Do I Need to Leave My House During Sanding & Finishing?

When it comes to hardwood flooring projects, especially the sanding and finishing stages, one of the most common questions we get from homeowners is: “Do I need to leave my house during sanding and finishing?” While the answer depends on a few factors, rest assured—you are 100% welcome to stay home during the entire process. Here’s what you should know to help you decide if you want to stick around or grab your bags and head out!

1. It Depends on the Project Scope and Your Home Layout

The need to leave your home largely depends on the exact scope of your project and the layout of your home. For example, if we're working on a small room or a specific area of your house, you might find it easier to remain in your home. On the other hand, if the project involves multiple rooms or your entire floor plan, you may need to temporarily vacate to make the process more comfortable for everyone involved.

2. You Can Stay Home—It's Your Choice!

One of the things we love about working with homeowners is how flexible we can be. You are welcome to stay home during sanding and finishing if you prefer. Many of our clients choose this option because they like to monitor the progress and be available for any questions that may come up. It’s totally up to you!

However, keep in mind that sanding can create dust, and finishing involves fumes from the stain and finish products. While we take great care in minimizing these, if you’re sensitive to these elements, it might be more comfortable to vacate the area for a while.

3. Special Considerations for Kitchens

Now, let’s talk about kitchens. If we’re installing hardwood in your kitchen, here’s an important thing to know: All appliances will be removed at the start of the project and will not be reinstalled until the work is complete. This means that if your kitchen is being worked on, you’ll have a bit of a “kitchen-free” zone for the duration of the project. If you have a second kitchen or another area where you can prepare meals, you’ll want to make good use of that space. If not, get ready to order a lot of takeout—it’s the perfect excuse to skip the cooking for a bit!

4. Pets During the Coating & Finishing Process

When it comes to pets, here’s the most important thing to know: No pets are allowed during the coating and finishing process, no exceptions. This is because the finish products we use emit fumes, which can be harmful to pets and are best kept in a well-ventilated environment. Additionally, we want to avoid any potential issues with pet hair getting caught in the freshly applied finishes, or, in the worst-case scenario, pets accidentally walking on wet finishes, which could ruin the final result. While pets can stay in another room during the sanding process, they must be kept out of the house entirely during the coating and finishing stages for their safety and the protection of your beautiful new floors.

5. The 50/50 Split

Interestingly enough, it’s about an even 50/50 split between homeowners who choose to stay home and those who decide to leave during the sanding and finishing process. Some people love being around to watch the transformation of their floors and enjoy the process, while others prefer to leave the house and come back to a beautiful, finished space.

6. Other Considerations for Staying or Leaving

• Noise Levels: Sanding can be noisy, especially when dealing with larger areas or stubborn old finishes. If you’re sensitive to noise, consider leaving for the day or setting up a quiet area away from the work zone.

• Air Quality: The air can get a bit dusty during sanding, and the smell of finishes may linger for a while after we finish. If you're not fond of these things, it's a good idea to leave while the work is in progress.

• Pets: As mentioned earlier, no pets during the coating and finishing process. We recommend finding a pet-friendly area for them to stay while we work.

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Conclusion: It’s All About Comfort and Convenience

Ultimately, whether you stay home or leave during the sanding and finishing process is entirely up to you. If you’re comfortable with the noise, dust, and smell, staying home can give you peace of mind. However, if you prefer to leave the house and come back to a beautifully transformed home, taking a little time away might be the best option.

Prestige Hardwood Flooring is committed to making your experience as smooth as possible, no matter which option you choose. And if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re happy to help you decide the best course of action based on your specific project!