Can I Stay in My House While Floors Are Refinished? Find Out Now!

Refinishing hardwood floors is an exciting yet challenging process, especially when you are living in the house during the renovation. If you’re asking, “Can I stay in my house while floors are refinished?”, the answer depends on several factors, including the type of finish being applied, the size of your home, and the length of time the process will take. This article will guide you through all the factors you need to consider when deciding whether to stay in your home while your floors are being refinished.

Understanding the Refinishing Process

When you choose to refinish your floors, you’re giving your hardwood a fresh look, which involves sanding, cleaning, and applying new coats of finish. The process can take several days depending on the area being refinished, and the type of finish used significantly impacts whether or not staying in your home is a feasible option.

Types of Floor Finishes

There are primarily two types of finishes used in hardwood floor refinishing: oil-based and water-based finishes. The type you choose will affect the level of fumes and dust, which are the main reasons people often wonder if staying in their home is a good idea.

Oil-Based Finishes: These tend to produce a stronger odor and take longer to dry. The fumes can be overwhelming and potentially harmful to your health if you’re in the house during the application process. It is usually recommended to stay away from the home for a few days during and after the application of oil-based finishes.

Water-Based Finishes: These have a lower odor and a faster drying time compared to oil-based finishes. While it may still be uncomfortable to stay in the house during the refinishing process, the experience is much less invasive compared to oil-based finishes.

Can You Stay in Your House While Floors Are Refinished?

Staying in your house while floors are refinished is possible, but it involves careful planning. There are several things you need to take into account before making the decision to stay in your home.

Consider the Timing of the Refinishing

The first factor to consider when deciding whether to stay in your home is the timing. Refinishing floors is not a one-day task. In fact, the process often involves several stages, including sanding, applying multiple coats of finish, and allowing the floor to dry between each stage. Depending on the size of the room and the type of finish being used, this process can take anywhere from 2 to 5 days. This means you will need to plan your activities accordingly.

First Coat Drying Time: If you’re refinishing floors in multiple rooms, you should expect to be restricted from entering these areas for at least 24 to 48 hours after the first coat. During this time, it’s important to avoid any foot traffic on the newly refinished floor, which means staying out of the affected rooms.

Fumes and Odors: The fumes from the floor finish can make it difficult to stay indoors. While water-based finishes are more tolerable, they still produce some odor. Oil-based finishes, on the other hand, have a much stronger smell and require proper ventilation.

Dust Control Measures

Refinishing floors generates dust, especially during the sanding process. The amount of dust can be minimized with professional equipment, but it’s impossible to avoid entirely. If you decide to stay in the house during the refinishing, you’ll need to plan how to contain the dust and keep it away from other areas of the home.

Many flooring companies use dust containment systems, which capture up to 95% of the dust during sanding. However, it’s important to note that these systems can’t eliminate all the dust. The dust can find its way into other areas of your home, potentially affecting your furniture and belongings.

Is It Safe to Stay in the House During Refinishing?

While it’s possible to stay in your house during the refinishing process, you should weigh the safety concerns. The fumes from floor finishes, particularly those with oil-based products, can be harmful to both humans and pets. These fumes are not only unpleasant but can also cause headaches, dizziness, and other health issues.

If you are sensitive to chemicals, it might be best to avoid staying in the house during the refinishing. Similarly, if you have pets, you’ll need to make arrangements to keep them away from the refinished floors as the fumes and fumes can cause discomfort and health risks to them as well.

Managing Access to Your Home During the Refinishing Process

Another important consideration is that access to your home will be restricted while the floors are being refinished. Depending on how much area is being worked on, you may have to make adjustments to your daily routine.

Room-by-Room Refinishing

If you’re refinishing just a few rooms, you may be able to work with the contractor to stagger the process. The floor refinishing can be done room by room, meaning you can still access parts of your house while others are being worked on. This method requires careful planning, especially with regard to the furniture. You’ll need to move furniture out of the rooms being refinished and keep the path clear for easy access to other areas of the house.

Full Home Refinishing

For a whole-house refinishing, staying in the house might not be feasible. You’ll need to plan for days when you’ll have to stay out of your home entirely. Most people prefer to stay in a hotel or with family and friends during a whole-home refinishing project.

Tips for Staying in Your Home While Floors Are Refinished

If you decide that staying in your home is the best option, here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Prepare for Limited Access to Some Areas

Plan ahead by packing up essential items that you will need for the time you are unable to access certain areas of your home. This might include toiletries, food, and other personal items. If you rely on certain rooms for specific activities (such as working or sleeping), ensure you can comfortably manage the disruption.

Protect Your Furniture and Belongings

Even if the floor refinishing company provides dust containment, it’s a good idea to cover your furniture and belongings with plastic or cloth sheets. This will help protect them from dust and fumes.

Ventilation and Air Quality

Make sure your home is properly ventilated. If you’re using oil-based finishes, ensure that there is a way to get fresh air into the home, such as opening windows or using fans. This will help reduce the buildup of fumes and make it safer to remain inside during the process.

Keep Pets and Children Safe

Pets and children should be kept away from the refinished floors during the drying and curing process. The fumes from the finish can be harmful to their health, and they may inadvertently damage the floors while the finish is still drying.

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Staying in Your Home During Floor Refinishing

Ultimately, whether or not you can stay in your home while floors are refinished depends on the type of finish used, the size of the project, and your comfort level with the associated disruptions. If you are sensitive to odors, fumes, or dust, it may be wise to make arrangements to stay elsewhere while the refinishing process is completed. If you’re able to manage the disruptions and ensure the safety of your family and pets, staying in your home is certainly possible.

Whatever you decide, make sure you’re fully informed and prepared for the process. By planning ahead, you can make the refinishing experience as smooth as possible, ensuring that your home’s floors are beautifully refinished and ready for use without too much hassle.