How often should you polish floorboards?

The frequency of polishing floorboards depends on the level of foot traffic, the type of finish used, and the level of maintenance performed on the flooring.

In general, it is recommended to polish floorboards once every 2 to 3 years under normal foot traffic conditions. However, in high traffic areas or commercial settings, it may be necessary to polish the flooring more frequently, such as every 1 to 2 years.

If the flooring has a hardwax oil or a penetrating oil finish, it may require less frequent polishing as these finishes provide a more natural look, and also it can be refreshed by reapplying the oil, as a result it will provide a longer life for the finish.

It is also important to note that regular maintenance, such as sweeping or vacuuming and cleaning with the appropriate cleaning products, can prolong the life of the flooring and reduce the need for polishing.

Ultimately, the best way to determine how often you should polish your floorboards is to consult with a professional flooring contractor, or to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific type of finish and flooring that you have. The cost to polish floor boards can vary depending on how many rooms you have and what type of finish you desire.

How long does it take to polish floorboards?

The time it takes to polish floorboards can vary depending on the size of the area to be polished, the condition of the flooring, and the type of finish or sealer used.

The process of sanding and polishing can take a full day or more, with the sanding process taking the majority of the time. Sanding will remove the previous finish, smooth the surface, and prepare the floor for polishing. After that, buffing and polishing will take a few hours.

In general, you should expect the process to take at least one full day for a standard-sized room, but it could take longer depending on the specifics of the job, such as the condition of the flooring, or if the area is particularly large.

It’s also important to note that after polishing, it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours before walking on the newly polished floorboards to allow the sealer or finish to dry and cure completely.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the process of polishing floorboards is time-consuming, labor-intensive and may require some level of skill and experience, so it is recommended to consult with a professional flooring contractor to assess the job and give you an estimate of the time it will take to complete it. You can read our guide on what not to do when sanding and polishing floor boards to get a better idea of how long it could take and the steps involved.