Should You Refinish Your Floors in the Spring?
Springtime offers homeowners the optimal environmental conditions for many home projects – including the major project of refinishing hardwood floors. If you've been on the fence about when to get this task done, give serious consideration to the spring: it has moderate weather, low moisture levels, better opportunities for proper ventilation, and longer daylight hours. So go ahead, take a couple of weeks this season, and give your floors the attention they deserve.
Why is the spring season so popular?
Tell me you haven't been driven to jump-start a project on the first day it hits 67 degrees. There's no denying that mild weather (with a balanced humidity level) and more daylight have an immediate impact on our desire to do both indoor and outdoor work. Moreover, the spring real estate market often motivates homeowners to take on improvement projects to increase their home's appeal to potential buyers. Contractors in some areas have more time in their schedules as well, making it easier for homeowners to schedule and complete projects before summer.
3 Reasons to Refinish Your Hardwoods in the Spring
The weather is moderate. Mild temperatures and lower humidity levels create the best conditions for hardwood refinishing. This weather minimizes the risk of issues such as uneven drying or moisture-related problems.
You can make the most of natural ventilation. With the ability to open windows and doors, there are ample opportunities for adequate ventilation during spring, aiding in the dispersal of fumes during the stain process, and speeding up the dry time for new, durable finishes. Whether you're doing 700 square feet of dark stain followed by a coat of poly, or taking on major hardwood flooring repairs in a high-traffic area, from the sanding process to the drying process, you'll be happy you were able to open those windows and doors for a few days.
You can get more accomplished when the day is longer. Extended daylight hours provide more time for homeowners or crews to work on refinishing projects. Yes, the days may be long, but if you're trying to fit in this DIY project after your traditional 9-5, springtime can grant you the gift of daylight.
Emily Fazio
Why You Should Avoid Summer
During summer, many crews opt to steer clear of hardwood floor refinishing jobs. There are challenges posed by high temperatures and humidity levels, which result in prolonged drying times and can even affect the quality of finishes, which can result in a more labor-intensive (and less cost-efficient) project.
High Temperatures: Excessive heat can accelerate how quickly finishes dry on wood floorboards, which not only leads to uneven coats of finish, but can even result in poor adhesion between the raw wood and the finish, or cause bubbles to be trapped in the stain.
Humidity Concerns: High humidity levels can cause wood to absorb moisture, leading to swelling or warping. Additionally, humid conditions can interfere with the entire process of curing, resulting in a less durable and resilient surface.
Related: 13 Fantastic Eco-Friendly Flooring Options
FAQ
How do I know if my floors need to be refinished?
Do they look bad? Signs of wear and tear such as scratches, dullness, or areas where the finish has worn away are the main indicators that it's time to refinish your floors. Water damage, deep stains, and unusual discoloration are also indicators.
How long does it take to refinish floors in one room?
Whether you're doing this project yourself or hiring a pro, there are many factors to consider including the room size, whether or not there's damage that needs to be repaired, and the tools used for the refinishing method.
Are you renting a drum sander with multiple levels of low- to high-grit sandpaper? Are you using a palm sander or edge sander for hard-to-reach areas?
Does the floor need wood filler?
Are you staining and applying water-based polyurethane?
Generally, you should plan on the job taking anywhere from a few days to a week to refinish floors in one room.
Related: Confirmed: The 8 Best Floors For Active Households
How often can you refinish your hardwood floors?
Solid hardwood floors can withstand multiple (2-4) refinishing cycles, depending on wear and the thickness of the wood. Engineered hardwood floors have a thinner wear layer and can be refinished fewer times, typically 1-3 times over their lifespan, also depending on the quality of the product.
