How Long Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Take?

Planning Around Your Floor Refinishing Project

One of the first questions homeowners ask is how long the process will take — especially if they need to temporarily relocate furniture or arrange to be out of the house. The good news is that most floor refinishing projects in North Hollywood are completed within 3 to 5 days from start to finish.

The exact timeline depends on the size of the area, the number of finish coats, the type of finish, and the drying time required between coats.

Day-by-Day Breakdown: A Typical Refinishing Timeline

Day 1 is preparation and sanding. The crew moves or covers furniture, sets up dust containment, and sands the floor through multiple grits (36 → 60 → 80 → 100 grit). This is the most labor-intensive part of the process and usually takes a full day for an average home.

Day 2 covers staining (if desired) and the first finish coat. Stain is applied and allowed to dry for 4–8 hours before the first coat of polyurethane or other finish goes down. Oil-based finishes need 24 hours between coats; water-based finishes dry in 2–4 hours.

Drying Time: Oil-Based vs Water-Based Finishes

This is where project length varies most. Oil-based polyurethane produces a warm amber tone and is very durable, but requires 24 hours between coats and 72 hours before light foot traffic, with a full cure at 30 days.

Water-based finishes dry much faster — 2–4 hours between coats and light foot traffic within 24 hours — making them popular for Los Angeles homeowners who need to get back in their space quickly. Full cure still takes 7–14 days, during which heavy furniture should not be placed.

How to Speed Up Your Project

Choosing a water-based finish cuts total project time nearly in half. Clearing furniture before the crew arrives saves half a day of labor. Having your stain color selected in advance avoids any delays from test patches and drying.

For large homes over 2,000 sq ft, a two-crew team can sometimes complete sanding and coating in parallel, reducing the overall timeline. Ask Noho Flooring about scheduling when you get your estimate.

Get a Free Estimate from Noho Flooring

Ready to schedule your project? Noho Flooring offers fast, efficient floor refinishing services across North Hollywood and the Los Angeles area. Call us at (818) 932-4117 to book your free estimate and get a precise timeline for your home.