Hardwood floors are a timeless and elegant addition to any home, adding warmth and character to living spaces. Over time, these beautiful floors can become worn, scratched, or dull, necessitating refinishing to restore their original lustre. This article will explore the various factors that influence the duration of the refinishing process and provide a comprehensive timeline for each stage.
Understanding the Refinishing Process
Before delving into the specifics of timing, it’s essential to understand what hardwood floor refinishing entails. The process typically involves several key steps:
- Preparation and furniture removal
- Sanding the existing finish
- Staining (if desired)
- Applying multiple coats of finish
- Drying and curing time
- Clean-up and room restoration
Each of these steps contributes to the overall timeline, and variations in the specifics of each can impact the total duration of the project. When scheduling hardwood floor refinishing in Calgary, it’s important to account for potential delays due to local climate conditions, which can affect drying times. Additionally, opting for professional hardwood floor refinishing in Calgary ensures high-quality results and minimizes disruption to your home.
Factors Affecting Refinishing Duration
Several factors can influence how long it takes to refinish hardwood floors:
1. Size of the Area
The square footage of the space being refinished is one of the most significant factors in determining the project timeline. A small room of 200 square feet will naturally take less time than an open-concept living area of 1,000 square feet.
2. Condition of the Floors
Floors in poor condition, with deep scratches, severe wear, or previous damage, may require additional sanding or repair work, extending the overall timeline.
3. Type of Wood
Different wood species have varying densities and grain patterns, which can affect how quickly they can be sanded and how they absorb stain and finish.
4. Desired Finish
The type of finish chosen, whether it’s oil-based or water-based, will impact both application and drying times.
5. Staining Requirements
If the homeowner opts for staining the floor, this additional step will extend the project duration.
6. Environmental Conditions
Temperature and humidity levels can significantly affect drying times for both stains and finishes.
7. Professional vs. DIY
Professional refinishers typically work more efficiently than DIY enthusiasts, potentially reducing the overall project time.
Typical Timeline for Hardwood Floor Refinishing
While timelines can vary based on the factors mentioned above, here’s a general breakdown of what to expect during a professional hardwood floor refinishing project:
Day 1: Preparation (4–8 hours)
The first day is typically dedicated to preparing the space. This includes:
- Removing all furniture from the room
- Covering doorways and vents to contain dust
- Repairing any damaged boards or filling gaps
- Setting up equipment and materials
Day 2-3: Sanding (1-2 days)
Sanding is a crucial step in the refinishing process. It involves:
- Rough sanding to remove the old finish and level the floor
- Medium sanding to smooth out rough spots
- Fine sanding to prepare the surface for staining or finishing
The duration of this step depends largely on the size of the area and the condition of the floors. For an average-sized room (250-300 square feet), sanding typically takes 1–2 days.
Day 4: Staining (Optional) (4–8 hours)
If the homeowner chooses to stain the floors, this step usually occurs on the day following sanding. The process includes:
- Applying the stain evenly across the floor
- Allowing the stain to penetrate the wood
- Wiping off excess stain
Staining usually takes about 4–8 hours, depending on the size of the area and the number of coats required to achieve the desired colour.
Day 5-7: Applying Finish (2-3 days)
Applying the finish is a multi-step process that requires patience:
- Applying the first coat of finish
- Allowing it to dry (typically 24 hours)
- Light sanding between coats
- Applying subsequent coats (usually 2-3 in total)
Each coat needs time to dry before the next can be applied. Water-based finishes dry faster than oil-based ones, potentially shortening this phase of the project.
Day 8-10: Curing (2-4 days)
After the final coat of finish is applied, the floor needs time to cure:
- The floor may be dry to the touch within 24 hours
- Light foot traffic may be possible after 24–48 hours
- Full curing can take up to 30 days, but furniture can usually be replaced after 4 days
Total Duration: 7–10 days
For a standard hardwood floor refinishing project in an average-sized room, the entire process typically takes between 7 and 10 days from start to finish. However, this timeline can extend if additional coats of finish are required or if environmental conditions are not ideal for drying.
Additional Considerations
When planning large-scale refinishing projects, such as refinishing floors throughout the entire house or in very large areas, the timeline can significantly extend. In these cases, professionals often work in sections, allowing homeowners to move furniture between rooms as the work progresses.
An important factor to consider is drying times, which can vary depending on the products used and environmental conditions. Water-based finishes typically dry faster, with 2 to 4 hours needed between coats. Oil-based finishes, however, may require up to 24 hours between applications. High humidity or cooler temperatures can further extend the drying process.
Homeowners often wonder if they can remain in their homes during the refinishing process. While this is possible, it can be uncomfortable due to dust and odours from sanding and finishing, limited access to refinished areas, and noise from equipment. Some choose to vacate their homes for a few days during the most intensive phases of the work. To ensure the refinishing process goes smoothly, homeowners should clear the area of all furniture and decor, remove any floor coverings or rugs, and arrange for pets to be out of the house. If necessary, it’s also wise to plan for alternative living arrangements.
Once refinishing is complete, proper care is essential to maintain the new finish. Avoid walking on the floors with shoes for several days, wait at least two weeks before placing area rugs, and use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches. Additionally, maintaining consistent indoor humidity will help prevent the wood from expanding or contracting.
Summary
Hardwood floor refinishing is a time-intensive process that typically takes 7–10 days for an average-sized room. The duration can vary based on factors such as the size of the area, the condition of the floors, and the specific products and techniques used. While the process requires patience, the results can be truly transformative, breathing new life into tired hardwood floors and enhancing the beauty of your home for years to come.
