Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Breakdown
When you want to refinish hardwood floors, knowing the costs helps you plan. Refinishing is a smart way to make old floors look new without paying a lot for new ones.
Most people spend between $3 and $8 per square foot for professional hardwood refinishing. Costs change based on the floor’s condition, wood type, finish choice, and space size.
Here are some cost estimates 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 types change the cost of refinishing. Some woods are easier to sand and finish, others need more care.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood is the simplest to refinish and can be sanded many times. Common kinds like oak and maple are in this group.
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
Woods like Brazilian cherry or mahogany look great but might need special sanding and finishes, 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 type you pick will change how much the project costs.
Matte Finish
Modern look with low shine. Simple to clean.
Cost: $0.50 to $1.50 per sq ft.
Semi-gloss Finish
Balanced shine, hides dust and scratches.
Cost: $0.75 to $2 per sq ft.
Gloss Finish
High shine, polished look, but scratches show easily.
Cost: $1 to $2.50 per sq ft.
Stained Finishes
Changing wood color with 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
Most of the costs for refinishing come from labor. Prices change based on where you live, how skilled the contractor is, and how complicated 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 tricky layouts, special woods, or unique finishes might take more time and cost extra.
| 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 factors can change your total cost:
Floor Repairs
Fixing scratches, replacing boards, or filling gaps can raise labor costs.
Moving Furniture
Some workers might charge more for moving furniture before and after refinishing.
Stairs
Refinishing stairs takes more work per square foot due to their shape and detail.
Cost: $40 to $75 per stair.
Patterned or Inlaid Floors
Floors with designs need extra care, which increases labor time.
Dustless Sanding
A cleaner sanding choice.
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 hardwood floors by themselves to save money. DIY might work for tiny areas, but bigger or tricky projects usually need experts.
Pros and Cons
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Refinishing | Cheaper upfront Do it on your own time | Needs special tools Easy to mess up Takes a lot of time |
| Professional Refinishing | Experts give great results Quick and smooth process Often comes with a warranty | Costs more than DIY |
Most people go for professional refinishing to get the best outcomes 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 days |
| 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.
