Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Breakdown
When you want to refinish hardwood floors, knowing the cost helps you plan. This can make old floors look new without needing a full replacement.
Most people pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for professional refinishing. The price depends on the floor’s condition, wood type, finish, and size.
Here are some estimated costs based on size:
| Size by Square Feet | Low-End Estimate | Average Cost | High-End Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 | $1,500 | $3,500 | $5,000 |
| 1,000 | $3,000 | $7,000 | $10,000 |
| 1,500 | $4,500 | $10,500 | $15,000 |
| 2,000 | $6,000 | $14,000 | $20,000 |
| 2,500 | $7,500 | $17,500 | $25,000 |
| 3,000 | $9,000 | $21,000 | $30,000 |
Cost by Flooring Type
Different hardwood floors affect refinishing costs. Some are easier to sand and finish, while others need more attention.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is easy to refinish and can be sanded multiple times. Common woods like oak and maple are part of this group.
Refinishing Cost: $3 to $7 per sq ft.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood can be refinished if the top layer is thick enough. Thicker layers allow for at least one sanding.
Refinishing Cost: $4 to $8 per sq ft.
Exotic Woods
Woods such as Brazilian cherry or mahogany look great but may require special sanding and finishes, increasing labor costs.
Refinishing Cost: $5 to $10 per sq ft.
| Flooring Type | Cost per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | $3 – $7 |
| Engineered Hardwood | $4 – $8 |
| Exotic Woods | $5 – $10 |
Cost by Finish Type
The finish you choose changes how much your project will cost.
Matte Finish
Modern look with little shine. Simple to clean.
Cost: $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft.
Semi-gloss Finish
Balanced shine, hides dust and marks.
Cost: $0.75 to $2 per sq ft.
Gloss Finish
Very shiny and polished but shows marks more.
Cost: $1 to $2.50 per sq ft.
Stained Finishes
Changes the wood color or adds custom colors, making it cost more.
Cost: $1.50 to $3 per sq ft.
| Finish Type | Cost per Sq Ft |
|---|---|
| Matte | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| Semi-gloss | $0.75 – $2.00 |
| Gloss | $1.00 – $2.50 |
| Stained Finish | $1.50 – $3.00 |
Labor Costs
Labor is the biggest part of refinishing costs. Prices depend on where you are, the contractor’s skills, and how hard the job is.
- Standard labor rates: $2.50 to $7 per sq ft
- Hourly rates (for repairs or special requests): $50 to $100 per hour
Jobs with complex designs, rare woods, or special finishes might take longer and cost more.
| Labor Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Labor Rate (per sq ft) | $2.50 – $7.00 |
| Hourly Labor Rate (for repairs) | $50 – $100 per hour |
Additional Cost Factors
Many things can change your final cost:
Floor Repairs
Fixing scratches, replacing boards, or filling gaps can increase labor costs.
Moving Furniture
Some contractors may charge extra to move and put back furniture before and after the job.
Stairs
Refinishing stairs needs more work per square foot due to their design.
Cost: $40 to $75 for each stair.
Patterned or Inlaid Floors
Floors with designs or inlays require more care, adding labor time.
Dustless Sanding
A cleaner sanding option.
Additional Cost: $1 to $3 per square foot.
| Extra Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Floor Repairs | Depends on damage |
| Moving Furniture | Could add $50 – $200+ total |
| Stairs (each stair) | $40 – $75 |
| Patterned/Inlaid Floors | Custom pricing |
| Dustless Sanding | Adds $1 – $3 per sq ft |
DIY vs. Professional Refinishing
Some people think about doing their own hardwood floor refinishing to save money. DIY can be cheaper for small areas, but big or tricky projects usually do better with professionals.
Pros and Cons
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Refinishing |
Costs less at first Do it on your own time |
Needs special tools Easy to make mistakes Takes a lot of time |
| Professional Refinishing |
Skilled work and great results Quick and smooth process Often comes with a warranty | Costs more than DIY |
Most people pick professional refinishing for top results and to avoid costly mistakes.
How Long Does Hardwood Refinishing Take?
The time to refinish hardwood floors depends on the size, condition, and finish you pick.
| Project Size | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|
| Small Room (up to 500 sq ft) | 1 day |
| Medium Room (500 – 1,000 sq ft) | 2 days |
| Large Area (1,500+ sq ft) | 3 days |
Note:
- Stained finishes or custom work may need more time.
- Dustless sanding can make the process faster by reducing cleanup.
Signs Your Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing
Wondering if your hardwood floors need refinishing? Check for these usual signs:
- Visible scratches and dents in big areas.
- Fading or discoloration due to sunlight or use.
- Gray or black stains showing water damage.
- Worn finish making the wood look dull or bare.
- Splintering or rough texture under bare feet.
- Squeaky or loose boards hinting at structural issues.
If you notice two or more of these signs, refinishing often helps to protect and restore your floors.
Hardwood Refinishing Cost vs. Replacement Cost
Refinishing your current floors is often a better financial choice than replacing them.
| Option | Average Cost per Sq Ft | Total for 1,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Refinishing | $3 – $10 | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| New Hardwood Installation | $8 – $25 (materials + labor) | $8,000 – $25,000 |
Main benefits of refinishing:
- Saves 50% to 75% compared to new floors.
- Keeps the original look of your floors.
- Quicker and less disruptive at home.
- Eco-friendly — less material waste.
Unless your floors are very damaged or too thin to refinish, refinishing is the best choice for cost and long-term value.
Ready to Bring Your Hardwood Floors Back to Life?
Refinishing your hardwood floors is a great way to make them look nice and last longer without spending a lot. Knowing the costs helps you get closer to changing your space. You don’t have to do it all by yourself.
We can guide you through each step of the refinishing process with a free consultation from one of our experts. We’ll help you check your floor’s condition, pick the right finish, and understand the timeline, ensuring you get results you’ll enjoy for a long time.
Contact us today to set up your free in-home flooring consultation and find out if we serve your area.
