) | 4–7 days |
| Whole House (1,500-2,500 sq. ft.) | 1–2 weeks |
| Screen and Re-coat | 1–2 days |
These timeframes can fluctuate based on the factors discussed earlier.
What are the preparations that you need for your wood floor refinishing?
If you have done some preparations prior to beginning of the project, disruptions to your daily life can be minimized and the work can be done in a more efficient manner.
1. Moving your Furniture
Make sure to clear your furniture area before the refinishing team arrives. That means not only the heavy wooden furniture but also rugs, curtains, and any items on the floor. It is advised to store these items in a safe location, such as a garage or another room, to prevent damage during the refinishing process.
2. Secure Pets and Children
Refinishing work will create lots of dust, noise, and chemicals which will be harmful to pets and children. Ensure that your furry friends are kept in a secure area away from the work zone. Also, it will save you from any possible chaos during the work.
3. Discuss Expectations with Your Contractor
Before the project starts, you must discuss and get a clear picture about the timeline and any specific concerns arising in your mind. Discuss every possible detail, types of finishes, stains to be used and the expected drying times. You know Research highlights that effective communication and planning in wood floor refinishing can lead to better production yield and improved final product quality.
When is the Best Time to Schedule Wood Floor Refinishing?
- Spring and Fall
- Off-Peak Seasons
- Avoiding Holidays and Special Events
Plan the refinishing in your home wisely so that you can pass through the process smoothly giving yourself a home with a shining rejuvenated floor.
Also Read:
