What to Expect During a Hardwood Refinishing Project

Understanding the refinishing process helps homeowners plan around the disruption involved in this multi-day project.

Preparation Before Refinishing

• Removing furniture and window treatments from the room
• Sealing off adjacent rooms to contain dust
• Assessing the floor for damaged boards needing replacement

The Sanding and Finishing Process

• Sanding through multiple grits for a smooth, even surface
• Applying stain evenly if a color change is desired
• Sealing with multiple coats of protective finish

Dust Containment Considerations

• Dustless sanding systems reducing airborne particles significantly
• Proper ventilation during and after the sanding process
• Cleaning surrounding areas thoroughly once work is complete

Most refinishing projects take several days between sanding, staining, and applying multiple finish coats, and floors typically need to cure for a period of time before furniture and normal foot traffic can safely return to the room.

Ask your contractor about their specific dust containment approach, since this can vary quite meaningfully between companies and directly affects how much cleanup you'll need to do throughout the rest of your home afterward.

Planning to be away from the home, or at least away from the work area, during the sanding phase specifically helps minimize your exposure to dust and fumes during the most disruptive part of the entire project.