The average hardwood floor refinishing project is about 800 square feet and takes 3-5 days to complete.
Professional Sanding Process & Timeline
Most flooring professionals can sand around 1000 sq ft per day with a rough pass, edge pass, and trim pass. Therefore, larger floor areas may add extra days for completion. If you have pine or hard maple floors they can require more time and attention.
The average cost of a professional floor refinishing project is $1,800, but the cost varies based on square footage and other factors. Flooring pros usually charge $3–$8 per square foot to refinish hardwood floors, so a single bedroom could cost $300–$800, while a whole home could range from $2,400–$6,000.
In about three to four hours, your floor will be ready for a second coat of polyurethane. This dry time is 25% faster than other products on the market and, unlike other finishes; you don't have to sand that first topcoat. By the end of the day, you will have all coats applied and drying.
When applying polyurethane to floors, it's generally recommended to leave the house for at least 24 to 48 hours after application. This allows the finish to cure properly and minimizes exposure to fumes. Here are some specific guidelines:
You don't have to wait a month to sleep in your house. Still, to avoid inhaling fumes, it's recommended to wait at least 3 to 7 days before sleeping in a freshly refinished space with oil-based polyurethane floors.
Before it's time to sand the floors, many homeowners ask: “Can I stay in my house while my floors are refinished?” The answer is usually yes. If you'd like to read about the best ways to prepare for and manage the refinishing process, read on!
The average hardwood floor refinishing project is about 800 square feet and takes 3-5 days to complete.
For most finishes, you'll need to wait at least 24-48 hours before any light foot traffic and up to a week (sometimes more) for heavier use or putting down rugs. The longer you wait, the better the results.
So, when all is said and done, refinishing hardwood is definitely the more affordable option. Even if it requires removing a few severely damaged planks here and there, refinishing will generally always be less costly than tearing out the entire floor.
The Sanding Process: Labour and Equipment
Labor costs make up a significant portion of the overall price for sanding wood floors. Whether you decide to hire a professional or go the DIY route, the amount of work involved and the type of equipment used will directly affect the cost.
Depending on a floor's thickness and the experience of the flooring professional, a floor can be sanded around 4-6 times in its entire life. Hardwood floors can be refinished every 7-10 years, making the 4-6 refinishes more than enough.
The national average cost to install hardwood flooring is $6 to $12 per square foot for labor and material fees. For higher-end wood and larger spaces, like if you're redoing your entire first floor in hardwood, you may pay more—possibly between $13 and $25 per square foot.
Next, you will need to determine whether the wood floors in your house are solid hardwood or engineered wood. That is an essential distinction because engineered flooring cannot be sanded and refinished like solid hardwood flooring can.
It's best to wait at least 24 hours before wearing socks and walking on the floors.
Smooth Large Areas Fast
The first commandment of sanding: Sand with the grain. But when you have a lot of wood to grind off, break that rule and run your belt sander diagonally across the grain (at about 45 degrees). Instead of scratching away at the wood fibers, the belt will rip them out.
While a DIY enthusiast might dedicate a week or more to sanding and finishing a standard-sized room, professionals can often complete the same task in a day or two. When planning a floor sanding project, it is crucial to consider not just the sanding time, but also the necessary preparation and finishing periods.
Therefore, it is recommended that you stay out of your home for at least 72 hours after applying an oil-based polyurethane finish. It's also recommended to have proper ventilation in the room during the drying process. In order to fully cure, this finish typically requires at least 30 days.
How many coats will be applied? The standard for a hardwood floor is at least three coats. This consists of one seal coat (which may be the stain) and two coats of finish. Additional costs of finish may be applied depending on the need.
Generally, you can plan to spend under $10 per square foot when you hire a professional. "Costs for refinishing hardwood floors generally range between $3 and $8 per square foot," says Artem Kropovinsky, founder and principal designer of Arsight. Keep in mind that large or complex projects usually cost more.
Yes, you can refinish one room at a time. Using thresholds or transition strips can help create a smooth boundary between the newly refinished room and the rest of the house.
Typically, you should apply at least two coats of polyurethane. For high-traffic areas, three or more coats are recommended for added durability.
Oil-based polyurethane can take up to two weeks for the smell to fully dissipate, while water-based options usually clear within a few days.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, hardwood floor refinishing has an impressive ROI of 147%. This means that for every $3,000 you spend on refinishing, you could add approximately $4,410 to your home's resale value.
When we refinish hardwood floors a lot of dust is created as a byproduct. One of the main components in controlling the dust is our large dust containment system that all of our tools and machines are connected to.