Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Breakdown
When you plan to refinish hardwood floors, it’s important to know the costs so you can budget wisely. Refinishing is a good idea for those who want to make their floors look new again without spending a lot on new ones.
Most people spend between $3 and $8 per square foot to get their hardwood floors professionally refinished. Costs change based on the floor’s condition, wood type, finish choice, and area size.
Here’s a quick look at estimated costs by 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 types can change the refinishing cost. Some are easier to work with, while others need more attention.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is simple to refinish and can be sanded many times. Oak and maple are common examples.
Refinishing Cost: $3 to $7 per sq ft.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood can sometimes be refinished, based on the thickness of the top layer. Thicker layers allow at least one sanding.
Refinishing Cost: $4 to $8 per sq ft.
Exotic Woods
Exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or mahogany are stunning but may need special care, raising 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 pick changes the total cost of your project.
Matte Finish
Gives a modern, low-shine look. Easy to clean.
Cost: $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft.
Semi-gloss Finish
Has a nice shine without showing a lot of dust or scratches.
Cost: $0.75 to $2 per sq ft.
Gloss Finish
Very shiny and polished but can show scratches more.
Cost: $1 to $2.50 per sq ft.
Stained Finishes
Changing wood color or adding custom stains can raise 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
Labor is the main part of refinishing costs. Prices change by area, contractor skill, and job difficulty.
- Standard labor prices: $2.50 to $7 per sq ft
- Hourly prices (for repairs or special requests): $50 to $100 per hour
Jobs with tricky designs, special woods, or unique finishes might need more labor time and cost.
| Labor Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Labor Price (per sq ft) | $2.50 – $7.00 |
| Hourly Labor Price (for repairs) | $50 – $100 per hour |
Additional Cost Factors
Several factors can affect the final price:
Floor Repairs
Fixing scratches, replacing boards, or filling gaps can raise labor costs.
Moving Furniture
Some contractors might charge more for moving and replacing furniture.
Stairs
Refinishing stairs needs more work because of their shape and detail. Cost: $40 to $75 per stair.
Patterned or Inlaid Floors
Floors with borders, patterns, or inlays need extra care, increasing labor time.
Dustless Sanding
A cleaner sanding option. Additional Cost: $1 to $3 per sq ft.
| Additional Service | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Floor Repairs | Varies by damage scope |
| Moving Furniture | May 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 doing their own hardwood floor refinishing to save money. Doing it yourself might be cheaper for tiny areas, but big or tricky jobs often need experts.
Pros and Cons
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Refinishing |
Costs less at first You can choose your own time |
Needs special tools Easy to make mistakes Takes a lot of time |
| Professional Refinishing |
Skilled work with great results Quicker and more efficient Often comes with a warranty | Costs more than DIY |
Many people opt for professional refinishing to get the best outcome and avoid expensive mistakes.
How Long Does Hardwood Refinishing Take?
The time required to refinish hardwood floors depends on the size of the area, the condition of the floors, and the finish type chosen.
| 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 add an extra day.
- Dustless sanding can sometimes speed up the process by reducing cleanup time.
Signs Your Hardwood Floors Need Refinishing
Not sure if it’s time to refinish your hardwood floors? Look for these common signs:
- Visible scratches and dents across large areas.
- Fading or discoloration from sunlight or wear.
- Gray or black stains indicating water damage.
- Worn finish where the wood looks dull or bare.
- Splintering or rough texture when walking barefoot.
- Squeaky or loose boards that suggest structural wear.
If you notice two or more of these signs, refinishing is usually recommended to protect and restore your floors.
Hardwood Refinishing Cost vs. Replacement Cost
Refinishing your existing floors is often a much smarter financial choice compared to replacing them entirely.
| 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 |
Key advantages of refinishing:
- Saves 50% to 75% compared to replacement.
- Retains the original character of your floors.
- Faster and less disruptive to your home.
- Eco-friendly — reduces material waste.
Unless your floors are severely damaged or too thin to refinish again, refinishing offers the best balance of 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 restore beauty and durability without the high cost of replacement. Now that you understand the key cost factors, you’re one step closer to transforming your space. But you don’t have to tackle the process alone.
We’d love to help you through every step of the refinishing process in a free consultation with one of our flooring experts. From assessing your floor’s condition to selecting the perfect finish and understanding the timeline, our team is here to make sure you get results you’ll love for years to come.
Contact us today to schedule your free in-home flooring consultation and see if we serve your area.
