Refinishing your hardwood floors can transform the appearance of your home. Understanding the costs involved will help you budget effectively and make an informed decision. Below, we detail the various expenses and considerations for refinishing hardwood floors.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost Per Square Foot (Without Staining) | $1.50 – $5 |
| Cost Per Square Foot (With Staining) | $2 – $7 |
| Average Cost for Entire Project | $1,200 – $2,400 |
| Common Additional Costs | Dustless Refinishing, Furniture Moving, etc. |
| Regional Cost Variances | Costs vary by location (e.g., NYC: $2.60 – $7.90) |
Average Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors
Refinishing hardwood floors involves several factors that can affect the overall cost. On average, the project costs range from $1,200 to $2,400 depending on the size of the area and specific refinishing needs.
Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors
| Room Size | Square Feet | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4×10 | 40 | $300 – $500 |
| 10×10 | 100 | $400 – $600 |
| 12×12 | 144 | $500 – $900 |
| 16×16 | 256 | $700 – $1,500 |
| 20×20 | 400 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| 24×24 | 576 | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Stairs (12 to 14 steps) | — | $300 – $1,200 |
| Whole House | 1,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Whole House | 1,500 | $2,800 – $6,000 |
| Whole House | 2,000 | $3,400 – $8,000 |
Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Calculator
The following table provides a quick reference for estimating the cost to refinish hardwood floors.
| National Average Cost | $1,600 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $300 |
| Maximum Cost | $8,000 |
| Average Range | $1,200 to $2,400 |
Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors by Process
The process you choose for refinishing your floors can affect the overall cost. Here are the main options:
| Option | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Sand and Refinish | $1.50 – $5.00 |
| Sand, Stain, and Refinish | $2.00 – $7.00 |
| Screen, Buff, and Recoat | $1.00 – $2.50 |
Additional Costs to Redo Hardwood Floors
| Factor | Additional Cost |
|---|---|
| Dustless Refinishing | $2 – $4 per square foot |
| Additional Coats of Finish | $0.50 – $1.75 per square foot |
| Moving Furniture | $20 – $50 per room |
| Removing Wax Build-up | $100 – $200 per room |
| Carpet Removal & Disposal | $0.25 – $1.00 per square foot |
| Refinishing Stairs | $25 – $85 per step |
| Wire-Brush Finish | $2 – $5 per square foot |
Cost to Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors
Choosing the right finish for your refinished floors is crucial. Each type of finish has its pros and cons:
| Finish Type | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|
| Water-based Polyurethane | • Low odor and low VOCs • Durable, smooth, and shiny finish • No yellowing • Dries in 2-4 hours |
| Oil-based Polyurethane | • Stronger odor and higher VOCs • Durable and resists moisture • May yellow over time • Dries in 8-10 hours |
| Wax Finish | • Little odor and low VOCs • Not as durable but easy to touch up • Low sheen varnish • Yellows or darkens over time |
| Acid-cured/Swedish Finish | • Strong odor and very high VOCs • Extremely durable • Best for exotic wood or parquet floors • Requires relocating for several days |
Cost to Stain or Restain Hardwood Floors
Staining or restaining hardwood floors can add to the overall cost, typically ranging from $2 to $7 per square foot.
Cost to Whitewash Hardwood Floors
Whitewashing hardwood floors usually costs around $2.50 to $5 per square foot, offering a unique, bleached appearance.
Cost to Refinish Hardwood Stairs
Refinishing hardwood stairs can be more expensive due to the intricate nature of the work. Expect costs between $25 to $85 per step.
Cost to Rip Up Carpet and Refinish Hardwood Floors
Removing existing carpeting and refinishing the hardwood beneath involves additional labor and disposal fees, costing $0.25 to $1 per square foot.
Hardwood Floor Restoration Cost by Location
Prices can vary by region due to labor and material costs:
| City, State | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $2.25 – $6.75 |
| Austin, TX | $2.25 – $6.75 |
| Boston, MA | $2.75 – $8.25 |
| Chicago, IL | $2.30 – $6.90 |
| Denver, CO | $2.20 – $6.50 |
| Detroit, MI | $2.15 – $6.40 |
| Houston, TX | $2.50 – $7.60 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $2.20 – $6.50 |
| Miami, FL | $2.00 – $6.10 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $2.25 – $6.80 |
| Nashville, TN | $2.00 – $6.10 |
| New York, NY | $2.60 – $7.90 |
| Newark, NJ | $2.25 – $6.70 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $2.25 – $6.70 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $2.10 – $6.20 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $2.15 – $6.40 |
| Portland, OR | $2.20 – $6.60 |
| San Diego, CA | $2.20 – $6.50 |
| San Francisco, CA | $2.55 – $7.60 |
| Seattle, WA | $2.25 – $6.70 |
| Washington, D.C. | $2.25 – $6.75 |
Cost to Resurface or Redo Hardwood Floors
Resurfacing generally costs about the same as refinishing, but it involves more extensive work like repairing damaged boards.
Hardwood Floor Polishing Cost
Polishing costs less than refinishing, at $0.35 to $0.70 per square foot.
Cost to Screen or Buff and Recoat Hardwood Floors
Screening and recoating costs between $1 and $2.50 per square foot and is suitable for floors with minor surface wear.
| Floor Condition | Refinish | Recoat |
|---|---|---|
| Scuffs and scratches that only penetrate the finish | No | Yes |
| Deep scratches that penetrate the wood | Yes | No |
| Stains, gray patches, or UV discoloration | Yes | No |
| Floors with non-waxed polyurethane finish | Yes | Yes |
| Floors with wax finish | Yes | No |
| Want to change the wood color | Yes | No |
Sandless Floor Refinishing Cost
This process is a quicker and less invasive option, costing around $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
Cost to Refinish Wood Floors by Type
| Wear Layer Thickness | Can You Refinish? | How Many Times? |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 2 mm thick | No | 0 |
| 2 mm thick | Yes | 1 |
| 3 mm to 4 mm thick | Yes | 2 – 3 |
| 5 mm to 6 mm thick | Yes | 3 – 5 |
| Acrylic Impregnated | No | 0 |
Cost to Refinish Oak or Pine Floors
Refinishing oak or pine floors typically costs the standard rates, depending on the extent of the work required.
Cost to Refinish Parquet Floors
This process might be slightly more expensive due to the labor involved, often ranging from $2.50 to $6 per square foot.
Cost to Refinish Bamboo Floors
Bamboo flooring costs around $3 to $5 per square foot to refinish.
Can You Refinish Bruce Hardwood Floors?
Bruce hardwood floors can be refinished, subject to the thickness of the wear layer.
Can You Refinish Pergo or Laminate Floors?
Pergo and laminate floors cannot be refinished as they lack a real wood surface capable of being sanded down.
Refinishing Hardwood Floors Vs. Replacing with New Floors Cost
Refinishing is generally cheaper than replacing the entire floor, which can cost $8 to $15 per square foot.
Is It Cheaper to Refinish Hardwood Floors or Install Carpet?
Refinishing is typically cheaper, with carpet installation averaging $2 to $5 per square foot.
Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors DIY
DIY refinishing can be cost-effective but requires significant labor and expertise.
| Tool or Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Floor Sander Rental | $60 – $70 per day |
| Edger Rental | $37 – $46 per day |
| Belt Sander Rental | $16 – $26 per day |
| Sandpaper for Both Sanders | $30 – $60 |
| Knee Pads | $10 – $20 |
| Respirator | $30 – $70 |
| Safety Goggles | $5 – $20 |
| Mop | $10 – $30 |
| Shop Vacuum | $40 – $180 |
| Plastic Sheeting | $12 – $25 per roll |
| Tape | $4 – $7 per roll |
| Wood Filler | $5 – $15 |
| Hand Scraper | $20 – $35 |
| Claw Hammer | $20 – $30 |
| Nail Set | $6 – $15 |
| Molding Pry Bar | $10 – $20 |
| Paintbrush | $4 – $7 |
| Painter’s Rags | $8 – $15 |
| Stain | $20 – $60 per gallon |
| Clear Varnish | $30 – $90 per gallon |
| Paint Roller, Roller Covers, and Extension Pole | $30 – $60 |
| Trash Bags | $15 – $25 |
Cost to Rent a Floor Sander
| Rental Time | Sander Rental Cost | Edger Rental Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Hours | $41 – $47 | $30 – $32 |
| Daily | $60 – $70 | $37 – $46 |
| Weekly | $230 – $270 | $170 – $185 |
| Monthly | $580 – $800 | $420 – $550 |
What Grit Sandpaper Works Best for Refinishing Hardwood Floors?
Start with coarser grits like 36 or 40 and finish with finer grits like 100 or 120 for best results.
What Is Hardwood Floor Refinishing?
Hardwood floor refinishing is the process of sanding down the top layer and applying a new finish to restore its original beauty.
How Long Does It Take to Refinish Hardwood Floors?
The process typically takes about 3 to 5 days, depending on the area and drying times between coats.
How Often Should You Refinish Hardwood Floors?
Refinishing is usually needed every 7 to 10 years, depending on the wear and tear on the floors.
How Many Times Can You Refinish a Hardwood Floor?
A solid hardwood floor can be refinished up to 4-6 times, while engineered hardwood can be refinished 1-3 times, depending on the thickness of the wear layer.
Should Hardwood Floors Feel Rough After Refinishing?
If properly done, the floors should feel smooth. Any roughness indicates a need for additional sanding or touch-up work.
Can You Refinish Hardwood Floors Without Sanding?
Yes, screening and recoating can restore floors without full sanding if the surface wear is minimal.
Can You Refinish Prefinished Floors?
Yes, prefinished hardwood can be refinished depending on the thickness of the top layer.
Will Hardwood Floor Refinishing Get Rid of Pet Urine Stains?
Deep stains may require additional treatment and may not fully disappear with regular refinishing.
Do You Have to Remove Baseboards to Refinish Hardwood Floors?
It’s not always necessary, but removing baseboards can help achieve a cleaner look.
Does Lowe’s or Home Depot Refinish Hardwood Floors?
These stores offer rental equipment and sometimes refer contractors, but they do not typically perform the work themselves.
Do You Tip Floor Refinishers?
Tipping is optional but appreciated, typically 10-15% of the total job cost.
How to Care for Newly Refinished Hardwood Floors?
Use felt pads on furniture, avoid high heels, and clean with a broom or vacuum with a hardwood floor attachment.
Hiring a Professional Hardwood Flooring Contractor
Hiring a professional can ensure a high-quality finish and save time.
Questions to Ask
- What type of finish do you recommend and why?
- Can you provide a written estimate?
- How long will the refinishing process take?
- Do you offer a warranty on your work?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
Considering all these factors will help you make an informed decision about refinishing your hardwood floors, ultimately revitalizing your living space.
