Can I Stay in My House While Floors are Refinished - My Blog (2024)

Having your floors refinished is a great way to make your home look and feel brand new. But, it can be an inconvenient process as you may have to move out of the house while the work is being done. If you’re wondering if you can stay in your house while the floors are being refinished, the answer is yes!

While there will be some inconveniences that come along with living in your home while the refinishing job is underway, it’s certainly possible – especially if you know what steps to take beforehand. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to prepare for having your floors refinished so that you can remain in your home during the entire process.

  • Prepare for the job: Before the refinishing begins, it is important to move all of your furniture out of the room and cover any remaining items with plastic sheeting or drop cloths
  • Make sure that you have a place to stay while the work is being done because you may not be able to remain in your house during this process
  • Ventilate: Open windows throughout the home and use fans to help circulate air when possible so hazardous fumes don’t linger inside your house while floors are being refinished
  • Also, make sure pets are away from home as well since they can be affected by these fumes, too
  • Keep an eye on progress: If you’re able to come back into your house periodically to check on how things are going, but give workers space so they can do their job effectively and safely without interruption or distraction from others who may not know what’s involved in refinishing floors properly
  • Seal off rooms when needed: Depending on how much area needs to be refinished, there might need to be certain rooms sealed off completely during this time period until everything has been completed and approved by both parties before moving forward again with other tasks related such as painting walls or installing new carpets etcetera

Can You Sleep in House After Polyurethane

If you have just applied polyurethane to your hardwood floors, the last thing you want to do is ruin them by having someone sleep on them. So can you sleep in the house after polyurethane? The answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider first.

First and foremost, it’s important that the polyurethane has had enough time to cure properly before anyone sleeps on it. You should wait at least 24 hours for oil-based polyurethanes or 72 hours for water-based products before allowing foot traffic or furniture on the floor. If possible, keep pets off of the floor until then as well.

This will ensure that your floors look their best and last longer over time without any damage caused by premature use. Once the appropriate amount of curing time has passed, you can begin sleeping in the house after applying a coat of polyurethane—but not with bare feet! Slippers or socks are highly recommended so that no dirt or debris gets into the surface layer of the finish and creates scratches or dull spots over time.

It’s also important to avoid dragging heavy items across your newly finished floors; opt instead for lifting when moving beds and other furniture pieces around a room if needed.

How Long Should You Stay Out of House After Refinishing Floors

If you have recently decided to refinish your floors, you may be wondering how long you should stay out of the house after the job is done. This is an important question to consider because if you enter too soon, there could be serious health risks associated with breathing in fumes from the construction materials used for refinishing. Read on to find out what precautions should be taken and how long it takes before it’s safe to re-enter your home.

Before beginning any floor refinishing project, it’s essential that proper ventilation is established in order to minimize exposure to dangerous vapors or dust particles created during sanding or other processes. It’s also recommended that all people and pets staying in the house are removed while work is being done in order to reduce the potential inhalation of any harmful chemicals released into the air. Once all safety measures have been taken care of, one must still wait a certain period of time before entering back into their freshly refinished abode.

The amount of time needed will depend on several factors such as the type of finish applied (lacquer vs polyurethane), temperature and humidity levels present inside the house at that moment, as well as the total square footage worked upon.

When Can I Put Furniture on Refinished Hardwood Floors

If you’re looking to update your home and give it a fresh, new look, hardwood flooring is a great option. Not only does it look beautiful and add value to your home, but it also adds warmth and character. Refinishing hardwood floors can be an expensive endeavor so once the job is complete you want to make sure that you take care of them properly.

One question many people have after refinishing their hardwood floors is when they can put furniture back on them. The answer depends on what type of finish was used during the refinishing process as well as how long ago the work was completed. If polyurethane or any other oil-based sealer was used then one should wait at least 72 hours before putting furniture back in place.

This gives enough time for the sealer to dry completely which will ensure maximum protection against scratches and damage from moving furniture around on the newly refinished surface. It’s recommended that felt pads are placed underneath all furniture legs in order to reduce scratching even further; these can usually be found at most hardware stores for just a few dollars per pack. Those who chose water-based finishes such as acrylic urethanes do not need to wait as long before placing their furniture back onto their floors – typically 24 hours should suffice if there were no complications with the installation process itself (i.e., improper drying times).

How to Air Out House After Floor Refinishing

If you’ve recently had your floors refinished, congratulations! You now have a beautiful, shiny new surface that will last you for years. But before you can enjoy it to its fullest extent, there are a few things you need to do in order to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of your newly refinished flooring.

One such thing is airing out the house after floor refinishing. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why it’s important to air out a house after floor refinishing and how best to go about doing so. One of the main reasons for airing out the house after floor refinishing is due to the potential presence of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

VOCs are chemicals released from certain solvents used during application processes like sanding or staining that can cause adverse health effects if inhaled in high concentrations over long periods of time. So in order to properly protect yourself against these potentially harmful compounds, it’s essential that you allow adequate ventilation while working with any type of wood products or materials involved in finishing floors.

Can You Sleep in House After Staining Floors

If you’ve recently stained your hardwood floors, chances are you’re wondering if it’s safe to sleep in the house afterward. After all, no one wants to inhale toxic fumes from the stain as they sleep! Fortunately, there is good news: yes, you can safely sleep in a house after staining floors — provided that certain precautions are taken.

To start off with, it’s important to use a nontoxic wood stain for your flooring project. Oil-based stains contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be hazardous when inhaled and should never be used indoors or in enclosed spaces like a bedroom. Instead, opt for water-based stains; these have fewer VOCs and will not release any dangerous fumes once they dry.

Once the stain is applied and allowed enough time to dry (typically 12 – 24 hours), there won’t be any risk of exposure to harmful chemicals while sleeping in the room where the staining was done. To ensure safe sleeping conditions even sooner than this timeframe allows, however, open windows near your newly stained floors and turn on fans throughout the area so air circulates properly around them — this will speed up drying time significantly while also ventilating out any lingering odors from the stain itself.

Can You Live in House While Refinishing the Floors?

When it comes to refinishing floors, one of the most important questions that need to be answered is whether or not you can live in the house while the process is being completed. The answer ultimately depends on a variety of factors, but with some careful planning and consideration, it is possible for homeowners to remain in their homes during floor refinishing projects. First and foremost, you should always consult your contractor before deciding whether or not to stay in the home during floor refinishing.

There are certain aspects of this type of project that could make living in the house uncomfortable or even dangerous depending on how involved the project will be. Your contractor should provide clear instructions about what needs to be done prior to beginning work as well as any safety precautions they recommend taking while they’re working so that everyone remains safe throughout the process. If your contractor agrees that it’s safe for you and anyone else who lives with you during this time period then there are still additional considerations that need to be taken into accounts such as dust control measures and ventilation systems being installed if necessary.

Floor sanding creates very fine particles which can easily spread through air ducts throughout your home so having proper dust barriers put up between different zones (especially bedrooms) will help minimize exposure levels from these airborne irritants. Additionally, having good ventilation systems installed can also reduce indoor air pollution by helping circulate fresh air into each room rather than trapping harmful particles inside.

Are Floor Refinishing Fumes Harmful?

When it comes to remodeling or renovating your home, floor refinishing is an integral part of the process. Refinishing a floor can give it new life, making it look brand-new again. However, many homeowners are concerned about the fumes that come from refinishing their floors and whether they are harmful.

The short answer is yes—floor refinishing fumes can be dangerous if not properly ventilated. The primary source of concern when it comes to these fumes is the fact that they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs have been linked to various health problems such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, irritation of the eyes and throat, and even more serious conditions like respiratory illnesses and certain types of cancer.

Of course, all this depends on how much exposure there has been over time. To minimize your risk while refinishing your floors you should take steps to ensure proper ventilation in order to reduce your exposure to these potentially harmful fumes. This can include using fans or opening windows during the work process so that any toxic fumes can escape outside instead of lingering inside where you may breathe them in unknowingly.

You should also wear protective gear like masks or respirators if possible for added protection against inhaling any noxious particles in the air from the refinishing job itself. Additionally, make sure anyone who lives within close proximity moves out temporarily until all work is done.

Do I Need to Move Out to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

If you are thinking about refinishing your hardwood floors, then it is important to consider whether or not you need to move out in order for the project to be completed. While there are some cases where moving out may be necessary, in most instances it isn’t required. The first thing to consider is how much disruption will the project cause.

Refinishing hardwood floors can be a messy and disruptive process so if you are concerned about dust and fumes from the chemicals used during refinishing then it might make sense for you to move out while work is being done. However, with modern techniques and products, this should not be an issue as long as proper precautions have been taken by the contractor (e.g., using dust barriers). Another factor that determines whether or not you need to move out of your home while having hardwood floors refinished is related to safety concerns associated with the use of certain tools and machinery needed for sanding down old finishes before applying new ones.

If floor sanders must be used close proximity to people living in your home, then moving out might indeed be necessary due to the relocation of furniture too close together or other factors that could increase the risk of injury due to contact with heavy machinery.

How Long Should You Stay off Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors?

If you’ve recently had the floors in your home refinished, it can be exciting to see them all shiny and new. However, it’s important to remember that these newly refinished hardwood floors need a bit of time before they’re ready for full use. The amount of time required depends on several factors including climate and type of finish used; however, as a general rule of thumb, you should stay off newly refinished hardwood floors for at least 24-48 hours after the refinishing is complete.

The first thing to consider when determining how long to stay away from newly refinished hardwood flooring is what kind of finish was used during the process. For example, if you opted for an oil-based polyurethane finish then you will need more time than if water-based finishes were applied since oil takes longer to dry and cure completely. You also have to take into account the environment where the refinishing took place—humidity levels or temperatures can affect drying times significantly; so make sure that rooms were adequately ventilated or heated appropriately during this period in order for proper curing results.

Can You Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors Yourself? (honest opinion)

Conclusion

Sure thing! You can stay in your house while the floors are being refinished. However, it’s important to remember that the process may be a bit noisy and messy, so make sure to take proper precautions like closing off any rooms you don’t need access to and protecting furniture or other items you want to keep clean.

Additionally, it’s best practice for everyone (including pets) in the home to wear protective gear such as an N-95 respirator mask and gloves when sanding is taking place since airborne dust particles can become hazardous during this stage of the refinishing process. All in all, with the right preparation and safety measures, staying at home during floor refinishing is completely doable – just be sure not to forget those masks!

Can I Stay in My House While Floors are Refinished - My Blog (2024)

FAQs

Can you stay in home during floor refinishing? ›

It's best to stay out of the house until the polyurethane is dry and the fumes have dissipated. Once it has dried, it is considered to be relatively safe and non-toxic. However, while it is still wet, it can release fumes that can be harmful to breathe.

Can you live in house while refinishing hardwood floors? ›

The house is not inhabitable for a minimum of 2 days after the job is completed, and better to stay out for at least 5 as the fumes/off-gassing is not advisable to breathe in, even if there are other rooms to sleep in.

Can you be in the house when floors are being sanded? ›

Do not live in the home during refinishing. The sanding will cause harmful lung damaging particulate matter to stay in the air for days. Children, pregnant women and the elderly will be most impacted by floor finishing.

How long do you have to stay off the floor after refinishing? ›

How long do I have to wait to use my room after my floors are refinished? We recommend waiting 6 hours before walking on your new floors in socks. After 24 hours you can walk through with shoes on. Allow 48 hours before setting furniture and returning pets.

Are floor refinishing fumes harmful? ›

The solvents in varnish are extremely pungent, and the fumes can cause drowsiness, headaches, skin irritation and dizziness. At high concentrations, a person may become unconscious, suffer respiratory distress and may even develop pulmonary edema.

Are polyurethane fumes harmful? ›

► Inhaling Urethane can irritate the nose and throat. ► Very high exposure can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness and passing out. may affect the brain and bone marrow.

How do you air out a house after floor refinishing? ›

Crack open a window. Getting rid of any smell starts with good ventilation. Open windows promote the free flow of fresh air throughout the area that has been worked on. The longer there is cross ventilation, the less bothersome the smell of polyurethane fumes will be.

How long to move furniture after floor refinishing? ›

Wait 48 to 72 hours after the hardwood has been refinished/ finished before "PLACING" furniture back in its place. Keep a steady temperature and humidity within your home. Dramatic swings in temperature will cause hardwood to shrink or to cup. Sweep/dust and mop often.

How long does it take to refinish hardwood floors in whole house? ›

Depending on the product used, and the current weather conditions, each coat could take either hours or days. Figure at least two days for the “sand and poly” job or three to seven days for a full refinishing project, plus at least one day if you're adding color.

How long are polyurethane fumes toxic? ›

Overall, it is said that it takes a full 30 days for the floors to properly cure, which means this will likely be the duration of time that you deal with toxic fumes in the air space.

What are the long term effects of polyurethane fumes? ›

When left uncured, polyurethane can cause asthma and other breathing problems. Individuals who spend time in rooms that have uncured polyurethane floor treatments may also experience health issues like throat and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, headaches, coughing, and shortness of breath.

How long do refinished floors take to dry? ›

Each coat of an oil-based finish normally takes 24 hours to dry, and if you are staining your wood, this can take 24 hours or longer to dry, too. You should expect refinishing your hardwood flooring to take a minimum of three days. For water-based finishes, it can take about two days to refinish hardwood floors fully.

What time of year should you have wood floors refinished? ›

Summer can be a good time to refinish floors since many people take that time to leave the house for extended periods of time. Also make sure to request dust-free sanding and Bona stains, sealers and finishes for less inconvenience to you and a safer process. Plus, you'll be back in your home quicker.

What happens if you put furniture on refinished floors too soon? ›

Your furniture can have sharp edges. If you move your furniture back too early, these edges can cause irreversible damage to your new hardwood flooring in Decatur, impacting both its longevity and aesthetic appeal. To prevent this from happening, wait at least 48 hours before moving your furniture back.

How long is floor stain toxic? ›

All wood stains are toxic in liquid form but become non-toxic after fully cured. This process can take 3 to 30 days, depending on the kind of stain and brand. As the stain dries, volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, release into the air.

What are the side effects of formaldehyde in flooring? ›

Formaldehyde exposure may potentially cause a variety of symptoms and adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been associated with cancer in humans and laboratory animals.

Will refinishing wood floors get rid of urine smell? ›

Treat the affected area with a stain remover before refinishing. The heat of sanding and refinishing can bake the urine crystals into the wood and make odor and stain removal much more difficult if sanding and refinishing is done first.

Can the smell of varnish make you sick? ›

Lacquer is a clear or colored coating (called a varnish) that is often used to give wooden surfaces a glossy look. Lacquer is dangerous to swallow. Breathing in the fumes for a long period is also harmful.

How long does it take for polyurethane to cure? ›

Surfaces finished with oil-based polyurethanes can be used after around 4 days, but full cure normally takes 30 days. Even if the manufacturer's recommended time has passed, if you can still smell the polyurethane, it probably isn't dry. Fast-drying polyurethane is available in both water- and oil-based formulas.

Is it safe to use polyurethane indoors? ›

Can You Use Polyurethane Inside or Outside? Most exterior polys can be used indoors, but interior polys should never be used outdoors; they lack the additives that protect exterior finishes from UV rays.

Can you sleep in house after water based polyurethane? ›

It's not recommended that you sleep in the house after apply water based polyurethane. You should wait at least 24 hours before you sleep in the home. Usually it takes water-based polyurethane 1-2 hours to become semi-dry, and 14 days after application it should be completely cured.

How long after polyurethane can I walk on floor? ›

Thus, it's best to wait until all coats have been applied and dried before walking through the room. After that final coat, your floors should be off-limits for 24 hours. This is the only way to avoid any damage.

Can you refinish floors without removing furniture? ›

But what if you're just refinishing existing hardwood flooring? The answer: Unfortunately, that process involves messy wood particle debris, stripping agents, and sealants, so it's wise to protect your items by moving them out of the way in that scenario, as well.

Does refinishing floors add value? ›

In fact, you can expect to recover 100% of the cost you spent on refinishing them. In addition, according to NAR, nearly 54% of home buyers report they are willing to pay more for a home with finished hardwood floors.

How many coats of polyurethane on floors? ›

We recommend at least 2 coats of oil based polyurethane + a lacquer sealer coat as a minimum for hardwood flooring. Extra coats = extra protection, but only one coat of oil based polyurethane may be applied per day, as it needs 24 hours to dry before applying another coat.

How much does it cost to refinish $1000 square feet of hardwood floors? ›

$3,000 to $8,000

How much does it cost to refinish 500 square feet of hardwood floors? ›

At $3–$8 per square foot, it typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000 to refinish 500 square feet of hardwood flooring.

How long does it take to refinish 1000 square feet of hardwood floors? ›

Most wood floor refinishing projects are done on 1000-1500 sq ft with one day. For large areas, the workforce can be increased to reduce elapsed time. The weather conditions also affect how long it will take for the polyurethane to dry up.

How long does polyurethane emit VOC? ›

During the drying and curing process, the floor's finish releases potentially harmful chemicals into the air via evaporation, a process called off-gassing. Off-gassing is heavy during the first two days after application, and the floor's finish can continue to emit small amounts of VOCs for up to thirty days.

What happens if you breathe in polyurethane foam? ›

B-Side – Inhalation overexposure can cause irritation of the respiratory tract, causing cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Irritation of the eyes (liquid or vapor) and skin (liquid) are also possible. In addition, skin contact with some amine catalysts may lead to skin sensitization.

Does polyurethane stop off-gassing? ›

They have to be, so they fit into that smallish box they're shipped in. Just like almost every other substance on the planet, polyurethane foam off-gasses, or releases compounds into the air.

Is polyurethane toxic to sleep on? ›

Polyurethane foam is used in most mattresses on the market. But polyurethane is made from petroleum chemicals that can emit VOCs—harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or other health problems.

Is polyurethane toxic once dried? ›

Once the chemical reaction of its components has taken place, the result is a polyurethane foam that is completely inert and harmless to humans. Contrary to what some people claim, various studies certify that polyurethane does not pose a risk to the health of users.

How do you get polyurethane smell out of your house? ›

The best way to remove the polyurethane smell is to open windows and use a number of fans. You can also use white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, limes, oranges, onions, or other natural odor removers.

How can I make polyurethane cure faster? ›

Apply Extra Heat. Applying heat is one of the best ways to increase polyurethane drying times. For example, some individuals will use a hair-dryer, a space heater, or a heat lamp to turn up the heat on a polyurethane coat.

Can floors be refinished one room at a time? ›

For people who are already living in their homes and needing to shuffle furniture from one room to another to get the floors done, refinishing the entire home at once isn't possible. So can you refinish hardwood floors one room at a time? Of course!

Will a fan help polyurethane dry faster? ›

Use a fan to direct fresh air over the area. It can take up to seven days for the urethane to be 90 percent cured and 30 days to be cured completely. However, you should need the fan only for the first day, with periodic use after to remove buildup of fumes.

Can I sleep in my house after refinishing hardwood floors? ›

It's best to stay out of the house until the polyurethane is dry and the fumes have dissipated. Once it has dried, it is considered to be relatively safe and non-toxic. However, while it is still wet, it can release fumes that can be harmful to breathe.

How do you clean a house after refinishing hardwood floors? ›

🙂 After refinishing hardwood floors, be prepared to thoroughly vacuum and wipe down every last surface. This includes every square inch of your walls. I highly recommend a vacuum with a new filter, as well as these microfiber cloths.

What is the difference between resurface and refinish hardwood floors? ›

Floor resurfacing involves applying a new layer of material on top of your existing flooring, while refinishing involves sanding down the surface of your floors and applying a new stain or finish.

Can 100 year old wood floors be refinished? ›

If you followed along on the One Room Challenge, you already know that we refinished our 100 plus year-old hardwood floors ourselves. And oh what a difference it made! We went from paint-splattered hardwoods hidden under stained, rust-colored carpets...

When can I walk barefoot on refinished hardwood floors? ›

We recommend waiting a minimum of 24 hours before you walk on your floors– and 48 hours is even better. Start with socks only and keep pets off the floors for a few days. Wait at least two days for water-based finishes and four days for oil-based finishes before carefully putting furniture and back into the room.

Can hardwood floors be refinished in one day? ›

Sanding will likely take only a day or two, but the stain (if you use one) and each of the three coats of finish will need to dry before the next coat can go on. Depending on the product used, and the current weather conditions, each coat could take either hours or days.

How long does it take to refinish floors in a house? ›

You should expect refinishing your hardwood flooring to take a minimum of three days. For water-based finishes, it can take about two days to refinish hardwood floors fully. Expect that each coat of water-based polyurethane will take between two to four hours to dry.

Can you refinish hardwood floors without moving out? ›

The most convenient time to sand and refinish existing hardwood floors is probably before you move into your new home. There's no furniture to move, no pets to relocate while the process is taking place, and you don't have to come home to quarantined rooms and the smells of stain and polyurethane.

How do I prepare my house for floor refinishing? ›

  1. Prep the Room. Remove all furniture, window treatments and rugs. ...
  2. Patch and Repair. Check the floor for larger holes or cracks and repair using wood filler and a spackle knife. ...
  3. Sand the Floor. ...
  4. Buff the Floor. ...
  5. Prep for Sealer or Stain. ...
  6. Apply Stain (Optional) ...
  7. Seal the Floor.

What to expect when getting floors refinished? ›

Expect a lot of noise during the job. Floors get sanded down to the bare wood, and any cracks are filled with a wood filler color-matched to your wood species. Afterward, a stain is applied to give color, followed by two to three coats of finish.

Do you have to remove baseboards to refinish floors? ›

Let's get started.As a general rule, we recommend leaving your base and shoe on when having your floors refinished, especially if it is painted. Depending on how the painters prepped your base, you can actually cause more damage to the base and walls by removing it.

When can you put rugs on refinished wood floors? ›

Wait to cover the floors

Rugs on hardwood floors are a great way to protect floors and add to their beauty. But for the first two weeks after finishing, the finish is still curing. So, for two weeks, don't cover the floor(s) with rugs, or anything else (such as cardboard boxes during a move).

Is there a lot of dust when refinishing floors? ›

There will always be a small amount of dust created and released into the air during any hardwood floor finishing process. However, a proper dust control system will take care of the vast majority of the dust created during the sanding process.

What is the difference between refinishing and refurbishing hardwood floors? ›

Floor resurfacing involves applying a new layer of material on top of your existing flooring, while refinishing involves sanding down the surface of your floors and applying a new stain or finish.

How long to wait to walk on polyurethane floors? ›

Thus, it's best to wait until all coats have been applied and dried before walking through the room. After that final coat, your floors should be off-limits for 24 hours. This is the only way to avoid any damage.

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