The short answer
Clear the rooms, plan where pets and kids will be, ask about smell and drying times, and protect the new finish once it's done. Ask your refinisher about each step, since the right answer depends on the finish they use.
Your refinishing timeline
Before the crew arrives
- Ask who moves the furniture. Some companies include it; others ask you to clear the rooms.
- Take up rugs and remove items from floors and low shelves.
- Plan a path to bathrooms and the kitchen if you're staying home.
- Arrange a place for pets and kids away from the work.
- Ask whether to turn off heating, cooling or fans while the finish dries.
While the work is happening
- Oil-based finishes have a strong smell, and many families stay elsewhere until it fades. Water-based finishes usually smell less.
- Stay off the floor between coats unless the crew says otherwise.
- Ask for a stain sample on your own floor before the whole room is stained.
After the last coat
- Put felt pads under furniture legs before moving pieces back.
- Lift furniture instead of dragging it.
- Clean with a dry or barely damp mop and a cleaner made for your finish.
- Skip steam mops, soaking the floor, wax and oil soap unless the finish maker says they're safe.
Three dates to get from your refinisher
- Walk in socksWhen you can carefully walk on the new finish.
- Furniture backWhen furniture can return, on felt pads.
- Rugs downUsually the longest wait, while the finish fully hardens.
Key takeaways
- Ask who moves furniture before the job is booked
- Ask whether the finish is oil-based or water-based
- Get three dates: socks, furniture, rugs
- Felt pads and gentle cleaning protect the new finish
Common questions
Can I stay home while my floors are refinished?
Often yes, if the work is in rooms you can avoid and the finish has a low odor. With oil-based finishes or a whole-house job, many people stay elsewhere. Ask your refinisher.
How soon can I walk on refinished floors?
It depends on the finish and the number of coats. Your refinisher will give you times for walking in socks, moving furniture back and putting rugs down. Follow those times.
Do I need to move my furniture before the refinishers come?
Ask when you get your estimate. Some companies include moving furniture and some charge extra or ask you to clear the rooms.
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