How Long Does It Take to Refinish Hardwood Floors in a Home?

Refinishing your hardwood floors is one of the most effective ways to revive the beauty of your home, especially in a city like Philadelphia where rich architectural history meets modern living. But one of the most common questions we get at Hudson Hardwood Floors is: “How long does it take to refinish hardwood floors?”

While the general answer ranges from 3 to 7 days, the truth is—it depends. Let’s walk you through what impacts the timeline, especially in Philly homes, and how you can best plan your refinishing project.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Hardwood Floor Refinishing

1. Preparing the Space (1–2 Days)
Before any work begins, the area needs to be cleared. This includes removing furniture, rugs, and wall décor. In Philadelphia rowhomes or tight South Philly trinity houses, navigating stairs and narrow hallways can make this step take a bit longer. You may also need to temporarily relocate if the project covers most of your living space.

Pro Tip: Many homeowners in neighborhoods like Fairmount or Queen Village plan refinishing projects while they’re away for a long weekend or vacation.

2. Sanding the Floors (1–2 Days)
This is where the bulk of the work happens. Sanding removes the old finish, levels the surface, and prepares the floor for staining or sealing. Older homes in Philly—particularly those in areas like Germantown or Society Hill—often have original floors with deep wear, uneven boards, or nails that protrude, which can add time to this phase.

Dustless sanding systems help keep mess to a minimum, which is a major benefit in city homes where ventilation may be limited.

3. Staining (Optional – Add 1 Day)
If you’re changing the floor’s color, staining adds a day to the process. The stain needs time to penetrate and set before finishing. Many Philadelphia homeowners opt for warmer or darker tones to match the character of their older homes, but lighter modern tones are gaining popularity in new renovations or flips in Brewerytown and Kensington.

4. Applying the Finish (1–2 Days)
Once sanding (and staining, if chosen) is complete, it’s time to apply the protective finish. The type of finish you choose affects the timeline:

• Oil-based finishes take 24+ hours between coats and may require 2–3 coats.

• Water-based finishes dry faster—sometimes within a few hours—allowing multiple coats in a single day.

Water-based options are often favored by busy homeowners in Center City or Manayunk who want quicker results and lower odor.

5. Drying and Curing (2–7 Days)
You’ll need to wait at least 24 hours before walking on your newly refinished floors (socks only!), and several days before moving furniture back in. Oil-based finishes take longer to cure—sometimes up to a week—while water-based finishes may cure in 2–3 days.

Keep in mind that Philly’s humid summers and dry winters can affect drying time. If you’re refinishing in the spring or fall, you’ll likely get the best conditions for a smooth, even cure.

Total Time: 3 to 7 Days (Or More, Depending on Conditions)

While most refinishing jobs wrap up in under a week, factors like home size, wood condition, finish type, and even Philly’s parking or contractor access rules can cause delays. For example, in some parts of the city, getting permits for equipment trucks or scheduling during busy traffic hours can add a layer of complexity.

Why Philadelphia Homes Need a Custom Approach

Philadelphia’s homes aren’t cookie-cutter. Whether you live in a restored brownstone in Rittenhouse or a converted warehouse in Northern Liberties, your flooring needs—and timeline—will vary. At Hudson Hardwood, we’ve worked in hundreds of local homes and understand the quirks that come with Philly real estate, including:

• Uneven subfloors in historic properties

• Tight working spaces in townhouses

• High-rise access restrictions for Center City apartments

• Local labor and permit costs that affect scheduling

Want the Job Done Right—and On Time?

Let Hudson Hardwood take the guesswork out of your hardwood floor refinishing project. We provide detailed timelines, personalized recommendations, and beautiful, lasting results—on schedule and with minimal disruption to your life.