How long to wait after refinishing wood floors?

How long to wait after refinishing wood floors?

Refinishing your floors is an excellent option for individuals looking for a more affordable way to extend the life of their hardwood floors. If your floors are needing a new update, or if you want to change the look of your wood flooring, refinishing your flooring is much easier than replacing it completely. Plus, it is much more environmentally friendly and less time-consuming than a full hardwood floor replacement. If you are ready to refinish your flooring, you may be wondering how long to wait after refinishing wood floors.

At G3 Hardwood Flooring, we are your go-to hardwood flooring contractor in Colorado Springs. Our hardwood flooring specialists can help with all of your flooring needs. We service Colorado’s Front Range, and we are proud to offer the highest quality hardwood flooring services, including flooring installation, maintenance, and refinishing. With help from the experts at G3 Hardwood Flooring, you can expect the best hardwood flooring refinishing services for your home. 

If you want to know how long to wait after refinishing wood floors, keep reading to find out more!

What Is Refinishing Hardwood Floors?


Refinishing your hardwood floors is the best way to revitalize your hardwood to last for years to come.

If the top coat of your flooring looks dull, or if you have scratches and other damage, refinishing your floors can help take care of those problems without the need for a full replacement. Additionally, if you want a new look for your hardwood floors, refinishing them will allow you to use a different stain. 

The main goal of the floor finishing process is to keep your hardwood floors durable. With proper upkeep and hardwood floor maintenance, your flooring will last for a long time.

The process will involve removing the top layer of your hardwood, which is the finish. The finish protects the wood in your home. Your hardwood floors will be sanded first and then a new layer of finish will be applied. 

When Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?


Hardwood flooring can be refinished every seven to ten years. If your floors have problems such as the following, then you will want to consider refinishing them:

  • Water damage
  • Scratches, dents, or other damage
  • Color fading or discoloration
  • Irremovable stains


How Long Does It Take To Refinish Wood Floors?


The length of time it takes to refinish your hardwood floors depends on many factors, such as:

  • The size of your home
  • The type of stain you use
  • Weather conditions
  • Oil vs. water-based finish
  • The type of wood
  • If additional work is needed

Remember that it takes multiple coats of finish to properly refinish your flooring plus drying time. If you are not using a stain, this will speed up the process. The type of finish you use also matters in how long it takes to refinish your flooring. Oil-based polyurethane will take longer to dry compared to water-based polyurethane.

If you are putting down three coats of an oil-based finish, and it is not humid inside your house, you can expect your hardwood to be refinished in three days. 

Each coat of an oil-based finish normally takes 24 hours to dry, and if you are staining your wood, this can take 24 hours or longer to dry, too. You should expect refinishing your hardwood flooring to take a minimum of three days.

For water-based finishes, it can take about two days to refinish hardwood floors fully. Expect that each coat of water-based polyurethane will take between two to four hours to dry.

Not to mention, the size of your home and if your flooring requires additional work will play a part in how long it takes to refinish your wood floors as well.

How Long to Wait After Refinishing Wood Floors?


After you are done refinishing your hardwood floors, you must wait before walking or putting furniture onto the flooring.

  • You should wait at least 24 hours before walking on the floors with no shoes on. If you have a dog, try to keep them off the floors for at least 24 hours, too.
  • You should wait at least three days before moving your furniture back onto the floors to allow them enough time to cure.
  • If you have an area rug, wait a week before placing it down. This allows your renovated flooring to breathe properly. 

Remember to be gentle with your newly refinished hardwood floors! With the proper care and maintenance, they will be built to last.

Get the Best Refinished Hardwood Floors With G3 Hardwood Flooring


Refinishing your hardwood floors is the best way to ensure they last for years to come! It is also much more cost-effective and less time-consuming than fully replacing your flooring. Refinishing your hardwood floors is a great way to change the stain, remove scratches, and remove water damage. Depending on the size of your project and what type of materials are used, you should expect to refinish your hardwood floors in a few days’ time. Remember to keep off your hardwood floors after they are refinished to allow enough time for them to cure, too!

At G3 Hardwood Flooring, a hardwood flooring company in Colorado Springs, we take special care when refinishing hardwood floors. We are proud to be a dust-free company, which means you don’t have to worry about airborne dust when sanding your floors. Our highly trained staff is here to help you have the best hardwood flooring imaginable! If you have any questions about refinishing your floors, or if you would like to request an estimate, contact G3 Hardwood Flooring!