Refinishing wood floors may be just what you need to take a room from ordinary to spectacular. In most cases, taking a look at refinished hardwood floors before and after is the only way to see the full effect. When homeowners work on a 50-square-foot project, one of the first things they ask is, ‘How long will this take?’ Refinishing a small area typically takes one to two days, depending on the state of the floor, refinishing technique used and drying times for stain and finish. To help you plan, we will break down the process in great detail.

Factors That Affect the Time to Refinish 50 sq. ft. of Wood Floor

Even for smaller spaces, refinishing hardwood flooring involves various factors that could affect the timing.

Condition of the Floor

Floors with deep scratches, stains, or uneven surfaces may require extensive sanding and repairs, adding hours to the process. On the other hand, gently worn flooring can require just modest sanding, therefore accelerating the project.

Type of Refinishing

Furthermore affecting the timeline is the chosen refinishing technique. For instance, a comprehensive sanding and refinishing procedure takes more time than a top layer-oriented screen-and-recoat operation. Though their time requirements vary, both techniques produce clearly reduced hardwood flooring before and after results.

Type of Finish

Drying and curing times much depend on the finish used. Whereas oil-based finishes may take up to 24 hours to dry and many days to cure, water-based finishes dry faster—usually in two to four hours per coat.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Refinishing 50 sq. ft. of Wood Floor

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Floor refinishing guarantees a glossy and long-lasting surface with a methodical approach. The process involved is broken out below together with the usually required times for a 50 square foot area.

Day 1: Preparation and Sanding

A good refinishing job depends mostly on preparation. This includes:

  • Clearing furniture and cleaning the area.
  • Floor sanding removes old coatings and smooths the surface.

Sanding a 50-square-foot area normally takes two to four hours, depending on the state of the wood and the tools used.

Day 2: Staining and Finishing

Staying with the floor colour changed, staining follows sanding. This stage can last one to two hours; depending on the product, drying time follows. Put on the first coat of finish once the stain dries. Water-based finishes can be recoated the same day; oil-based finishes need an overnight drying time.

Curing Time

The drying process takes more time, even if the surface feels dry to the touch in a few hours or a day. Whereas oil-based finishes may need up to 30 days for complete hardness, water-based finishes usually cure in 7 days. Steer clear of major foot traffic and arrange furnishings during this time.

Conclusion

Except for curing time, refinishing 50 square feet of wood flooring is a reasonable project that may be finished in one to two days. Timeline is influenced by elements, including the state of the floor, issued by hardwood floor refinishing companies, the refinishing technique, and the kind of finish. The change will be worth the work whether you decide to employ experts or do it yourself.

Ready to see stunning hardwood floor refinishing before and after in your home? Contact Flooring Butler for expert advice and professional refinishing services tailored to your needs.