Refinishing your hardwood floors? You’re probably staring at your calendar, wondering how long you’ll be living with sanders, fumes, and bare wood.
The truth is, the timeline isn’t one-size-fits-all—and the internet rarely gives you the whole picture. Drying time, curing time, even moving furniture can stretch things out more than you’d think.
We’ll break down the real timeline so you can plan without guessing.
Key Notes
- Professional refinishing usually takes 3-5 days from start to finish.
- Water-based finishes dry faster than oil-based alternatives.
- Curing time extends beyond drying – up to 30 days for oil-based polyurethane.
- DIY projects generally need additional time for learning and corrections.
Time To Refinish Hardwood Floors
In most cases, it takes between 3 to 5 days to refinish hardwood floors. That includes prep, sanding, staining (if you want it), and applying the finish.
But there’s no one-size-fits-all here. Some jobs are quicker, others slower. Factors like the type of finish you choose, whether staining’s involved, and how much square footage you’re working with all impact the timeline.
When hiring professionals, the job is usually done faster. Pros work fast and have better equipment. DIYers might want to block out a full week to cover mistakes, dry time, and cleaning.
What Impacts the Time to Refinish Hardwood Floors?
| Factor | Speeds Up | Slows Down |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based polyurethane | ✔️ | |
| Oil-based polyurethane | ✔️ | |
| No stain | ✔️ | |
| Large square footage | ✔️ | |
| Experienced professional | ✔️ | |
| DIY project | ✔️ | |
| Dustless sanding system | ✔️ | |
| High humidity or cold temps | ✔️ |
Step-by-Step Timeline
Each part of the refinishing process takes time. Here’s a breakdown of what happens and how long each step takes:
1. Prep (Day 1)
Before any sanding starts, the room needs to be cleared. That means furniture out, rugs up, nails pulled, and anything fragile removed from nearby surfaces.
If you’re moving furniture, add half a day or more, depending on the room. Got deep scratches or loose boards? Tack on time for minor repairs.
On average, prep takes about a day.
2. Sanding the Floors (1–2 Days)
This step is noisy, dusty, and absolutely necessary. Sanding strips off the old finish and evens out the surface. You’ll usually go through three rounds of coarse, medium, and fine grit.
How long does it take to sand and refinish hardwood floors? For about 500–1,000 square feet, sanding usually takes 1 to 2 days. Smaller jobs might be wrapped up in a few hours, while big ones or DIY efforts take longer.
3. Staining the Wood (Optional, 1 Day)
Thinking about a darker or richer tone? Staining adds style but also time.
It takes about a day to stain floors, as you need to let the stain soak and dry before adding any finish. Some stains dry faster than others, but most require 24 hours before you can seal them.
4. Applying the Finish (2–3 Days)
This is where your patience gets tested. Most refinishing jobs use either oil-based or water-based polyurethane.
Water-based finishes dry fast – some in just 2–4 hours per coat. Oil-based ones take much longer – up to 24 hours per coat. You usually need two to three coats, and they must dry fully before the next is added.
How long does it take hardwood floors to dry between coats? That depends on your product, humidity, and airflow. Total finishing time is usually 2–3 days.
How Long Does It Take for Hardwood Floors to Cure?
Dry and cured aren’t the same. Your floors might feel dry after a day, but curing – the process of fully hardening – takes longer. Water-based poly cures in about 7 days, while oil-based takes up to 30 days.
Can You Stay in the House?
This one’s tricky. Technically, you can refinish hardwood floors one room at a time. But strong fumes, noise, and restricted access can make living in the home uncomfortable.
If you’re refinishing high-traffic areas like hallways or the kitchen, consider staying elsewhere for a few days.
Tips to Speed It Up Without Ruining It
Want to wrap things up faster? Here’s how to do it without cutting corners:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many days to refinish hardwood floors from start to finish?
Most homes take between 3 to 5 days, but if you include full cure time, block out 7–14 days before resettling the space completely.
How long must I wait after staining hardwood floors before applying the finish?
Wait at least 24 hours after staining, though cooler and more humid conditions might stretch that to 36 hours. Touch the surface – if it still feels tacky, it’s not ready.
How long does floor stain take to dry?
Most floor stains dry in 12 to 24 hours. Drying depends on airflow, humidity, and the product used. Always check the can for specifics.
Conclusion
Refinishing hardwood floors isn’t a weekend job, but it’s manageable when you know what to expect.
Most projects take 3–5 days, depending on the finish, square footage, and whether you’re staining. Add time for drying, and don’t forget the full cure period—especially for oil-based products.
If you’re doing it yourself, leave extra room for learning curves and cleanup. Hiring pros speeds things up and cuts down on stress, especially with dustless systems and faster-drying finishes.
Want your floors done right—and fast? Get a free quote today for professional flooring installation and let our team handle the heavy lifting.
