Sanding, staining, and refinishing wood floors costs $2 to $7 per square foot total. Common factors that increase the overall cost to redo wood floors include: Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors costs $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot for labor and materials. It will look like a new hardwood floor and can be achieved for a fraction of the price of a new installation. Avoid sliding heavy appliances across the floors. Hardwood floor refinishing costs depend on the square footage, layout, location, staining, finish type, number of coats of finish, and local labor costs. Visible scratches, structural issues, or stains from sun and water indicate it's time to refinish your hardwood floors. Refinishing bamboo floors cost $2 to $6 per square foot, which is cheaper than the cost to install new bamboo flooring at $5 to $10 per square foot. Read our, Average Costs for Refinishing Hardwood Floors, Solid Hardwood vs. Hardwoods such as pine, bamboo, and parquet require special care while sanding or staining, but the total cost is the same to refinish. After sanding, contractors may add a stain to change the wood color, then apply a clear finish to seal and protect the floor. Remember that it will take a professional about five hours total to refinish 100 square feet of flooring, so factor in the time commitment when deciding whether to do this project yourself. If you oversand the top layer or incorrectly apply the stain or topcoat, repairs can be costlyand even require replacement. DIY costs to redo and resurface wood floors yourself is $600 to $1,100. The final coat may be buffed to increase its sheen and smoothness. The average cost to polish hardwood floors is $40 to $80 for supplies, plus $50 to $80 per hour to hire a local handyman. However, you may receive a more affordable per-square-foot quote for larger spacesa bit like buying in bulk. Let's take a look at a few common projects and price ranges. Also, between the odors and dust, the process can be a bit disruptiveso many a game plan for staying elsewhere if necessary. This will cover most mid-sized spaces like dining and living rooms. For best results: Always choose the best cleaner for your specific type of finish, Avoid saturating your wood with too much water. When chatting with potential pros, ask: Do you have experience refinishing my specific type of flooring? Laminate floors feature a top layer of veneer that is too thin for sanding. Here are some general price ranges depending on the size of your space: The average cost to refinish floors may not look the same in a large city as it does in the countryside, but perhaps not in the way you expect. Recoating: An oil or water-based topcoat protects the floors from scratches and stains in the future. The better the structural condition of the floor, the more cost-effective the refinishing job will be. Get free custom quotes from qualified pros in your area. The moldings are replaced after sanding and finishing are complete. *Based on 369 project costs reported by HomeGuide members. The cost of labor, bulk prices for large rooms, and the current state of your floorboards all play an important role in the final price tag. Engineered floors may be sanded and refinished 1 to 5 times, depending on the wear layer's thickness. You can take a different route with lightly worn floorboards by cutting out the sanding and staining process. If not, how will you protect them from damage? Get free estimates from trusted hardwood floor refinishers near you. Refinishing hardwood stairs costs $25 to $85 per step. Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Calculator, Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors Yourself, DIY Hardwood Refinishing vs. Get at least three free quotes in-person from flooring pros to compare. Let's calculate cost data for you. Since labor plays a significant role in the cost of refinishing hardwood floorsas much as 80% or $2 to $5 per square footbe sure to get a few estimates to compare prices. Incorrect sanding or sanding too often could lead to having your hardwood floors replaceda much costlier undertaking. Change the tabs on chairs and stools. Once the refinishing process is complete, your fresh new floors may spark your drive to make the rest of your home as clean and shiny. The high cost is because these are small surfaces that require skilled, time-consuming detail work. A full list of cost factors include: Professionals recommend refinishing your floors every 10 to 20 years depending on their condition. Let's start by breaking down the three main steps of refinishing hardwood floors: sanding, staining, and recoating. They cost slightly less per day to rent than the upright sanders. Enter the wood floor's length and width in the calculator below to estimate the cost of refinishing. Tipping floor refinishers is optional but they always appreciate the gesture. A DIYer, on the other hand, can expect to give up the better part of a weekend to do a good job when refinishing a floor. Millions of people ask HomeGuide for cost estimates every year. https://www.thespruce.com/cost-to-refinish-hardwood-floors-1314853, https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/how-much-does-it-cost-to-refinish-hardwood-floors/, https://floorcritics.com/hardwood-refinishing-costs/, https://www.flooringclarity.com/hardwood-refinish-cost/, https://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_refinish_hardwood_floor.html, https://www.floorsbytheshore.com/hardwood-floor-refinishing-cost/, https://theflooringgirl.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-sand-refinish-hardwood-floors-westchester/, https://www.signaturecustomflooring.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-have-my-hardwood-floors-refinished/, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-refinish-hardwood-floors/, http://www.pittsburghhardwoodrefinishing.com/refinishing-costs.html, https://newyorkcitywoodfloors.com/pricing/, https://monkshomeimprovements.com/our-services/flooring/dustless-floor-refinishing/, https://rippnfinish.com/hardwood-floor-faqs/, https://www.elegantfloorservices.com/blog/hardwood-floor-refinishing-cost/, https://www.hunker.com/13714711/how-much-does-it-cost-to-stain-hardwood-floors, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/flooring/21015479/refinishing-school, https://www.virginiatopfloors.com/about-us/, https://bcalflooring.com/hardwood-floor-refinishing-in-marietta-ga/, https://info.floordecorct.com/blog/cost-to-refinish-hardwood-flooring, Scuffs and scratches that only penetrate the finish, Stains, gray patches, or UV discoloration, Floors with non-waxed polyurethane finish, Paint roller frame, roller covers, and extension pole for varnish application. This work is usually done with an upright, walk-behind power sander fitted with a sanding disc or screen. *Look for discounted weekend rates. Solid and engineered bamboo floors may be sanded and refinished if the veneer layer is at least 2 mm thick. Make a home cleaning checklist to complete once the floors are dry. Let's say you have a whole home filled with elegant hardwood floors. Now that you have a better sense of the floor refinishing process, it's easier to wrap your head around the quote you'll receive from your local wood flooring refinishing professional. These include: Hiring a professional floor refinisher near you may cost more than doing it yourself, but it is oftenif not alwaysworth the cost. Screening and recoating will not get rid of deep scratches, stains, or discoloration. Refinishing wood floors costs $1,200 to $2,400 for the average home, regardless of wood type. All this being said, you'll likely pay between $500 to $1,000 to refinish hardwood floors yourself after renting or purchasing all the necessary materials and equipment. Using the correct color, variety, and application tools is crucial. Start with the coarsest grit and progress to the finest grit: If the floor has minimal imperfections, start with 60 grit sandpaper instead, followed by 80 grit and 100 grit. Some professionals swear by the results of oil-based products, but most DIYers find water-based finishes easier to use. Preparation:This involves getting the floor ready to be refinished and consists of repairing damaged areas, cleaning the floor thoroughly, and then ensuring that the surface is completely dry and free of dust and particles before proceeding. An upright sander used to refinish a floor rents for about $60 per day or $250 per weeka full weeklong rental is not unreasonable if you are refinishing several floors. Some companies offer discount rates for larger spaces to encourage larger jobs. Much like painting a room, the per-gallon price range depends on the type and quality of the staintypically between $30 and $100 per gallon. Vacuum or use a dry dust mop regularly to prevent surface grit from scratching the finish. Sanding incorrectly may cause uneven floors or deep gouges in the wood, requiring the replacement of individual planks or the entire floor. Do you offer a warranty policy, and if so, what does it include? Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor. How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board. Expect higher prices if your floors are made of pine, maple, or mahogany. Check with the contractor to confirm the wood will absorb the stain evenly. What Are the Top 5 Brands for Solid Hardwood Flooring? Screening uses a thin buffing disc to remove the old finish without sanding the wood beneath. *The cost of labor increases for smaller spaces due to minimum job fees. Removing carpet from stairs adds $7 to $10 per step. We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. several types of sanders used for refinishing, enter into the work with a full understanding of what's involved. Here are some important details to note: Oak: Most common and durable type of hardwood floors and easy to refinish, Cherry: Common, durable, and the wood's smooth service makes it a simple refinishing project to refinish, Parquet: Requires specialty sanding due to the inconsistent grain, Engineered Hardwood: A professional should handle the specialty sanding of the thin top layer, Pine: Softer than other woods and require special sanding care, Maple: Can be difficult to stain without a blotchy result, Mahogany: Require slow, delicate sanding to avoid damaging dark hue, Bamboo: Must be sanded at an angle in the first round to prevent splintering. Major world events of the past several yearsparticularly the COVID-19 pandemicaltered the availability and price of major renovation materials. Renting an edger to handle the room's corners and edges costs $37 to $46 per day or $170 to $185 per week. Look at their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Get free estimates from floor refinishing professionals near you. Screening and recoating is a better option for floors that are too thin to sand. Refinishing your floors costs between $600 and $4,000. Sandless methods are not effective for floors with scratches, stains, or damage. Waxed floors must be sanded and refinished instead of screened. Speak with your prospective floor professionals about how supply chain issues can affect the cost of hardwood floorboard replacement, stain and topcoat, and necessary tools for the refinishing process. Staining: If you need to change the color of your floors, professionals will add one or more coats of stain at this stage. These numbers come from the combined cost of the job from start to finish, including sanding, staining, and finishing. You will also have to purchase stains, finish, and any brushes or sprayers that will be required to apply them. When returning furniture, drapes, and area rugs to the space, you'll want to make sure they come back as clean as possible. On the other hand, you can often get a discount on a project to refinish a larger space or multiple rooms on the same visit. Protecting the longevity of your hardwood floors is a long-term investment, and DIY refinishing can easily go wrong. Floor polishing is an easy DIY project that restores the wood's sheen without sanding but will not remove scratches or discoloration. Staining is only necessary to change the wood color. Hardwood floor refinishing is a time-consuming home improvement project and takes 2 to 6 days on average. You can, however, replace individual floorboards in the case of: Between the sander, finishing materials, and all the necessary tools, DIY hardwood floor refinishing will run you between $500 and $1000. Consider replacing the damaged planks or the entire floor; or refinishing and covering the floor with a dark wood stain. A smaller space will, naturally, mean a lower price tag in the long run. Removing wall-to-wall carpeting runs from $.25 to $1.50 per square foot, including the cost of disposal. Set at least two to three days aside for the refinishing process and up to a week if you need to add several layers of finish or make major repairs. It may look a bit like painting a room at first glance, but the hardwood sanding process adds a complicated layer that requires a professional eye. The cost for refinishing wood stairs averages about $40 to $75 per stair tread. Lowe's does not offer hardwood floor refinishing services but rents floor sanders for DIY refinishing. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Visit the Solution Center to Explore Articles. Never pay in full before the project starts. No matter the type of wood you're working with, the cost to sand and refinish hardwood floors remains about the same. Cost to refinish hardwood floors by room - chart. You'll need to clear the room, assess the state of hardwood floors, and collaborate with professionals about your ideal stain color and finished look. Depending on the initial state of your floors, recoating is either the final step in the larger process or the only step you need. For example, sanding alone costs $0.50 to $3 per square foot, while staining adds $1 to $3 per square foot. Be sure to chat with a flooring specialist when choosing the right finish for your floors. DIY costs to redo and resurface wood floors is $600 to $1,100. When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey. A heavy-duty disc sander, also called an edger, is also needed to sand into corners, edges and tight spots where the upright sanders can't reach. Many stores charge only a 1-day fee to rent a drum sander on Saturday and return it Monday. The price fluctuations come down to the unique needs of each wood or manufactured material. You'll pay between $1 to $2.50 per square foot for this step. Polishing, buffing, and recoating cost less but only removes minor scuffs and scratches and adds a new sheen. If you're up for moving it yourself, this will cut down your final bill. Dustless finishing requires higher-tech equipment and, therefore, costs between $5 and $8 per square foot. Wood Stains and Finishes. In general, for a basic refinishing job, it will take a contractor about four to five hours per 100 square feet of space. In his youth, he began working in his family's tile import business, learning every aspect of the flooring industry, from design and fabrication to maintenance and repair. During application of finishes, wear whatever breathing protection is recommended by the manufacturer, and provide as much ventilation as you can. Flooring professionals will include the cost of tools and materials in their price, which is important to know when weighing the pros and cons of doing this yourself. Wood Dust. This may mean that the project stretches out over more days, making the rooms inaccessible for long periods of time while they dry. Prices to refinish hardwood floors are higher than the national average in major cities or areas with a high cost of living. Cleanup: Refinishing a hardwood floor can be a messy process, and unless the cleanup is specified in the contractor's bid, you may need to factor in the cost of a cleaning service when determining the total expense of the project. How do you handle damages that happen on the job? How Much Does it Cost to Install a Window. Add felt tabs or pads to the bottom of furniture legs to prevent scratches and scuffing. Oil-based topcoat costs $20 to $40 per gallon, adds a slight amber hue to your floor, and takes up to 10 hours to dry. Prefinished floors are solid hardwood and can be sanded and refinished like other hardwood floorings. This is generally not included in the estimate for a project, and if the contractors have to take care of this themselves, they may charge a premium for the service. Hardwood floors should be refinished every 7 to 10 years, depending on thickness, species, and age. Refinishing parquet floors costs $2 to $6 per square foot, depending on the type of refinishing and if any repairs are needed. What are your safety and ventilation procedures? Removing the baseboards to refinish hardwood floors is optional but protects the trim from being nicked by the sanding equipment. However, you could end up with some bulk savings if you choose to refinish a larger area of your floors all at once. Keep in mind that the floors underneath carpeting may require an extra pass with the sander or even some repairs, so this may push the cost higher. Here's how they break down. This can not only prolong the project but can also inflate the cost. Polyurethane finishes come in several different gloss finishes, from flat to high-sheen. Engineered hardwood can still be sanded, but you'll need to take care not to grind down through the surface layer into the core. Polyurethane finish costs around $40 to $100 per gallon depending on the thickness of the finish and the quality of the product. Unfortunately, you usually get exactly what you pay for, and bargain-basement offers may lead to shoddy work or jobs that take longer than they should. How to Refinish Hardwood Floors: A Step-By-Step Guide, keep a few things in mind when refinishing your floors, local wood flooring refinishing professional. You may also get away with a thorough polishinga great DIY job without the risk of floor damage. Stairways with spindles take longer to sand and are priced at the higher end of the range. In this case, the floor will need to be repaired before it can be refinished. Sanding is followed by the application of stains and finishes, which can smell terrible and be toxic to the interior air quality of the space for short periods of time. Finishing is recommended when hardwood floors have scratches, dings, scuffs, stains, discoloration, fading, or other damage. Larger projects that involve multiple floors may require several days of work, in which case you'll pay between $100 and $200 for a weekend or around $250 for the whole week. Hardwood floor refinishing in kitchen - before and after. Harder woods like maple and mahogany require special skills to properly sand away ingrained imperfections. If the wood beneath your floor's finish is in great shape but has simply lost its luster, you may be able to skip the full refinishing process. Adding a topcoat of polyurethane protects your floor from future damage while providing that high-quality shine. Sandless refinishing uses chemicals to etch the old finish off, followed by a tinted finish that hides scuff marks and restores the wood's color and sheen. Pergo and laminate floors cannot be sanded, refinished, or screened and recoated like solid hardwood. While the price to refinish engineered floors is about the sameat $3 to $6 per square footit does take professional experience to pull off the delicate removal. As we'll mention below, DIY costs for renting a sander and gathering tools can cost upwards of $1,000. The cost jumps a bit to between $5 and $8 per square foot for the less-disruptive dustless refinishing methoda process that requires commercial vacuums. On the other hand, not every floor requires all three steps. You'll pay between $7 and $25 per square foot for replacement and just $3 to $8 per square foot for refinishing. Refinishing ahardwood flooris a very messy and chaotic endeavor. Refinishing may not completely eliminate pet urine stains or odors. Hardwood floors should not feel rough after refinishing if the contractor sanded the floor with three passes using the proper sandpaper grits, buffed the floor smooth, and added at least two coats of finish. Topcoating: The final step is to apply a tough, durable topcoat finish, usually a water- or oil-based polyurethane. Never use paint to whitewash a floor. But while this floor favorite is both beautiful and sturdy, it can get scratched, warped, and faded over the years from typical wear and tear. Floor pros will use the size of your space as one of the most important factors in your estimate. The average cost to replace hardwood floors ranges between $2,500 and $6,800 depending on the type of wood, availability of supply, and labor costs. Overall, professional floor refinishers will charge anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot. If you're ready to have them all refinished, what kind of budget should you expect? If your floors suffered effects of humidity, water damage, fading from the sun, or major scratches from furniture, bump up the date to ensure your floors are protected. DIY cost to refinish hardwood floors yourself - chart. Refinish an entire apartment or more than one room in your house once you go over $2,500. The cost to buff and recoat hardwood floors is $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot. Otherwise, skipping a step causes rough-looking floors and uneven staining. How much will your floor refinishing cost? Repairs: If a floor is damaged beyond a certain point, refinishing it won't be effective. Average cost to refinish hardwood floors - chart. Search for licensed contractors with hardwood floor refinishing experience. Professional hardwood floor refinishing costs $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot without staining. This involves sanding down the surface past any finish or blemishes, reapplying color treatments, and sealing it with a top-coat finish. On top of your square-foot base price, expect extra costs for factors like labor costs, overhead, travel, and specialty options such as buffing, dust-free refinishing, or a special coat for an older wood. Adding a new topcoat or polishing your floors is a bit more DIY-friendly, but only for confident homeowners comfortable with these tricky materials. Refinishing floors yourself without experience can easily ruin hardwood floors. You can also refinish your floors after removing wall-to-wall carpeting or after significant disrepair from traffic, sun, or water damage. Carpet removal and disposal costs $0.25 to $1.00 per square foot alone, plus $2 to $7 per square foot for hardwood floor refinishing. How long will the refinishing project take? Company skill: Sometimes, you will be able to find companies offering hardwood refinishing services at extremely low prices. Refinishing hardwood floors vs replacing new floors cost - chart. Some companies will charge between $20 and $50 per room to move it for you. Here's how to break down the prices piece by piece. If you're feeling brave and confident enough to take on the project yourself, keep a few things in mind when refinishing your floors. Whitewashing hardwood floors costs $2 to $7 per square foot and requires sanding to remove the old finish and then applying a light wash and clear polyurethane topcoat instead of a darker stain. Need professional help with your project?