Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Breakdown
If you want to refinish hardwood floors, knowing the cost helps plan your budget. Refinishing is a good way to make floors look new without buying new ones.
Most people pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for professional refinishing. Cost varies by floor condition, wood type, finish, and space size.
Here is a quick look at estimated costs by square footage:
| 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
The kind of hardwood floor you pick affects the refinishing cost. Some woods are easy to sand and finish, while others need more attention.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is easy to refinish and can be sanded multiple times. Common types include oak and maple.
Refinishing Cost: $3 to $7 per sq ft.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood can be refinished if the top wood layer is thick enough. Thicker layers allow at least one sanding.
Refinishing Cost: $4 to $8 per sq ft.
Exotic Woods
Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or mahogany look nice 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 affects the project cost.
Matte Finish
Modern with low shine. Easy to clean.
Cost: $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft.
Semi-gloss Finish
Good shine, hides dust and scratches.
Cost: $0.75 to $2 per sq ft.
Gloss Finish
Very shiny but shows scratches.
Cost: $1 to $2.50 per sq ft.
Stained Finishes
Changing wood color or adding stains can increase costs.
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
Most of the cost for refinishing is for work. Prices can change based on where you are, the contractor’s skill, and how hard the job is.
- Basic labor costs: $2.50 to $7 per sq ft
- Hourly costs (for repairs or special jobs): $50 to $100 per hour
Jobs with tricky designs, special woods, or unique finishes might need more time and cost more.
| Labor Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic Labor Rate (per sq ft) | $2.50 – $7.00 |
| Hourly Labor Rate (for repairs) | $50 – $100 per hour |
Additional Cost Factors
Several things can affect the cost:
Floor Repairs
Fixing scratches, swapping boards, or filling gaps can raise labor costs.
Moving Furniture
Some contractors might charge extra to move and replace furniture during work.
Stairs
Refinishing stairs is tricky because of their shape and details.
Cost: $40 to $75 for each stair.
Patterned or Inlaid Floors
Floors with designs need more care, taking extra time.
Dustless Sanding
This is a cleaner way to sand.
Extra Cost: $1 to $3 per sq ft.
| Extra Service | Usual Cost |
|---|---|
| Floor Repairs | Depends on damage |
| Moving Furniture | Could add $50 – $200+ total |
| Stairs (per stair) | $40 – $75 |
| Patterned/Inlaid Floors | Custom pricing |
| Dustless Sanding | Adds $1 – $3 per sq ft |
DIY vs. Professional Refinishing
Some people think about refinishing their own hardwood floors to save money. Doing it yourself can be cheaper for small spaces, but big or hard jobs are better with experts.
Pros and Cons
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Refinishing |
Costs less at first Do it when you want |
Needs special tools Easy to make mistakes Takes a lot of time |
| Professional Refinishing |
Skilled work and great results Quick and efficient Often comes with a warranty | Costs more than DIY |
Most people choose professional refinishing for the best results and to avoid mistakes.
How Long Does Hardwood Refinishing Take?
The time it takes to refinish hardwood floors changes based on the size of the area, the condition of the floor, and the finish type.
| 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 an extra day.
- Dustless sanding can make the process faster by cutting down cleanup time.
Signs Your Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing
Thinking about updating your hardwood floors? Watch for these signs:
- Big scratches and dents in various areas.
- Fading or color changes from the sun or wear.
- Gray or black marks indicating water issues.
- Dull finish where the wood looks bare.
- Splinters or rough texture underfoot.
- Squeaky or loose boards showing wear.
If you see two or more of these, refinishing is a good way to keep your floors protected and looking nice.
Hardwood Refinishing Cost vs. Replacement Cost
Refinishing your floors can be a smart money choice rather 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 |
Benefits of refinishing:
- Saves 50% to 75% compared to replacing.
- Preserves the original look of your floors.
- Quicker and less disruptive for your home.
- Eco-friendly — reduces material waste.
If your floors aren’t too damaged or thin, refinishing provides the best cost and long-term value.
Ready to Bring Your Hardwood Floors Back to Life?
Choosing to refinish your hardwood floors is a smart way to make them look nice and strong again without spending a lot. Now that you know the main costs, you’re ready to update your space. You don’t have to do it by yourself.
We’d love to help you with every step of the refinishing process with a free consultation from our flooring experts. From checking your floor’s condition to picking the right finish and understanding the timeline, our team makes sure you get results you’ll love for years.
Contact us today to book your free in-home flooring consultation and see if we serve your area.
