How Long Does It Take to Refinish Hardwood Floors at Home
Hardwood floors can really make a house feel like home. They’re warm, beautiful, and full of character. But over time, they take a beating, scratches, dull spots, and everyday wear start to show.
If your floors are looking tired, refinishing them can bring back their shine. Still, one of the first things you might think is: how long does it take to refinish hardwood floors?
I’ve helped lots of homeowners through this exact process, and I know the timing matters, especially when you’re planning around life at home.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what affects the timeline, how long each step takes, what to expect with DIY or professional help, and simple tips to make it all go smoother.
How Long Does It Take to Refinish Hardwood Floors
Most hardwood floor makeovers take 3-5 days from start to finish. More complex projects might stretch to 14 days, especially if you’re adding stain or working on larger spaces.
Here’s a snapshot of what your project might look like.
Typical Project Timeline:
- Preparation: ½ day
- Sanding: 1-2 days
- Staining (optional): 1 day
- Finishing: 1-2 days
- Curing: Several days to a week
How to Do the Hardwood Floor Refinishing Process
If you’re planning to refinish your hardwood floors, it helps to know each step ahead of time. Here’s a simple breakdown to guide you through the process from start to finish.
Step 1: Prep Work
Before anything starts, the room needs to be completely cleared. This means moving out all your furniture, rugs, and anything that could get in the way or be damaged.
Your floor needs a clean and open space to work with. Professionals usually begin by removing any old finishes that may still be on the surface.
Then, they clean the wood thoroughly to get rid of dust, dirt, or residues. If there are small scratches, dents, or loose boards, these are fixed at this stage too.
It’s also important to protect nearby walls, vents, or cabinets so they stay safe during the sanding and refinishing process.
Step 2: Floor Sanding
Sanding is where the real transformation begins. This step strips off the old finish and evens out surface imperfections like scratches or worn-down spots.
It gives your floor a fresh surface, ready to absorb stain or finish. How long sanding takes depends on a few things: how large the room is, what shape the floor is in, and whether you’re using professional tools or doing it yourself.
While pros have powerful machines that get the job done quickly and evenly, DIY projects can take longer and require more effort. Either way, sanding sets the stage for everything that comes next.
Step 3: Stain Application
Not every refinishing job includes staining, but if you’re looking to change the tone or color of your floors, this is when it happens.
Staining adds warmth and depth, bringing out the natural grain in a way that feels custom to your space.
It can completely shift the mood of a room, from light and airy to dark and dramatic. The drying time for stain depends on the type you choose, the species of wood, and how humid the room is.
Some stains dry in a few hours, while others may need up to a day or more before you’re ready for the next step.
Step 4: Finish Coating
The finish is what protects your floors and gives them that final glow. You’ll usually have two main options: water-based polyurethane or oil-based polyurethane.
Water-based finishes dry faster and tend to have less odor, while oil-based ones offer rich color and strong durability but take longer to dry.
Most projects need two to three coats to fully seal the wood. Each coat needs proper drying time before the next one can go on, and good airflow helps speed things along.
Applying the finish takes patience, but it’s key to getting that smooth, lasting shine.
Step 5: Curing Time
Even after the final coat dries, your floors aren’t quite ready for full use. The curing stage is when the finish fully hardens and bonds with the wood.
You’ll usually be able to walk on the floors lightly, like with socks, after 24 to 48 hours. But for heavy use, furniture, pets, or rugs, it’s best to wait at least 7 to 14 days. This helps avoid dents or smudges before the floor is completely set.
During this time, try to keep the space clean and avoid dragging anything across the surface. The wait is worth it for results that last.
DIY or Professional: Choosing Your Path
When it comes to refinishing your hardwood floors, you have two main options: doing it yourself or hiring a professional.
Each path comes with its own pros and cons, and the right choice depends on your budget, experience, and how much time you’re willing to invest.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Refinishing | Lower cost Sense of accomplishment |
Requires special equipment More time-consuming Higher risk of mistakes |
| Professional Refinishing | Faster results High-quality, even finish |
More expensive Less hands-on involvement |
If you’re confident in your skills and have the tools, DIY can be rewarding. But for many homeowners, the peace of mind and polished outcome that comes with professional refinishing is worth the extra cost.
Tips for a Smooth Hardwood Refinishing Experience
- Plan Around Your Lifestyle: Refinishing takes time; schedule the project during a period when you can be out of the room or even the house for a few days.
- Choose the Right Finish Type:If you’re short on time, water-based polyurethane dries faster. If durability is your priority, oil-based might be the better choice.
- Keep the Air Moving: Use fans or open windows (if weather allows) to help with drying. Good ventilation speeds up the process and keeps fumes from lingering.
- Protect What’s Not Being Refinished: Cover vents, baseboards, and nearby furniture with plastic or drop cloths to keep dust and stain splatters under control.
Mistakes to Avoid when Refinishing Hardwood Floors
- Skipping proper cleaning before starting can lead to a poor finish.
- Using the wrong grit sandpaper may damage the floor or leave the old finish behind.
- Not testing the stain can result in an unexpected color.
- Applying the finish too thickly or too fast can cause bubbles and uneven spots.
- Walking on the floors too soon can leave marks or dents.
- Forgetting to ventilate the room slows drying and traps strong odors.
- Not allowing enough cure time before moving furniture back can ruin the final look.
Final Thoughts
Refinishing your floors might seem like a lot at first, but now you’ve got a solid idea of what to expect.
You’ve learned how long it takes to refinish hardwood floors, what each step looks like, and how your choices can affect the timeline.
If you’re doing it yourself or thinking about hiring someone, knowing the process makes everything less stressful.
I’ve seen how much of a difference this project can make; it really brings your home back to life. If you take your time and plan it right, your floors will thank you.
If you’re looking for more ideas or helpful tips for your next project, feel free to check out some of the other blogs I’ve put together.
