Refinishing is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform a home — it makes old hardwood look brand new for a fraction of replacement cost. But the most common question we hear is, "How long will it take?" Here's a realistic timeline for a typical Toronto floor refinishing project.
The Short Answer
A typical refinishing project for a single floor takes about three to five days from start to finish, including drying time. Larger homes or projects with custom staining take longer. The actual sanding and coating may only be a couple of working days, but the finish needs time to cure before you move furniture back.
Step 1: Preparation (Half a Day)
We clear the space, remove shoe moulding where needed, and protect adjacent areas. A dust-controlled sanding system keeps the mess to a minimum — a major benefit for families staying in the home, as we did in our Annex fir floor restoration.
Step 2: Sanding (One Day)
We sand the floors in progressively finer grits to remove the old finish and surface damage and to create a smooth, even surface. For an average floor this is roughly a day's work.
Step 3: Staining, If Desired (Half to One Day Plus Drying)
If you're changing the colour, stain is applied after sanding and needs time to dry — usually overnight. Staying with a natural finish skips this step and shortens the timeline.
Step 4: Finish Coats (One to Two Days)
We apply multiple coats of protective polyurethane, with drying time between each coat. Waterborne finishes dry faster and have far less odour than older oil-based products, which is why we often recommend them — especially for occupied homes.
Step 5: Curing
This is the part people underestimate. While you can usually walk on the floor (in socks) within a day of the final coat, the finish continues to harden for days afterward. We typically advise waiting 24 to 48 hours for light foot traffic and several days before replacing heavy furniture and area rugs.
Tips to Keep Things Moving
Choosing a natural finish over a custom stain, opting for a fast-drying waterborne polyurethane, and clearing the space fully before we arrive all help shorten the overall timeline.
Is Your Floor a Candidate for Refinishing?
Most solid hardwood can be refinished several times over its life. We see beautiful results across The Annex, Riverdale, and East York, where older homes often hide gorgeous original floors. Wondering whether to refinish or replace? See our carpet vs hardwood comparison for more. Book a free assessment and we'll tell you honestly what your floors need.