Hardwood Floor Refinishing Frequently Asked Questions

The timeline for refinishing floors can vary depending on several project-specific factors. These factors include the size of the area to be refinished, the chosen finish (polyurethane type), the number of coats applied, the type of wood, any necessary repairs prior to refinishing, and even the prevailing humidity levels.  

Homeowners often prefer oil-based polyurethane for its durability and extended lifespan, although it does require more time to complete, around 3-5 days plus drying time. On the other hand, water-based polyurethane is quicker to apply and can be completed in about 2 days plus drying time.

Once the refinishing is complete, allowing for some drying time is crucial. It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours before walking on the floors, although waiting 24-48 hours is even better. During this period, it's important to avoid wearing shoes or going barefoot. Instead, everyone in the household should wear socks. Ideally, it is advisable to wait around 4 days before returning furniture to the refinished floors, ensuring sufficient time for the floors to fully dry and cure.

If you have pets, it's advisable to keep them off the newly refinished floors for approximately 2 weeks after the finish has been applied. However, if you can't stand the thought of being separated from your beloved pets for such an extended period (and we completely understand!), there are alternative options. Some dogs may adapt well to wearing doggie socks, which would allow them to return home with you. Another option is to temporarily house your pets in areas of the house that were not refinished, such as the basement or rooms with carpeting or tile.

It is essential to remove the furniture to ensure that the entire floor to be refinished is accessible, and you have a few options for doing this. Homeowners often choose to relocate their furniture to other rooms, the garage, or the basement during the refinishing process. Some of our customers opt for renting temporary storage pods to keep their furniture nearby but outside of the home when other areas of the house are not suitable for temporary storage.

The durability of the refinishing can vary based on factors such as the type of polyurethane used, the level of wear and tear in your household, and the maintenance and cleaning practices employed. As a general guideline, you can expect the new finish to last between 7 to 10 years before requiring another round of refinishing.

Our primary aim is to preserve as much of your wooden floors as possible so that they can be refinished again in the future. If you have deep scratches, we might recommend to replace the damaged planks instead of excessively sanding the wood. Excessive sanding can diminish the overall thickness of the floor. Typically, hardwood floors can undergo refinishing approximately 3-5 times during their lifespan. Therefore, preserving as much wood as possible ensures that your floors can serve you and your family for many years to come.

See our Hardwood Floor Repairs page for more information.