Refinishing wood floors can be a fantastic way to give the interior of your home an elegant facelift. But floor refinishing — from sanding to re-coating to re-staining — is a big undertaking.

At JT's Floor Refinishing, the best hardwood floor installation and refinishing company in Springfield, Massachusetts, the flooring specialists have more than 40 years of experience helping homeowners keep their hardwood floors looking beautiful. If you’re considering floor refinishing, here are three things you should know before you get started.

Refinishing Wood Floor FAQ

How Long Does it Take to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

The answer depends on whether you use an oil-based or a water-based polyurethane. Many homeowners choose oil-based polyurethane because it has a rich color and deep shine, is incredibly durable and is affordable. However, there are some advantages to water-based polyurethane, the biggest being that it dries faster. Water-based polyurethane will usually dry in about one to two hours per coat whereas oil-based polyurethane can take up to 10 hours per coat. The floor refinishing experts at JT's Floor Refinishing can help you choose which is best for you.

Should I Make Plans to Leave My Home?

Yes and no. If main travel areas are finished, navigating through your home could be difficult. Also, the more areas being finished the stronger the odor. Doing a room or two is not going to produce as much odor as doing larger areas.  Some people are more bothered by the smell than others. Most customers stick it out at home. 

When Can I Walk on the Floors Again?

Once the floors are finished, they need at least 24 hours to dry sufficient to move furniture onto. When possible, 48 hours for furniture is better, even though, they can be walked on sooner.

If you want to restore your hardwood floors to their original beauty, call the refinishing wood floor experts at JT's Floor Refinishing for a free estimate. For more information about the best hardwood floor installation and refinishing company in Springfield, Massachusetts, visit the JT's Floor Refinishing website or call (413)788-6149 in the Springfield area or(860) 292-1806 in Connecticut.