Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - How long does a coat of poly take to dry?

We had the floors done and the guy said he put three coats on in one afternoon (approx. 3-4 hours probably less). Floors look fine for 3 or 4 months then started to fade. It is in the kitchen and the floors weren't great to start with and I will give him that. But he said he put three coats. I don't believe him, I can't see how they could dry that fast. The floor 8 months later looks dull and looks like the finish or top layer is coming off. What should I say to him? Ask him to put on another coat?

If the finish is peeling, he did do it too fast!

He has adhesion claims galore, I bet!

I bet that is it. I saw bits and pieces. Sanded then I came back about 3 hrs. later and he was done. He said he put 3 coats on and it was a hot summer day.

How long should he have waited between coats under normal drying conditions?

Thanks.

We always try to leave it over night but in a pinch we will wait six to eight hours between coats. In the summer we have gotten away with about four but it was pushing it. Never done more than two coats in a day. You might not want to call him back.
Good Luck
Bryan

Label directions on cans of finish are general guidelines for drying times between coats of finish. Temperature and humidity levels can affect and extend those time limits for drying between coats of finish. According to research, it normally takes 4-6 hours for polyurethane finish to dry under normal conditions. Screening between coats is important. Go to www.nofma.org for the techinical manual on finishing wood floors.

How many total square feet of area was refinished?

How long did it take that final coat to dry, so it could be walked on? That should tell you just how many actual coats are on your floor.

3 thin coats are way better then 1 thick coat, which sounds like what you got.
How could he plate between coats and tack the floor, and coat, 3 times in 3 hours?

The time line is not adding up, for a proper 3 coat job of any size.