Why Fall Is the Perfect Time To Refinish Floors

If your floors are long past their prime, don’t automatically jump to replace them. 

Refinishing them may be the better, more cost-effective solution—especially now that fall has made its debut.

“Fall provides that sweet spot for refinishing your floors—temperatures are moderate and there's less humidity and fewer extremes than summer or winter,” says Mike Belk, owner of BELK Tile in Columbus, OH.

By refinishing your floors in September, October or November, you can give your home a fresh, rejuvenated appearance just in time for the holidays—or if you're looking to sell before the year is out. 

Why fall is the perfect time to refinish your floors

Most people don't think that the season you refinish your floors can make or break the project, but the truth is, it can. 

“The moderate temperatures and lower humidity of fall make it easier for finishes to cure properly without the extremes of summer heat or winter chill,” says Terri Brien, owner and principal designer at Terri Brien Interiors in San Clemente, CA.

Also, since you can comfortably open windows, ventilation becomes safer and more pleasant. This is particularly important if you’re using oils, stains, or sealers. 

Costwise, fall is also ideal as contractors’ schedules tend to open up after the busy summer renovation season has come to an end.

“You may find better availability and sometimes more competitive pricing than you would in spring or peak summer,” explains Brien.

Keep in mind that even though fall is a great time to refinish your floors, the project can be quite disruptive. The dust and noise may be a lot to handle, and you won’t be able to walk on your floors while the finish is drying. 

“It’s great if you can time your refinishing project for when you’ll already be away on a fall getaway. You’ll come home to gorgeous new floors just in time for the holidays,” says Natalie Craigmile, owner of Floor Coverings International in Leesburg, VA.

Expert tips to keep in mind while refinishing

If you’re tackling light scuffs or a simple recoat, the DIY route makes sense. You can rent a buffer, apply a fresh finish, and be done in a weekend. 

“However, if your floors have deep scratches, stains, or wavy boards, that's when you’ll find calling a pro is worth every penny,” explains Belk.

In the event you decide to tackle this project on your own, keep these expert tips in mind.

Choose the right stain

There’s more to consider than just stain color—you can also choose among matte, satin, and gloss finishes.

“I recommend satin for most homes. Gloss can be a little bit dated-looking, and matte shows dust and dirt easily. Satin is a great middle ground,” says Craigmile. 

Don’t forget to test stains in natural light, as artificial light can be deceiving and lead to regrets and headaches down the road.

Prep your room 

Go beyond sweeping and mopping—remove baseboards if possible.

“By getting rid of baseboards, you can sand all the way to the edges for a shinier, more professional finish,” says Belk.

Sand properly

"Start by sanding with a coarse-grit sandpaper to remove any old finish and damage," says Ron Shimek, president at Mr. Handyman in Lakeville, MN. Then, transition to a finer grit to smooth and even out surfaces.

Apply several coats

Apply multiple, thin coats of stain instead of one heavy coat. By doing so, you’ll reduce streaks and bubbles.

Allow proper drying time

Remember to follow your manufacturer’s instructions on the stain.

“Floors could take several days to cure before you can move your furniture back in,” explains Shimek.

Protect your newly refinished floors 

Add rugs and always take your shoes off. This will help ensure your refinished floors stand the test of time.

Flooring trends to explore

These days, many homeowners are leaning toward lighter, natural wood tones and matte finishes that highlight the authenticity of the wood grain.

“We are seeing a resurgence of warmer richer tones like walnuts and chocolate browns. Wide planks continue to be popular, as they create a more expansive, elegant look, especially in open floor plans,” says Brien.

Eco-friendly finishes such as low-VOC oils and water-based polyurethanes are also gaining traction as they balance durability with better indoor air quality.

“If you’re refinishing stone or tile, subtle textures and neutral palettes are timeless and versatile,” adds Brien.

Note that while you can lean into trends, it’s better to choose a look you’ll love for years to come. After all, floors are a long-term investment for your home.