A typical timeline
Many refinishing jobs for a few rooms take about two to four days: one day to sand, then staining (if you choose a color) and several coats of finish, with drying time between each step. Larger homes, stairs and repairs add time. We'll give you a schedule for your project before we start.
Water-based vs. oil-based drying
Water-based finishes dry faster, so coats can usually be applied the same day. Oil-based finishes need longer between coats and take longer to cure. Your choice of finish is one of the biggest factors in the schedule.
When can you walk on the floor?
As a general guide, light foot traffic in socks is often fine about a day after the last coat. Furniture usually waits a few days, and rugs a week or more while the finish fully cures. We'll give you the exact times for the finish we use on your floor.
Can you stay home during the work?
Many families stay home if the work is in rooms they can close off. Our sanding is dustless, with sanders connected to professional vacuums, which keeps the rest of the house much cleaner. Oil-based finishes have a stronger smell, so some homeowners plan to be away for those days.
How to prepare
Clear the rooms of furniture and rugs if you can, plan where pets will stay, and keep the area free of foot traffic while the finish dries. We'll go over everything with you before the job starts.