How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? (2024 Guide)
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? (2024 Guide) and hope the blog can help you.
When the time comes to refinish hardwood flooring, it pays to shop around for the best price. The cost to refinish hardwood floors ranges from $1,098 to $2,653, with the national average at $1,869.
Highlights
- The typical cost for hardwood floor refinishing ranges from $1,098 to $2,653, with a national average cost of $1,869.
- 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 top-rated professional can lead to a better-looking and longer-lasting result.
Need to refinish your hardwood floors?
There's a top pro near you ready to help. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from flooring services near you.
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 $2,653. The national average cost to refinish hardwood floors is $1,869.
Key Cost Factors
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.
| Room or Home Size | Traditional Refinishing Cost (Materials and Labor) | Dustless Refinishing Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| 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. Mahogany and maple will be slightly pricier than other wood types.
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 and Staining
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. These tools can be rented for those interested in learning how to sand and refinish hardwood floors themselves.
Sanding usually takes several passes to make sure the hardwood flooring is smooth and blemish-free. It is also possible to skip sanding; using a buffer or applying certain chemicals can produce the same effect. However, if the homeowner is attempting a DIY, it’s a good idea for them to do plenty of research on how to refinish hardwood floors without sanding in order to get the desired result.
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. Most stains cost between $27 and $40 per gallon. 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.
Coating and 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.
| Type of Coating | Average Cost per Gallon (Materials Only) |
| Acid-cured finish | $50 to $80 |
| Hard wax oil | $70 to $550 |
| Oil-based polyurethane | $20 to $45 |
| Penetrating oil | $40 to $100 |
| Swedish finish | $50 to $80 |
| Water-based polyurethane | $25 to $55 |
It can be difficult to choose the right hardwood floor finish without knowing the difference between each kind.
- 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.
- Penetrating oil coating costs $40 to $100 per gallon and offers a natural look when refinishing hardwood floors.
- Acid-cured finish coating runs between $50 and $80 per gallon. This type of finish is ideal for exotic wood or parquet floors as it is extremely durable.
- Swedish finishes are also highly durable and cost $50 to $80. They do have a strong odor so homeowners will need to relocate for a few days if they choose this option.
- Hard wax oils are a good choice for higher-quality woods as they are less likely to damage them, but they can be pricey at $70 to $550 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 and Geographic Location
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. A natural follow-up question is, “How long does it take to refinish hardwood floors?” Most professionals take about 5 hours to refinish 100 square feet. Homeowners can search for “floor refinishing near me” to check local prices.
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.
| City | Cost per Square Foot (Materials and Labor) |
| Austin, Texas | $2.25 to $6.75 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $2.30 to $6.90 |
| Denver, Colorado | $2.20 to $6.50 |
| Miami, Florida | $2 to $6.10 |
| Nashville, Tennessee | $2 to $6.10 |
| Newark, New Jersey | $2.25 to $6.70 |
| Phoenix, Arizona | $2.10 to $6.20 |
| Portland, Oregon | $2.20 to $6.60 |
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.
Leave hardwood floor refinishing to the pros
Get free, no-commitment project estimates from flooring services near you.
Floor Condition
Homeowners who have kept up with hardwood floor maintenance can rest assured that their hard work has paid off since 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.
For floors with extensive water damage, the subflooring may need to be repaired, which can run anywhere from $1.30 to $12 per square foot. 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. If it’s unclear who to hire to replace a subfloor, getting in touch with a flooring contractor is a good place to start. Paying the cost to repair a subfloor is generally much more affordable than paying the cost to replace a subfloor completely.
Area Preparation
Homeowners can expect to pay extra to remove carpet that’s on top of a hardwood floor. 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 increase the cost by $7 to $10 per step.
Before hardwood floors can be refinished, everything needs to be moved out of the space, including furniture. 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 store-bought or homemade 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, Buffing, and Polishing
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.
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 one of the best hardwood floor polishes typically costs between $20 and $50. This is a very DIY-friendly project, and purchasing a sponge mop for the initial application costs $20, and a microfiber mop for finishing costs $30 or less.
Cleanup
Floor refinishing can create lots of dust and debris, so it’s worth homeowners checking their contract with the flooring company to see if cleanup is included in the project cost. In many cases, this additional service will add $60 to $160 to the final bill. Homeowners may opt to clean up themselves to save money, or they may choose a dustless refinish instead.
Refinishing vs. Replacing
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.
Cost 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 (Materials and Labor) |
| Bamboo | $2 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 $2 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. While it is possible to refinish engineered hardwood floors, 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. For some homeowners, the decision comes down to engineered hardwood vs. laminate, and while laminate is cheaper, engineered hardwood looks more realistic and is longer lasting.
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.
Do I need to refinish my hardwood floors?
Refinishing is