Refinishing the hardwood floors in your house is a terrific method. That is used to update their appearance and increase their market value. Yet, many homeowners hesitate to start the process because they need to know how long it will take. Everything about the timeline for Long Does It Take to Refinish Hardwood Floors discusses in this post. Including how long it takes and factors affecting the timeline. And also explain, how to prepare for the process.
Factors Affecting Refinishing Timeline
Size of the Area
Elements influencing the timetable are the region’s size that must finish. Smaller rooms or areas will take less time than larger ones. Additionally, if the site has a lot of corners or other obstacles, it may take longer to refinish.
Condition of the Floors
Another element that may influence the timetable is the state of the flooring. It will take less time if the floors need sanding and one coat of finish if they are in good shape. Due to their bad condition, the process will take longer if the bases need more sanding and finish applications.
Type of Finish
Timing may also be affected by the finish being used. Some finish dry faster than others, and some must have many coats. Oil-based finishes take longer to dry than water-based finishes.
Drying Time
Drying time is a critical factor impacting the timeline for Long Does It Take to Refinish Hardwood Floors. The finish must dry before moving any furniture back in, which can take several days.
Weather Conditions
The time needed to polish hardwood flooring depends on the weather. High humidity or low temperatures can slow drying and prolong the timeline.
Preparation for Refinishing
Clearing the Space
Before refinishing your hardwood floors, you’ll need to clear the space. This entails removing all the room’s furniture, carpets, and other accessories. This might need many hours, depending on how much relocated furniture.
Cleaning the Floors
You must clean the flooring after the area is clear. Removing filth and debris involves sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping the floors.
Removing Baseboards
Suppose you plan to refinish the baseboards. You’ll need to remove them before refinishing the floors. Depending on how many remove baseboards, this can take extra time.
Refinishing Process
Sanding the Floors
Sanding the flooring is the first stage in refinishing hardwood floors. In this phase, a sander will remove the flooring’s top layer. Depending on the condition of the flooring, this process might take a few hours to a few days.
Applying the Finish
The next step is to apply the finish once the floors have been sanded. This process involves applying a coat of finish to the feet using a roller or brush. Many coats may be required depending on the finish type being used. It can take many hours to finish this process.
Drying and Curing Time
The finish must cure and dry after application. Drying times might change depending on the finish type, humidity, and temperature. Generally, it takes 24-48 hours for the finish to dry completely. After that, the floors must cure for 7-10 days before any furniture can be moved back in.
Final Thoughts
Refinishing your hardwood floors is a terrific method to update your house’s appearance and monetary worth. It’s important to realize that the time required for refinishing might change depending on several variables. By preparing for the process and understanding the timeline, you can ensure your refinishing project succeeds.
FAQs
Can I stay in my home during the refinishing process?
You may remain in your house while it is being refinished. But you may need to stay in another part of the house while the finish is drying.
How often should hardwood floors be refinished?
Your floors’ level of traffic will determine this. Hardwood floors should be refinished every 7 to 10 years.
Can I refinish my hardwood floors myself?
While it is possible to refinish your hardwood floors yourself. It’s a complicated process that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. Hiring a professional to ensure the work is complete is usually wise.
What type of finish should I use for my hardwood floors?
The finish you select will depend on your tastes and the foot traffic your floors get. Water-based coatings are less durable. Dry more than oil-based finishes, which are more robust but take longer to dry.
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
Several factors affect the price of refinishing hardwood floors. These factors are the space’s size and flooring state. Hardwood floor refinishing costs $3 to $5 per square foot.
