Refinished hardwood floors cost: How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? (2023)

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How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? (2023)

Photo: bobvila.com

Highlights

  • The typical cost for hardwood floor refinishing ranges from $1,098 to $2,598, with a national average cost of $1,828.
  • Some of the main factors influencing the project price include the size of the room, the cost of labor, the type of wood, and the refinishing method chosen.
  • A home may need its hardwood floor refinished if it has visible dents, scratches, staining, cupping, splintering, or color fading.
  • A homeowner with contracting experience may be able to refinish a floor themselves, but having the work done by a professional can lead to a better-looking and longer-lasting result.

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A home with hardwood floors is modern and welcoming, but hardwood floors can start looking drab after years of wear and tear from kids, pets, and everyday life. Homeowners with dull, scratched, and old-looking hardwood floors may be considering refinishing them to their former state. But how much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors? According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, the typical price range is between $1,098 and $2,598, with the national average at $1,828. This comes out to $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor. Roughly 80 percent of the cost to refinish hardwood floors comes from labor. The overall cost can vary based on the complexity of the floor refinishing, labor, type of wood flooring, and length of time needed to complete the job.

Factors in Calculating the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Estimating the cost to refinish hardwood floors before getting started can help homeowners stay on budget. The answer to the question “How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?” can differ from the national average depending on the size of the hardwood flooring area, location, labor, material, and prep work along with sanding, staining, coating, and finishing.

Room or Home Size

The larger the room where the hardwood floors are located, the more the refinishing project will cost. The average price per square foot to refinish hardwood floors is $3 to $8; that increases to $5 to $8 per square foot for homeowners who choose a dustless refinishing method. The costs can go beyond that for particularly tricky projects. The following table shows the average cost ranges to refinish hardwood floors in various room and home sizes.

Room or Home Size Traditional Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Dustless Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost
100 square feet $300 to $800 $500 to $800
144 square feet $450 to $1,152 $720 to $1,152
256 square feet $800 to $2,048 $1,280 to $2,048
400 square feet $1,200 to $3,200 $2,000 to $3,200
1,000 square feet $3,000 to $8,000 $5,000 to $8,000
2,000 square feet $6,000 to $16,000 $10,000 to $16,000

Wood Type

The type of hardwood floors can have an impact on the total refinishing cost. Oak is one of the most popular choices for homeowners because it’s durable and relatively inexpensive to refinish. Many homeowners opt for cherry wood for similar reasons, as well as its tendency to deepen in color over time. Other wood types that can be refinished include parquet, engineered hardwood, pine, maple, mahogany, and bamboo. Each wood type and its average refinishing cost are discussed in more detail in a section below.

Photo: bobvila.com

Refinishing Method

Traditional refinishing can cause quite a lot of dust, which can be difficult to get rid of during cleaning. A less messy but slightly more expensive option is dustless refinishing. Dustless refinishing can cost between $5 and $8 per square foot and creates considerably less dust than traditional refinishing. Hardwood floor refinishers will attach a vacuum to the sander to collect most of the dust. Dustless refinishing is beneficial to those with allergies or breathing difficulties who cannot have excessive dust in their home for health reasons.

Sanding

On average, sanding hardwood floors can cost between $0.50 and $3 per square foot. Sanding is done with large drum sanders for most of the area and belt sanders around the perimeter. Sanding usually takes several passes to make sure the hardwood flooring is smooth and blemish-free.

Staining

Staining hardwood floors costs between $1 and $3 per square foot. Prices can vary due to the quality and type of stain and the price of labor in the geographic area where the home is located. Low-end stains average $30 per gallon, and high-end stains can go for $100 per gallon or more. Some homeowners may choose to look up how to stain hardwood floors themselves, but inexperienced DIYers may decide to leave the job to a contractor to ensure a professional finish. Either way, each coat will need 24 hours to fully dry before the next layer is applied.

Coating or Finishing

After the hardwood floors have been prepped, sanded, and stained, the final step is applying a topcoat. There are several types of coatings or finishings, each with a different price range as shown in the following table.

Type of Coating Average Cost per Gallon
Oil-based polyurethane $20 to $45
Water-based polyurethane $25 to $55
Penetrating oil $40 to $100
Acid-cured finish $50 to $80

Water- or oil-based polyurethane is applied in even coats. Oil-based polyurethane coating runs from $20 to $45 per gallon. This takes approximately 24 hours to dry and over time will develop an amber hue. Water-based polyurethane coating costs between $25 and $55 per gallon. This coating is clear and will not change over time. It also dries faster than an oil-based one. Homeowners can also choose between a penetrating oil coating for $40 to $100 per gallon and an acid-cured finish for $50 to $80 per gallon. Topcoats are available in matte to high-gloss finishes, and after drying, they may be buffed for additional shine and an even finish.

If the hardwood floor is in relatively good shape and doesn’t have deep scratches or gouges, homeowners may have the option just to recoat the floor. Recoating involves applying polyurethane to the flooring without the extra cost of sanding. Recoating costs between $1 and $2 per square foot.

Labor

Labor costs are usually between $2 and $8 per square foot. The price of labor depends on the amount of prep work the floor needs, the area’s accessibility, the amount of sanding that is needed, and the geographic location of the home. Some contractors may charge for this project on an hourly basis, and homeowners can expect to pay between $60 and $160 per hour. Homeowners can search for “floor refinishing near me” to check local prices.

Photo: bobvila.com

Geographic Location

The price of wood floor refinishing can fluctuate depending on a home’s geographic location. Homes situated in urban areas with a high cost of living will have a significantly higher cost when it comes to labor and materials. The same goes for various regions of the country where the cost of living can be drastically different.

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Additional Costs and Considerations

When homeowners are budgeting for hardwood floor refinishing cost, there are usually additional price factors and considerations. These can include the condition of the floor, repairs, carpet removal, relocation of furniture, cleaning, and traditional versus dustless refinishing.

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Floor Condition

The better the condition of the hardwood floor, the more budget-friendly the project price will be. Floors in poor condition will take more time to prep, repair, and sand, which means additional labor costs. This could be the case if the floor is badly scratched or warped. Some issues like deep stains and water damage may require replacing some planks altogether. Depending on the material, this could cost between $6 and $18 per square foot. Additionally, if the floor dips in places, the homeowner may need to pay a sagging floor repair cost of $300 to $6,500, with the cost depending on the severity of the issue.

Subfloor Repairs

For floors with extensive water damage, the subflooring may need to be repaired or replaced. Subflooring repairs can run anywhere from $1.30 to $12 per square foot. If the subflooring is loose and squeaky, a contractor can secure it to the joists to eliminate the squeaks. Plywood subfloor is relatively inexpensive to repair at $1.50 per square foot, but a concrete slab is a much pricier fix at $6 to $12 per square foot. Paying the cost to replace a subfloor is generally much more affordable than paying the cost to replace a subfloor completely.

Carpet Removal and Disposal

Homeowners can expect to pay extra if the hardwood floor is beneath carpeting. A contractor will charge additional fees to remove carpeting before refinishing the hardwood flooring. Removal and disposal of carpeting costs between $0.25 and $1 per square foot, and removal of carpeting from stairs can run from $7 to $10 per step.

Furniture Moving and Cleaning Costs

Before hardwood floors can be refinished, everything needs to be moved out of the space, including furniture. Homeowners can ask their contractor if there are extra charges to move furniture out of a room or if it’s included in the estimate. If there are additional charges for this service, homeowners may save $20 to $50 per room by doing this themselves ahead of time. Another question to consider is whether the contractor will handle the cleaning after the project is completed or if that will fall on the homeowner to attempt using a hardwood floor cleaner.

Refinishing Stairs

Hardwood stairs are harder to refinish than floors simply because they have a more complex design. The cost to refinish hardwood stairs can run between $25 and $85 per step, with the project cost higher for a more complex stair design or the presence of spindles.

Screening or Buffing

Rather than fully refinishing the hardwood floors, homeowners can choose to skip the sanding and staining to save money and instead go with screening, or buffing, the floor. This process removes the floor topcoat without damaging the hardwood itself and can be a good option to refresh dingy-looking hardwood floors. Screening costs between $1 and $2.50 per square foot, making it considerably cheaper than refinishing.

Polishing

Applying polish to hardwood floors can keep them in good condition for longer, which can help homeowners avoid paying for refinishing too often. A gallon of hardwood floor polish typically costs between $20 and $50, and this is a very DIY-friendly project.

Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood

Hardwood refinishing costs are around the same for both solid and engineered hardwood flooring at $3 to $5 per square foot. However, engineered hardwood requires an experienced individual to take on the refinishing project. This is because engineered hardwood is made from a plywood base with a thin layer of hardwood, which means it’s harder to refinish without causing damage. While a handy homeowner may be able to take on some or all of a hardwood refinishing project themselves, it’s recommended that they hire a professional to refinish engineered hardwood flooring.

Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors by Type of Wood

The type of hardwood floor doesn’t necessarily affect the overall cost of floor refinishing; the process, tools, materials, and length of time the refinishing takes won’t change because of the wood type. Some hardwoods may need special care during sanding, but the overall process is the same. The cost to refinish hardwood floors ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot.

Type of Wood Average Refinishing Cost
Bamboo $3 to $6
Cherry wood $3 to $5
Engineered hardwood $3 to $5
Mahogany $6 to $8
Maple $6 to $8
Parquet $3 to $5
Pine $4 to $7
Oak $3 to $5

Bamboo

The cost to refinish bamboo flooring is typically between $3 and $6 per square foot (slightly less than the cost of bamboo flooring installation). It’s important to sand bamboo flooring at an angle or else the surface could begin to splinter away.

Cherry Wood

Cherry hardwood floors cost between $3 and $5 per square foot to refinish. They are one of the most common types of hardwood floors, and the process is similar to that for refinishing oak floors: sanding, cleaning, staining, and sealing. Cherry has a naturally smoother texture than other types of wood, so it refinishes particularly well. Cherry wood flooring has a distinctive color and deepens in both color and patina over time, so homeowners may want to choose a stain option that highlights rather than detracts from the wood’s natural qualities.

Engineered Hardwood

Homeowners can expect to pay around $3 to $5 to refinish engineered hardwood flooring. Engineered hardwood consists of a thin layer of real wood on top of plywood. Because of this, it takes a professional hardwood floor refinisher to properly sand engineered hardwood, since only a thin layer can be sanded off. Any sanding mistakes resulting from a DIY project will ruin the flooring. Engineered hardwood can usually be refinished only one to three times before the veneer becomes too thin.

Mahogany

Homeowners can expect to pay between $6 and $8 per square foot to refinish mahogany floors. Mahogany flooring needs more time for sanding to avoid damage to the darker wood color. It’s recommended that homeowners hire a professional to refinish this type of flooring so it won’t be damaged. Mahogany gets darker over time as it’s exposed to sunlight, so it may be more difficult to change the color of older mahogany flooring.

Maple

Maple floor refinishing costs can average between $6 and $8 per square foot. Since maple is a durable, higher-end material, it takes more effort to sand and more time for the stain to sink into the wood. Staining maple a darker color makes it more susceptible to visible stains than lighter-color maple.

Parquet

The cost to refinish parquet flooring also runs from $3 to $5 per square foot. Homeowners are advised to hire a professional to refinish this style of flooring, since the wood grain runs in different directions and can damage easily. If the parquet floors have an intense sheen or orange tint that the homeowner finds dated or unappealing, refinishing is an excellent way to update the floors and make them look more modern.

Pine

The cost to refinish pine flooring ranges from $4 to $7 per square foot. Since pine is a softer wood that dents and scratches easily, the contractor needs to be careful with the sanding process and vary the grit depending on the condition of the floor, which means a slightly higher price. Pine also absorbs stain differently from other types of wood, so homeowners will need to be careful when choosing a stain color and steer away from dark stains.

Oak

The cost to refinish oak flooring is between $3 and $5 per square foot. Oak is also a very common flooring hardwood, and most contractors will have experience with refinishing this material. Oak is durable and can withstand a lot of foot traffic, so there’s little to no need for extra care when refinishing this type of flooring.

Photo: istockphoto.com

Do I Need to Refinish My Hardwood Floors?

Refinishing hardwood floors will eliminate scratches and gouges and reveal the natural warmth and beauty of the wood. If there is water or UV damage to the flooring, a full refinish will restore the luster and shine. It will also protect the floor from further damage, which can help homeowners avoid paying the cost for new hardwood floors in the near future. Here are some reasons for homeowners to consider refinishing their hardwood floors.

Visible Dents or Scratches

If the flooring is scratched up in multiple areas and has seen better days, it’s time for a refinish. Sanding the floor to a smooth finish is the best way to get the hardwood floor looking like new. Deeper scratches may require some extra repair, and a professional will be able to ensure that the repairs blend seamlessly into the rest of the floor.

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Gray- or Black-Stained Boards

Even regular cleaning can cause water damage if the protective layer has worn off the hardwood flooring. Water-damaged hardwood flooring will turn gray or black if enough water has soaked into it. The darker the wood is, the more damage it has. Refinishing the floor before the damage gets too extensive will ensure the structural integrity of the flooring. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that if the damage is widespread, some boards may need to be replaced, which will increase the overall cost of refinishing.

Cupping

Cupping occurs when hardwood begins to cave in down the middle of each plank. More often than not, this is the result of water damage and is particularly common in regions that get a lot of humidity. If cupping is caught early, sanding can even out the planks enough to fix the problem.

Splintering

Walking barefoot around the house shouldn’t be dangerous. In homes where splinters have become a problem, the floors have become too worn and the exposed wood is damaged. Refinishing the floor’s surface will buff away the splintered surface and seal it against further damage.

Faded Colors

Sunlight streaming across a radiant hardwood floor may look appealing, but damaging UV rays can take a toll. Hardwood flooring can fade and become discolored by sunlight. If the flooring looks dull and faded, a refinish will help restore the wood’s natural color. Refinishing also allows homeowners to alter the color of the floor if they’re not happy with the wood’s natural hue. For example, if a homeowner doesn’t like the reddish hue of cherry flooring, they can refinish the floor using a different stain color to make the flooring more neutral.

Refinishing vs. Replacing Hardwood Floors

Homeowners may be wondering whether to refinish or replace their wood floors. Refinishing hardwood floors is more cost-effective than replacing them. On average, it costs about $2,500 to $6,800 to replace hardwood flooring, which is two to three times more than the cost to refinish. It’s a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice to refinish and take care of the existing hardwood floors rather than replacing them. If the flooring cannot be refinished, then there’s no choice but to call one of the best hardwood flooring installation companies such as Empire Today or LL Flooring and have the floors replaced. Here are some reasons replacement would be needed.

Presence of Water Damage

Extreme water damage due to flooding or burst pipes will compromise the structural integrity of the hardwood floor and the subflooring underneath. Damaged subflooring needs to be replaced, which means ripping up the existing hardwood to access the subfloor. Once the subfloor has been fixed, the homeowner will need a new hardwood floor installation to replace the old, damaged material.

Thinning Boards

Older hardwood floors may have been previously sanded and refinished, or newer engineered hardwood floors may not have enough veneer left. There are only so many times a floor can be refinished before the boards become too thin. If this is the case, replacement is the only option. A professional can tell whether a hardwood floor has enough veneer left to be refinished or whether it needs to be replaced instead.

Home Renovations

Refinishing is mainly a cosmetic upgrade. Homeowners looking to upgrade less expensive wood floors so they have more durability and better resale value will find that replacement is the way to go. The best flooring companies will have attractive options that will stand the test of time and add value to the home. Replacing the floors also provides the opportunity for homeowners to add new subflooring or fix constantly squeaking floorboards.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Homeowners who know how to refinish hardwood floors because they have professional contracting experience may choose to DIY this project to save on the cost, but the job is more complicated than it looks, and most homeowners won’t have the necessary experience to complete the job properly. Refinishing hardwood floors is a time-consuming, messy, and costly job. On average, homeowners can expect to pay from $500 to $1,000 to refinish hardwood floors on their own. The cost to rent a drum floor sander is between $50 and $80 per day, but homeowners will need more than just a drum sander to complete the project. The prices of other materials such as sandpaper, a belt sander, an edger, nails, stain, topcoat, brushes, rollers, safety gear, a shop vacuum, cleaning materials, and more will quickly add up. Homeowners who know how to refinish hardwood floors and are willing to pay for materials may be able to complete the project themselves, but they are advised to keep in mind that sanding and finishing mistakes can be expensive. Homeowners will want to be prepared to pay two to three times the price to replace the floors after a DIY refinishing mistake than they would have paid a professional to do the refinishing project in the first place.

Expense Average Cost
Drum sander rental $50 to $80 per day
Edger rental $35 to $45 per day
Handheld belt sander $60 to $100
Stains and varnishes $20 to $360 per gallon
Brushes and rollers $50
Plastic sheeting $12 to $25 per roll

When homeowners employ a professional to complete the hardwood floor refinishing project, these costs will be wrapped up into the total project amount quoted. Those who attempt to DIY their floor refinishing project may find their costs for materials alone exceeding $1,000. The time and money savings make it well worth it for a homeowner to hire a professional for this project. Homeowners can call the best hardwood floor refinishing companies for a quote or search online for “hardwood floor refinishing near me” for local options.

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How to Save Money on the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors

The cost to refinish hardwood floors can be pricey, and the additional costs associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save money on the cost of hardwood floor refinishing is to find the least expensive contractor, but there are other ways to save money without compromising on quality.

  • Do the prep work. Clear all furniture and personal objects out of the room to save on labor costs. If the hardwood flooring is under carpeting, homeowners can rip it out on their own. These options don’t take skill, but they do involve time and effort on the part of the homeowner.
  • Get multiple estimates. Choosing the cheapest contractor may save some money, but most times homeowners will get what they pay for. Before hiring, homeowners can read reviews and ask questions to get the price that’s right for their budget.
  • Take care of the cleaning. Many contractors will charge extra for cleaning up after the refinishing job. This is typically something homeowners can do themselves with a mop and one of the best hardwood floor cleaners. Homeowners who don’t mind cleaning, dusting, vacuuming, and mopping up after the project is completed will find that this is a good way to save some cash.

Questions to Ask About Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Asking a professional the right questions about floor refinishing can help minimize miscommunication, save money, and get homeowners the desired results. Here are some questions to ask about the cost to refinish hardwood floors.

  • Can you provide a list of references?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Does the estimate include the cost of moving furniture and cleaning?
  • How long will the refinishing take?
  • Do you offer a warranty?
  • Are you insured and bonded?
  • Do you have any payment plan options?
  • How will you protect my home from all the dust?
  • How soon can I walk on the floor after it’s refinished?
  • What kind of stain and coating are best for my flooring?
  • How do you handle damage that happens during the job?

FAQs

Deciding on the right way to refinish hardwood floors while keeping the cost down can be a daunting process. Here are some frequently asked questions about the cost to refinish wood floors to help guide homeowners in their decisions.

Q. How long does refinishing hardwood floors take?

It takes approximately 5 hours per 100 square feet of flooring. The flooring condition and the intricacy of the layout also affect how much time it will take.

Q. How much does it cost to refinish 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring?

The cost to refinish 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring averages between $3,000 and $8,000.

Q. Should I refinish or replace my hardwood floor?

On average, new flooring installation costs 50 percent more than hardwood floor refinishing. However, not all flooring can be refinished. Homeowners are advised to consult a professional to determine whether their floor can be refinished or whether it needs to be completely replaced.

Q. How often should I refinish my hardwood floor?

Hardwood floors start showing their age around 10 years after installation. It’s recommended that homeowners refinish their floors every 7 to 10 years, depending on the extent of the damage. Hardwood flooring can be refinished between 4 and 10 times, depending on the thickness of the wood. A flooring professional can advise homeowners on the best course of action for their floors.

Q. Does refinishing floors produce a lot of dust?

Yes. Once the project begins, homeowners are advised to be prepared for a lot of dust. Many contractors offer dustless refinishing with a machine that vacuums up the dust as the floor is refinished. It will take care of most of the dust, but no refinishing process is entirely dust-free. Dustless refinishing also comes with a higher cost than traditional refinishing.

Q. What is the best way to clean hardwood floors?

The best way to clean hardwood floors day to day is to sweep regularly and mop with a cloth pad. For deep stains, homeowners will need to scrub with steel wool and mineral spirits, then buff with wax. Homeowners who have a lot of hardwood flooring throughout their home might want to invest in one of the best hardwood floor cleaner machines to help keep their floors looking newer for longer.

Q. What are some signs I need to refinish my hardwood floors?

Scratches, stains, discoloration, warping, and splintering are all indications that hardwood floors are in need of refinishing.

Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor (1 and 2), Thumbtack, HomeGuide, Fixr

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What Is the Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors?

While hardwood floors are extremely durable, they need to be refinished from time to time to remain in good repair. The average cost of a professional floor refinishing project is $1,800, but the cost varies based on square footage and other factors. Flooring pros usually charge $3–$8 per square foot to refinish hardwood floors, so a single bedroom could cost $300–$800, while a whole home could range from $2,400–$6,000. We outline hardwood floor refinishing cost factors and answer some frequently asked questions below.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Factors

The cost to refinish a hardwood floor varies based on the following factors:

  • Size: The more square footage that needs refinishing, the more it will cost.
  • Materials: Some wood types need more care and take more time to refinish than others.
  • Labor: Up to 80% of the final project cost can go to labor.
  • Coating or finishing: Different treatments and topcoats will add to the total.

Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors by Project Size

The square footage of your hardwood floors has the greatest impact on the total cost of your refinishing project. Fortunately, the cost per square foot often decreases the larger the project is. Since the flooring contractor will already have their equipment set up, they can price the overall cost for a whole-home refinishing project a little lower.

Area Square Footage Approximate Cost
4’x10’ 40 $300–$600
10’x10’ 100 $300–$800
12’x12’ 144 $500–$1,100
20’x20’ 400 $1,200–$2,000
24’x24’ 576 $1,500–$2,800
Small house 1,000 $2,000–$4,000
Average house 2,000 $4,000–$6,000
Large house 3,000 $6,000–$8,000

Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors by Material

The refinishing process is the same for most hardwood floors, but some types of wood require extra care and time. Common wood types like oak and cherry are durable and popular, so most contractors have ample experience working with them and can finish the project quickly. On the other hand, softer woods that scratch easily or harder woods that struggle to absorb wood stain may take longer and cost more to refinish.

Type of Wood Cost per Square Foot
Bamboo $3–$6
Cherry $3–$5
Engineered wood $3–$6
Mahogany $5–$8
Maple $5–$8
Oak $3–$5
Parquet $3–$6
Pine $4–$7

Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors by Labor

As with many home improvement projects, a large chunk of the cost of refinishing hardwood floors—as much as 80%—goes to labor. Refinishing hardwood floors requires significant preparation and cleanup, plus the use of heavy equipment. Flooring contractors more often charge by area than by time, but most estimates say that professionals can refinish 100 square feet of hardwood flooring in approximately five hours. That puts the cost of labor at about $60–$160 per hour.

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Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors by Coating or Finishing

The term “refinishing” can refer to a few different things. At its most basic, it means sanding down the old finish and applying a top layer of polyurethane finish. Many homeowners also choose to apply stain or whitewash to the sanded wood. Topcoats come in several types of finish and may be oil-based or water-based; wax finish is another option. If your floor is in exceptionally good condition, you may be able to recoat the floor without sanding it first. However, by the time most homeowners think about refinishing their floors, sanding is necessary. Finally, buffing will make your new floors shine.

Process Price
Sanding $0.50–$3 per sq.ft.
Staining $1–$3 per sq.ft.
Whitewashing $2–$7 per sq.ft.
Oil–based topcoat $20–$40 per gallon
Water–based topcoat $25–$50 per gallon
Wax finish $35–$55 per gallon
Recoating $1–$2 per sq.ft.
Buffing $1–$2. 50 per sq.ft.

Other Factors in Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors

Refinishing the wood is only part of the process—preparation, repair, and cleanup are also important steps. Work that may or may not be included in the base price is as follows: 

  • Condition: Refinishing will take care of dings and light scratches, but deep scratches, gouges, and loose floorboards must be repaired before the process begins. This can cost from $2–$20 per square foot.
  • Subfloor: If your home has sustained water damage, the subflooring will likely need repair for $6–$8 per square foot.
  • Carpeting: Removal and disposal of old carpet usually costs $0.25–$1 per square foot.
  • Furniture: Flooring contractors may or may not move furniture. Hiring someone to do so usually costs $20–$50 per room.
  • Cleaning: Contractors will typically clean between sanding and refinishing, but if you want the floor cleaned before or after, it usually costs $0. 60–$1 per square foot.
  • Type of refinishing: The sanding included in traditional refinishing tends to make a mess. Some contractors offer dustless refinishing using commercial vacuums, but this will usually add $2 to $4 per square foot to the total cost.

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Hardwood Flooring Types

The kind of hardwood floor you have is more than just the tree it came from. Read on to learn about the most common types of wood floors.

Solid Wood Flooring

This type of hardwood floor, consisting of solid wood boards, is the most familiar. However, it’s expensive and isn’t always the best option. For instance, it can warp in high humidity, so it’s not suitable for damp climates or below-grade flooring, like basements. On the other hand, it can last for decades and be refinished up to 12 times, making it a popular choice. Cherry, oak, maple, walnut, and mahogany are the most common solid woods, but you can find more exotic woods, like acacia and tamarind.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring 

Engineered wood flooring contains a top layer of real hardwood attached to a plywood base that provides more options for subflooring and installation. The pieces snap together and include an expansion space around the edge of the room so the floor won’t develop gaps or warps. Some types of engineered hardwood can be refinished, though usually only once or twice in a usable lifetime.

Parquet Flooring

Instead of long boards of wood, parquet flooring consists of smaller pieces of wood, like tiles, that create geometric patterns such as herringbone, basketweave, and checkerboard. Parquet flooring offers a retro look and has many of the same benefits as solid hardwood. However, the tiles have wood grain that goes in many directions, so it’s best to have parquet refinished by a professional.

Faux Wood Flooring

Even engineered wood and parquet are expensive, and it’s no longer necessary to install real wood to get the cozy look of wood grain. Vinyl, laminate, and porcelain tile flooring are all available in finishes that look like real wood. They can’t be refinished, but they’re much less expensive to install and repair.

When properly protected, hardwood floors only need refinishing every seven to 10 years.  You’ll strip off a thin layer of wood each time you refinish, so you shouldn’t do it too often. Consider refinishing your hardwood floors if you notice the following signs: 

  • You can see multiple dents, scratches, or gouges.
  • Water soaks into the wood, turning it gray or black.
  • The stain is fading, particularly in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • The finish looks dull in high-traffic areas.
  • The boards are warping or separating.

Free quote: Get your quote on hardwood floor refinishing today

How To Refinish Hardwood Floors

Whether you’re doing the job yourself or just want to know how the process works, here are the typical steps that go into a refinishing project:

  1. Remove all furniture and carpeting from the room.
  2. Seal off doorways with plastic sheeting and seal electrical sockets and other crevices with tape to prevent sanding dust from spreading. 
  3. Wearing a dust mask, begin sanding with a medium-grade disc and work up to a finer grit. Use an edging sander to get in corners.
  4. Vacuum the room in between sandings. When finished, wipe the floor with a damp cloth.
  5. If using wood stain, apply a thin, even layer, working quickly and methodically to avoid leaving overlapping marks. Use a rag to wipe away excess stain and allow it to fully dry.
  6. Wearing a respirator, apply three layers of polyurethane topcoat. Wait at least an hour between coats, and sand the first two coats with a very fine grit.
  7. Wait at least 48 hours before walking on the new hardwood finish, and wait several days before moving furniture back into the room.

DIY Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors

If you choose to refinish your floors yourself, you can expect to pay a total of $500–$1,000 for materials, rentals, and safety equipment. Here are the major expenses to expect, aside from common tools like hammers, paintbrushes, scrapers, and rags:

  • Drum sander: $50–$80 per day
  • Edger: $35–$45 per day
  • Belt sander: $15–$25 per day
  • Shop vacuum: $40–$180
  • Sandpaper: $30–$60
  • Plastic sheeting: $12–$25 per roll
  • Tape: $5–$7 per roll
  • Nails: $5–$15
  • Stain: $20–$60 per gallon
  • Polyurethane topcoat: $20–$50 per gallon
  • Rollers, roller covers, and extension poles: $30–$60
  • Knee pads: $10–$20
  • Safety goggles: $5–$15
  • Respirator: $30–$70

DIY vs. Professional Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Hiring a professional to refinish hardwood floors means high labor costs, so some homeowners opt to do it themselves. This is a do-it-yourself (DIY) project of at least moderate difficulty that entails more than just running a floor sander and painting on a layer of varnish. If your floor needs substantial repairs and you don’t already have the tools and materials to perform them, you may end up spending more money than if you had hired a professional.

If you have experience refinishing floors or your wood is still in very good condition, you can attempt to refinish hardwood floors yourself. Be aware, though, that it will likely take you longer than it would a crew of professionals. In most cases, you’re better off hiring experienced floor contractors to do the job.

Free quote: Get your quote on professional hardwood floor refinishing today

How To Save Money on Refinishing Hardwood Floors

It can be expensive to have your floors refinished. Here are some ways you can lower costs:

  • Do as much prep work as you can yourself. Remove all furniture and sweep or mop the floor. If you’re removing carpet, pull it up and dispose of it yourself. 
  • Do the final buffing and cleaning yourself. Let the contractor know that their job is complete after the varnish dries.
  • Contact at least three flooring contractors for price estimates. Beware of potentially unprofessional contractors charging far below-average prices.
  • If you can, purchase some materials, like the stain or topcoat, yourself. Ask your contractor beforehand if they’ll work with the materials you provide.
  • When possible, schedule the refinishing at a time when demand is lower. For example, flooring contractors usually aren’t as busy during  winter and may offer lower rates.

Our Conclusion

Though some homeowners may feel comfortable attempting it themselves, most of the time, refinishing hardwood floors is a job for professionals. It can be expensive, but it will make your valuable hardwood floors shine like new. Plus, you’ll likely only need to refinish your hardwood flooring once per decade to keep it looking its best and lasting its longest.

How To Hire a Flooring Contractor

Choosing the right contractor can be daunting. Here are some things to look out for when comparing flooring contractors.

  • Contractors don’t need a license to install or refinish floors, but many states have a licensing or certification process, so look for refinishers who meet these criteria.
  • Any contracting business should be insured and bonded.
  • Look at the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and customer reviews to vet its reputation and how it handles complaints.
  • When receiving an estimate, ask which stages in the process are included. Be sure to ask whether things like prep work and cleaning are extra.
  • Ask how long the job is likely to take and how long the rooms will need to remain clear of furniture while the topcoat hardens.
  • If price is a concern, ask about financing or payment plan options.

Free quote: Get your quote from hardwood floor refinishing pros today

Frequently Asked Questions About Refinishing Hardwood Floors

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Partial replacement of parquet, parquet board in the apartment

It often happens that after the transfer of a wall or a door jamb, damaged areas have formed on the parquet. For example, the same problems arise if a pot of flowers has been standing on the parquet for a long time, which is slightly leaking and, as a result, a dark spot has formed. Sometimes such problems remain from the life of our pets (cats, dogs). In this section, we will tell and demonstrate how we were able to restore the place where the pedestal previously stood. After its dismantling, a torn place was left on the parquet.

300 rubles per sq.m.

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Prices for partial replacement of parquet boards

Type of work Notes Price for 1 sq. m
Replacing a damaged strip with a new insert Work + materials м”>
300
Strengthening the parquet by the method of “pumping” Work + materials 300
Gluing strip Work + materials 150
Trim parquet (herringbone) along the wall
with longitudinal gluing of parquet 		Work + materials 1200
Cutting parquet along the wall (technological clearance) Job 370
Type of work Notes Price for
The working day of the master, if the work is
cannot be preliminarily assessed 		Job 4000
Restoration of dents, scratches,
hookah burns, etc. 		Work from 6000

The cost of repairing parquet can be indicated both per square meter and entirely for work and materials, check with our managers for details, contacts

Tariffs for other turnkey parquet works

View all tariffs

Photo of the process of partial replacement of parquet

The first thing to do is to remove the short and damaged planks. It is necessary to dismantle the strips carefully, without damaging the rest of the parquet.

If the parquet goes under the wall, as in this case or furniture, it should be cut off with a wall router or chopped off with a chisel.

All damaged planks are pre-marked with numbers and then removed

After all damaged planks are dismantled. You can start fitting new ones.

The parquet is assembled locally on “Dry” without glue.

After the parquet is assembled on “Dry” it is re-dismantled.

For the installation of parquet, it is best to use a 2-component adhesive without water content. Or one-component polyurethane adhesive.

After preparing the 2-component adhesive, apply it evenly on the prepared substrate.

Then it remains to carefully lay the parquet in its original place. The planks should fit snugly into place.

After the final assembly, it is necessary to give a technological pause.

As a rule, the drying time takes 10-12 hours. After that, you can start sanding and sanding the parquet.

Also we can offer other services

Scraping parquet

Parquet sanding

Puttying parquet

Puttying parquet

Parquet varnishing

Feedback on our work

Natalia | 10/25/2021

I want to express my gratitude to this company. For a long time I was looking for a company that would be able to repair the parquet with high quality, at a reasonable price and in a short time. Technologist Andrey proved himself to be a true professional, explained the whole process of the upcoming work, did not impose anything superfluous (as was the case in other companies). The repair work was done by the master Alexander, the work was done perfectly. I did it responsibly, scrupulously, as for myself, many thanks to him for the quality, it is on top. Thanks for your company and prosperity.

Parquet03 | 10/25/2021

Natalia, hello. Thank you very much for appreciating our work. We try to be the best not only in work, but also in communication with clients. We will be sure to pass on your kind words to our staff, they will be delighted.

Elena | 10/24/2021

Many thanks to the parquet guys, they restored the parquet smashed to smithereens, where the dies needed to be replaced, the seams were hidden. Super! Special thanks to the technologist Alexander, a very competent specialist. Elena st. Vavilov.

Parquet03 | 10/24/2021

Elena, good afternoon. Thank you very much, we tried. We will definitely pass on your words of gratitude to the technologist Alexander and the master Victor.

Vyacheslav | 10/14/2021

Thanks to your office and guys for being honest and able to do complex repairs. We noticed 3 engineering boards, which rose for unknown reasons and remained a house. All the offices told me let’s replace the entire floor, yes of course 60m2 because of the three boards.
Guys thanks for your hands and experience. I will advise whoever asks. Good luck

Parquet03 | 10/14/2021

Vyacheslav, hello. Thank you very much

Read all reviews

Floor scraping

Parquet board scraping

Plank floor scraping

Parquet sanding

Parquet brushing 900 03

Scraping of old parquet

Scraping of parquet without dust

Repair of parquet

Partial parquet replacement

Squeak removal

Chip removal

Scratch restoration

Parquet board restoration

Hookah coal burn removal

Parquet dent removal

Restav parquet walkie-talkie

Parquet restoration

Deep scratch restoration

Local parquet restoration

Fresh parquet without sanding

Restoration of parquet after flooding

Restoration of parquet board

Parquet installation

Professional flooring installation

Strip parquet installation

Parquet board installation

Solid wood installation

Modular parquet installation

Laying artistic parquet

Laying laminate

Removing the old floor

Leveling the floor

Screed floor installation

Parquet laying technique

Skirting board installation

Wooden skirting board installation

Skirting board tinting

Parquet tinting

Parquet white tinting

Parquet bleaching

Parquet varnishing

Parquet oiling

Professional parquet maintenance 9 0003

Terrace board restoration

You can consult and order parquet work by phone: +7 (495) 790-95-97

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Restoration of a parquet board – the price in Moscow for the restoration of a parquet board in the Parquet Doctor company

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Restoration of a parquet board consists of a complex of works, which begins with the reconstruction of the base and ends with surface treatment with a tinting composition. Scraping, puttying, as well as local replacement of damaged boards remain important intermediate stages. Compliance with the technology helps to restore heavily worn parquet and give it a natural look without a major overhaul or full replacement.

Masters of the company “Parquet Doctor” are ready to restore the parquet floor. In addition to the restoration of lamellas and the repair of the base, our specialists carry out artistic parquet laying. Foreign equipment and natural tinting materials guarantee high quality, allow us to work with projects of any complexity.

Prices for certain types of work

Service name Price
Parquet scraping machine SO-206 125 rub/m 2
Parquet scraping machine Humel (Germany) 320 rub/m 2
Parquet scraping machine Trio (Germany) 150 rub/m 2
Scraping parquet in hard-to-reach places Flip (Germany) 70 rub/m 2
Lacquering in 3 coats 60 rub/m 2
Application with toxic varnishes (alkyd, acid) in 3 coats 160 rub/m 2
Filler for cracks in parquet 125 rub/m 2
Gel application 145 rub/m 2
Bonding parquet planks 160 rub/piece
Glue injection through the parquet hole 295 rub/shot
Gluing missing elements without preserving the parquet pattern (including planks and glue) 260 rub/piece
Bonding missing elements while preserving the parquet pattern (including planks and glue) 310 rub/piece
Straight cut parquet 390 rub/rm
Waste removal free
Delivery outside the Moscow Ring Road 40 rub/km
Delivery within the Moscow Ring Road free

When you need to restore your artistic parquet

Restoration of the floor remains the only alternative solution for a complete replacement of the board, with which you can save money without losing quality. Restoration of artistic parquets should be ordered in the following cases:

  • When squeaking occurs due to displacement of the slats or their deformation. To solve the problem, glue and a primer are used. If there are problems with the base, it is changed to a new one.
  • When flooded. Due to contact with water, the tree deteriorates greatly, so repairs take longer. To lay new boards, craftsmen remove damaged lamellas, clean the base from old glue, and dry the canvas.
  • When chips, deep cracks are detected. Minor damage is repaired with cosmetic repairs. After scraping, the surface is polished and varnished with a tinting composition.

Advantages:

  • experience – the company has been operating since 2007, during this time we have restored more than 200 thousand m2 of parquet;
  • responsibility – our team works with projects of varying complexity with private and corporate clients;
  • individual approach – the floor of parquet boards is restored taking into account the nature of the damage, the type of wood;
  • work under the contract – the interests of both parties will not be violated during cooperation, since all the details of the transaction are negotiated and officially certified.

The area of ​​the room determines how long the craftsmen will restore parquet boards. It will take up to 2 days for a room up to 25-30 m2, and we will repair floors with an area of ​​50-60 m2 in 2-3 days. The technologist will announce the exact terms after visiting the facility in Moscow.

Work examples

Tariffs

Popular

Cost of works

340 rub/m 2

Service life

6-8 years

Warranty

2 years