Every floor is different, so the exact schedule depends on the size of the area, the condition of the wood, whether you are changing the color and the finish we use. Your written estimate always includes the schedule for your project. But knowing the steps makes it much easier to plan around them.
Step 1: Getting the room ready
The room needs to be empty, so furniture, rugs and anything on the floor come out first. We then protect what stays: cabinets, baseboards, doorways and vents get covered, and we seal off the work area from the rest of the house. Good prep is what keeps the job clean.
Step 2: Sanding
Sanding takes the old finish and the top layer of wear off the wood. We go over the floor several times with finer and finer sandpaper, then work the edges and corners by hand and with an edger. Our sanding system collects dust at the machine, so there is far less dust in the air and on your things than with old-style sanding.
Step 3: Stain (if you are changing the color)
If you want a new color, this is when we apply samples on your own floor so you can choose. After you pick, the stain goes on and needs time to dry before any finish goes over it. Keeping the natural color skips this step and saves time.
Step 4: Finish coats
The finish is what protects the wood. Most floors get several coats, with drying time between them. How fast that goes depends on the product:
- Water-based finishes dry faster, often allowing more than one coat in a day, and have a low odor.
- Oil-based finishes usually need longer between coats, often overnight, and have a stronger smell while they dry.
We will recommend the finish that fits your home, your timeline and how you live on the floor.
After we leave: walking, furniture and rugs
A finish feels dry long before it is fully cured, so the first days matter. As a general guide:
- Walking: usually in socks only for the first day or so.
- Furniture: after a few days, lifted into place, never dragged, with felt pads under the legs.
- Rugs: wait the longest, often a couple of weeks, because a rug can trap the finish while it is still curing.
Every product has its own times, so we always give you the exact ones for the finish used on your floor.
So, how long in total?
For a typical living area, the work itself usually takes a few days from first sanding to the last coat. Larger homes, stairs, color changes and slower-drying finishes add time. The best way to know is a quick visit: we look at the floor, talk about the color and finish, and give you a written estimate with a clear schedule.
