How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Fixing hardwood floors can be both complicated and costly, but there are ways to save. Here's what to know before you get started.

Hardwood floors add charm and beauty to any home. However, they do require regular maintenance to avoid looking worn, scuffed, or dull. Refinishing the wood can breathe new life into this natural flooring material, but it can be an expensive endeavor. The cost of refinishing hardwood floors varies based on several factors, including the size and shape of the floor, wood type, and finishing choice.

While the DIY route will significantly reduce labor costs, you risk irreparable damage the floors if you lack the experience and tools needed for the job. In this case, it's best to leave the task to the professionals.

If you're thinking about refinishing your wood floors, we're sharing everything you need to know about the cost, as well as tips for saving money on the project.

Related: 8 Flooring Trends Experts Say We'll See in Homes in 2024

What to Know About Hardwood Floor Refinishing

With proper care, hardwood floors can last a long time. However, foot traffic, pet scratches, daily wear and tear, and accidents can cause damage. Refinishing the wood can offer surface-level repairs to restore your floor's aesthetic appeal. It is a low-cost alternative to total floor replacement.

The process is fairly straightforward: Refinishing starts with removing all furniture, window treatments, and rugs. Then, the floor is checked for any large holes and cracks, which can be repaired using wood filler. Floors are sanded to remove the current varnish, seal, and stain, and once the bare wood and natural grain are visible again, floors are buffed to remove any sanding marks. You can choose to apply fresh stain or vanish, followed by a coat of sealant. Of course, staining isn't always necessary, but doing so can refresh the color and give the room a new look.

Related: The 11 Best Hardwood Floor Cleaners of 2024

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Professional to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Several factors influence the cost of hardwood floor refinishing, including the size and shape of your floor, the condition of the existing floor, materials, and labor. Generally, you can plan to spend under $10 per square foot when you hire a professional.

"Costs for refinishing hardwood floors generally range between $3 and $8 per square foot." says Artem Kropovinsky, founder and principal designer of Arsight. Keep in mind that large or complex projects usually cost more. The price can also increase if the room has odd corners or stairs.

"The area is a major consideration," Kropovinsky says. "Larger spaces obviously involve greater use of materials and labor, increasing costs." He adds that the condition of the existing floor has a significant impact on cost. Seriously damaged or deteriorated floors need substantial preparatory work, and that can raise labor costs. "Even the choice of finish and stain will affect prices,” he says. “High-grade, environmentally friendly, or exotic finishes can increase costs."

Related: Here's How Much It Costs to Install Hardwood Floors

Cost Components to Consider

Labor: The average cost of labor is between $2 and $8 per square foot, but this will vary greatly depending on where you live, the square footage, drying time, and the weather, since local humidity affects drying time.

Material: Material costs also vary based on the square footage of your space and the type of stain or finish you choose. Oil-based polyurethane finish is generally less pricey, but it requires a longer drying time (up to 10 hours) than water-based polyurethane. A water-based finish is typically more expensive, but has a shorter drying time (2–4 hours). Finishes range in cost from $20- $50 per gallon. For DIYers, the cost of materials will also include renting tools, including a sander.

Moving furniture: The furniture in the room needs to be removed before starting the process. The final costs will increase if you’re asking the professionals to move the furniture.

The refinishing technique: Refinishing hardwood flooring creates a lot of dust, so there are two refinishing techniques to consider: Traditional and dustless. Dustless refinishing requires more specialized equipment to ventilate the home. The sander has a vacuum attached, collecting dust as it sands, which is convenient but tends to cost more. However, if you have allergies or respiratory problems, this may be worth the price tag.

Type of wood floor: While the cost to sand and finish hardwood tends to be the same regardless of the kind of wood, the price fluctuates depending on each unique wood type. Some hardwoods are more challenging to sand and take longer, while others may require special wax or finishes. Also, exotic or rare wood types may need special care, adding to the final cost. For example, refinishing engineered hardwood is typically cheaper than refinishing maple or mahogany.

You Can Refinish Hardwood Floors Yourself, But It's Not Recommended for Beginners

A DIY refinishing project saves you the labor costs, which reduces the total cost of the entire project. However, if you lack the relevant experience and tools, you risk damaging your floors—and replacing hardwood floors is even more expensive than hiring a professional to refinish your existing floor.

Kropovinsky warns that refinishing is not a beginner's project. "Do-it-yourself refinishing can be attractive on the surface, but precision and longevity are often lacking," he says. "In fact, the real value of professional refinishing lies in skill and equipment. It is more durable and aesthetically pleasing to have a professional finish."

Tips for Saving Money on Hardwood Floor Refinishing

While some of the cost factors can't be avoided—like the size of your space and type of existing wood floors—there are a few ways to save on professional floor refinishing.

There is quite a bit of discretion in choosing the finishes, and premium materials are easy to cut if you’re on a tight budget. It's also smart to shop around; ask for quotes from multiple sources to make sure you aren't overpaying.

"To avoid being ripped off, get quotes from several professionals to ensure a reasonable price," Kropovinsky says. "But try not to look for prices that are too low." When a contractor offers an absurdly low price, it hints that you should watch out for unexpected add-ons, delays, and short cuts.

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