It can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days to refinish your hardwood floor depending on the size of the area. There are several steps in the process and some of them are especially difficult and time-consuming, this includes drying time, finishing, staining, belt sanding and drying time.
Before the work of placing a new finish on a hardwood floor can begin, the old finish will first have to be properly removed. While the contractors are doing this, they will also work to repair any damages the old floor has seen. Then the floor will have to be perfectly dusted and cleaned before the first coats can be applied. This application can also be time consuming because more than one coat will be needed.
Once the stain has been applied and dried, it is time to add the polyurethane coating. It is usually best to apply more than one coat especially if you hope to achieve that polished and fine look. There are two types of products that can be used here, Water based polyurethane and oil-based polyurethane. While water-based options will dry faster, it is the oil-based polyurethane that is the most long lasting and attractive in the long run. It is also the more cost-effective option.
Oil-based polyurethane can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days to properly dry and cure, while a water-based option will only take about 2 days. The time it takes an oil-based polyurethane coating to cure depends on how dark the stain is, how many coats were applied and the level of humidity. If the color is left natural. The ambient humidity is low and only three coatings were applied, the floor should be ready in three days after placing the last coat.
Polyurethane coats can take up to 24 hours to dry right. The stains can take another 24 hours and darker stains with multiple coats can take a full 48 hours. The size of the refinishing task is also an important consideration. Most contractors will limit their work to 1000 sq.ft. in a day. So if the area is very large. Like over 2000 square feet, you will need to allocate 2 days to complete the sanding alone. Of course, contractors with more manpower will be able to accomplish the work in less time.
So, once again, it takes between 3 to 5 days to completely refinish hardwood floors, depending on the size of your location. Then there are the steps involved in the process. Some of these like staining, sanding, finishing, belt sanding and drying times can take a long time.
It is important to consider the amount of time your refinishing project will take because you will not be able to use your house until the job is complete. Depending on the situation, you may be able to stay in the house as long as the area of operations can be completely avoided. But, no matter how you cut, there will be dust and debris spread all around the home. In addition to this hazardous dust, you will also be facing the toxic fumes of polyurethane and staining agents.
You should consider the effect of the overpowering fumes and dust when you are planning your project. Additionally, there will be heavy machinery at work and this can make home life unpleasant as well. It will take a couple weeks for the floors to cure completely, although you will be able to move back in within a couple of days.
The duration of the project will depend on some specific factors.
• The size area that must be addressed.
• How fast your furniture can be moved
• The extent of damage to the old floor
• Contractor’s requirements
• Your own specifications
