Everything You Need to Know About Restaining Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floors are one of the best ways to add charm and character to a home, but over time, even the most stunning floors can start to lose their shine. Restaining your hardwood floors is a great way to refresh their look, giving your space a new lease on life. But how long does the process take? Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can plan your project without any unpleasant surprises.
What Does Restaining Hardwood Floors Involve?
Restaining your hardwood floors doesn’t mean just painting a new color and calling it a day. It’s a detailed process that involves sanding off the old finish, applying a new stain, and sealing it with a protective topcoat. The process is more or less like giving your floors a makeover—everything from a deep cleanse to a final polish. Restaining focuses on enhancing the floor’s look rather than fixing serious damage, so it’s great for floors that need a cosmetic update.
How Long Does a Hardwood Restain Take?
It depends—the time it takes to restain your hardwood floors can vary based on a few factors. Let’s break them down:
Consider the Size of Your Space
Unsurprisingly, the size of your flooring area will mostly determine the timeline of your restain. A small bedroom or hallway is going to take a lot less time than a sprawling open-concept living room or whole-house project.
Here are some rough estimates to give you an idea of what your project’s timeline may look like:
- Small areas (up to 200 sq. ft.): 1–2 days
- Medium areas (200–600 sq. ft.): 2–3 days
- Large areas (600+ sq. ft.): 3–5 days or more
Assess the Conditions of the Floors
Are your floors lightly scratched and dull, or do they have deep gouges and water stains? Floors in rough shape might need extra sanding or repairs before the staining process can even begin.
Not sure where to start? Get in touch with Dave’s Floor Sanding and Installation to assess your floors and provide expert advice on the best approach.
Choose the Right Type of Stain and Finish
Different stains and finishes have different drying times, which can affect your project’s timeline:
- Oil-based stains offer a rich finish but take longer to dry—about 12–24 hours per coat.
- Water-based stains are faster drying (4–6 hours per coat) and emit less odor, making them a better choice for busy households.
Keep Environmental Conditions in Mind
Believe it or not, the weather matters! High humidity or cold temperatures can slow down drying times, while a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled room speeds things up.
Do You Want to DIY or Hire a Professional?
If you’re taking the DIY route, be prepared for a much longer timeline. Learning the restain process, renting tools, and working in your spare time all add up. Conversely, professionals can knock out the job faster thanks to their experience and specialized equipment.
Breaking Down the Timeline to Restain
Here’s a day-by-day look at what the process of restaining your hardwood floors might look like:
Day 1: Prepping the Space
First things first— you’ll have to clear out the room. Furniture, rugs, decor… it all needs to go. If you’re working with a professional, they’ll inspect the floors for damage and decide whether repairs are needed before sanding begins.
Day 2: Sanding
This is where the transformation begins. Sanding removes the old finish, smooths out imperfections, and preps the surface for the new stain. Depending on the size of the space, this can take a while. Professionals often use machines with dust-containment systems to minimize mess. Here’s how long you might be sanding according to how much floorspace you’re working with:
- Small areas (up to 200 sq. ft.): 2–3 hours
- Medium areas (200–600 sq. ft.): 4–6 hours
- Large areas (600+ sq. ft.): 8+ hours
Day 3: Staining
Once the sanding is complete, you get to apply your new stain! This step requires careful attention to ensure the color goes on evenly. Drying times will vary based on the type of stain used. Application time can vary but may take between 1-6 hours depending on your space. Expect to wait at least 24 hours to let your stain dry.
Day 4: Sealing
The final step is sealing the floors with a protective topcoat like polyurethane. Most floors need at least two coats to ensure durability. Each coat must dry completely before the next one is applied. Similarly to the staining process, the application may take between 1-6 hours depending on the size of your project, and you will have to wait at least 24 hours to let your stain dry.
Watch Out for These Potential Delays
Even with a solid plan, a few hiccups might stretch your timeline. Being aware of potential delays can help you prepare and adjust expectations.
Uneven Stain Absorption
Some types of wood, like pine or maple, don’t absorb stains evenly. You might need extra prep or additional coats to get the color looking the way you want it to.
Repairs and Sanding Time
If your floors have major damage, you’ll need to factor in repair time before sanding can even begin.
Extended Curing Times
While the stain and sealant may feel dry within a day, curing—when the finish fully hardens—can take up to 30 days. During this time, avoid dragging furniture or heavy traffic on your floors.
How to Care for Your Newly Restained Floors
Once your floors are stained, you’ll want to keep them looking their best for years. Proper care and maintenance are essential to preserving their beauty and durability. Follow these tips to protect your investment:
Use Furniture Pads
Scratches from furniture are one of the most common ways hardwood floors get damaged. To prevent this, place felt pads under the legs of chairs, tables, and other heavy items. For furniture that gets moved frequently (like dining chairs), check and replace the pads regularly.
Clean Regularly
Dust and dirt act like sandpaper on hardwood floors, gradually wearing down the finish. Sweep or vacuum your floors several times a week to keep them free of debris. Use a vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment to avoid scratching the surface, and skip vacuums with beater bars or rotating brushes.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners
Not all cleaning products are safe for hardwood floors. Don’t use any cleaner with ammonia, vinegar, or abrasive ingredients, as they can strip the finish or cause discoloration. Instead, use cleaners specifically designed for hardwood floors, and always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific finish.
Control Humidity
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Too much moisture can cause the wood to swell and warp, while overly dry air can lead to cracks and gaps. Maintain a consistent indoor humidity level between 35–55% using a humidifier or dehumidifier, especially during extreme weather seasons.
Should You DIY a Hardwood Restain or Call a Professional?
Deciding between a DIY project and hiring a professional often comes down to your budget, time, and priorities. While doing it yourself might save some money upfront, it requires a significant amount of effort, time, and the right tools to stain or restain your flooring. You’ll need to rent or purchase equipment like sanders and stain applicators and learn the ins and outs of proper application to achieve professional-looking results.
If you’d rather save yourself the hassle and ensure a flawless finish, hire Dave’s Floor Sanding and Installation. With decades of experience, we specialize in sanding, staining, and refinishing hardwood floors to perfection.
Don’t leave your floors to chance—leave them to the professionals who bring out the best in your hardwood. Contact Dave’s Floor Sanding and Installation today!