The Best Time of Year to Refinish Hardwood Floors in Boise
If you’re thinking about giving your hardwood floors new life, timing matters more than you might think. Boise’s seasons each come with their own advantages and challenges when it comes to refinishing hardwood floors. Choosing the right time of year can help your floors cure properly, last longer, and look their absolute best.
At Staub Hardwood Restoration, we’ve spent years perfecting our refinishing process in Idaho’s unique climate — here’s what we’ve learned.
Why Timing Matters
When refinishing, your floors are sanded down and sealed with a protective finish that needs time to cure. The curing process is sensitive to temperature and humidity — two factors that vary dramatically throughout Boise’s seasons.
Too cold or humid: the finish may dry unevenly or take longer to harden.
Too hot or dry: the wood can contract, leading to cracks or gaps.
That’s why choosing the right season helps ensure a flawless, durable finish.
Spring and Fall: The Sweet Spot for Boise Homes
In our experience, spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) are the best times to refinish hardwood floors in Boise.
Here’s why:
Temperatures stay moderate — typically between 60–75°F.
Humidity levels are stable, helping finishes cure evenly.
Windows can be opened for ventilation without extreme heat or cold.
During these months, you’ll also experience fewer scheduling delays — summer often books up quickly, and winter refinishing can be limited by drying times.
What About Summer Refinishing?
Summer refinishing can absolutely work — especially if you have strong indoor temperature control. Boise summers are hot and dry, so keeping your home around 70°F and 40–50% humidity will help prevent finishes from curing too fast.
If you plan on refinishing in summer, consider scheduling early in the morning or late in the season (August–September) when temperatures are more manageable.
Winter: Proceed with Caution
Refinishing in winter isn’t impossible — but it comes with challenges:
Cold temperatures can slow curing times.
Homes tend to be sealed tightly, limiting ventilation.
Indoor heating can cause floors to shrink temporarily.
That said, if your refinishing project is urgent, our team uses specialized products designed to cure properly in cooler conditions. We’ll also bring industrial fans and ventilation systems to keep air quality and finish performance optimal.
Planning Ahead
No matter the season, refinishing is an involved process — it requires furniture removal, light sanding, and multiple coats of finish. To make things easier, here are a few planning tips:
Book early. Boise homeowners often schedule refinishing 4–6 weeks ahead during spring and fall.
Check humidity. A small indoor hygrometer can help you monitor levels before and after your project.
Stay off the floors. Plan to avoid foot traffic for at least 24–48 hours post-application.
Trust Boise’s Hardwood Refinishing Experts
At Staub Hardwood Restoration, we treat every refinishing project like it’s our own home. Whether you’re preparing for guests, updating your home before selling, or simply ready to enjoy your floors again — we’ll help you choose the perfect time and finish type for lasting beauty.
📞 Call us today to schedule your free estimate or learn more about our refinishing services in Boise, Eagle, Meridian, and the entire Treasure Valley.