Your Floors Can Look Brand New Again As Early As This Winter!
Refinishing your hardwood floors restores their beauty and extends their lifespan. But if you’re planning to take on this project, you should know the best time of year for it. Humidity, temperature, and even the type of finish you’ll need to use can vary from season to season.
Keep reading to discover seasonal considerations for wood floor refinishing.
How Do Temperature and Humidity Affect Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
Hardwood floors are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
If humidity levels are too high, wood can expand, while low humidity causes it to contract. Humidity changes can affect the refinishing process, including uneven stain application, difficulty achieving a smooth finish, or the finish not curing properly.
For best results, refinish hardwood floors when the interior temperatures are between 60℉ and 80℉. If your home is too cold, the finish may take longer to dry, and higher temperatures can cause the finish to dry too quickly, leaving brush or roller marks and other imperfections.
You shouldn’t have these issues, however, when you work with a professional hardwood floor refinishing company and appropriately use your home’s heating and cooling system. You can refinish hardwood floors in any season as a result.
Seasonal Considerations For Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Spring
Spring is a great time to refinish hardwood floors because humidity is more balanced and outdoor temperatures are mild.
Because spring is often considered a time of renewal, refinishing your hardwood floors falls perfectly in line with other spring cleaning you’ll be doing
Summer
Summer is hot and humid, which can make it tricky to refinish your hardwood floors. If your home feels humid inside, then there’s a chance your wood floors will absorb too much moisture, which can affect how evenly your floor accepts stain. The finish also may not adhere properly if it’s too humid. Hot temperatures can also cause bubbling.
To prevent problems, make sure your air conditioning system is functioning properly. If your home doesn’t have central air, you may want to wait for a cooler season for wood floor refinishing.
Fall
Like spring, fall is an excellent season for refinishing hardwood floors because of its milder temperatures and lower humidity. These contribute to a more even cure. Fall is also the last opportunity to finish home projects before the cold weather sets in, and completing this project allows you to more fully enjoy your home before winter.
Winter
Like summer, winter can make wood floor refinishing projects a little more complex due to extremely low humidity and dry air, which can cause your floors to contract slightly. Because your flooring is slightly less porous, it may accept stain a little differently than it would during a more humid season.
During winter, ventilation can also be an issue. You need to keep your windows closed for your home to retain heat, but proper ventilation is necessary for your stain and seal to properly cure. If you choose to have your floors refinished during the winter, make sure your furnace, boiler, or heat pump are in good working condition before you begin.
Tips For Wood Floor Refinishing No Matter the Season
Regardless of when you have your wood floors refinished, follow these tips for a successful project.
- Control the environment. Keep your home between 60℉ and 80℉ with moderate humidity for best results.
- Give your floors plenty of time to dry and cure before walking on them or moving furniture back in. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to a few days. JRK Flooring will let you know when you can move back in.
- Make sure your space is well-ventilated, especially if you’re using oil-based finishes in a tightly sealed home. Good airflow helps the finish cure faster and reduce fumes. You may also want to replace your home’s air filter before and after the project.
Hire a Professional to Refinish Your Hardwood Floors
At JRK Flooring, we offer expert refinishing services and can help you plan for the best time for your project. Weather and humidity are no match for our extensive experience, and we can refinish your wood floors no matter the season.
If you’re ready to refinish your hardwoods, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about the refinishing process and get a free estimate.
