Below is our free Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Calculator, with which you can get an accurate estimate to give your room a fresh look by restoring the floor’s shine. Just enter your area in square feet, choose preferred finish type, floor condition, and your zip code to get your refining cost estimate.
Your Refinishing Cost Estimate
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ESTIMATED PROJECT COST
How Much Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost?
The cost to refinish hardwood floors ranges between $2.75 and $8 per square foot, depending some some key factors like existing floor conditions, finish type, wood type, and more. However, a 100 square foot hardwood floor refinishing might cost between $275 and $800.
1. Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floor By Area
The refinishing cost for hardwood floors varies significantly based on the square footage of the space. For smaller areas, such as 50 square feet, the cost can range from $137.50 to $400. Larger areas, like a 500 square foot area, can cost between $1,375 and $4,000 to refinish.
| Area (sq ft) | Low Estimate ($2.75/sq ft) | High Estimate ($8/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $137.50 | $400.00 |
| 100 | $275.00 | $800.00 |
| 150 | $412.50 | $1,200.00 |
| 200 | $550.00 | $1,600.00 |
| 250 | $687.50 | $2,000.00 |
| 300 | $825.00 | $2,400.00 |
| 350 | $962.50 | $2,800.00 |
| 400 | $1,100.00 | $3,200.00 |
| 450 | $1,237.50 | $3,600.00 |
| 500 | $1,375.00 | $4,000.00 |
2. Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floor By Floor Finish
The floor finish you choose directly impacts the price for refinishing hardwood flooring. For example, the UV-Cured Polyurethane is the most expensive floor finish, ranging between $6 and $9.50 per square foot. On the other hand, wax finish is the cheapest floor finish, ranging between $3 and $5 per square foot.
| Floor Finish Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Wax Oil | $4.75 - $7.50 | Natural matte look, penetrates wood grain, easy spot repairs, requires reapplication every 3-5 years |
| Moisture-Cured Urethane | $5.00 - $8.00 | High durability, glossy finish, strong odor during application |
| Oil-Based Polyurethane | $3.50 - $5.50 | Traditional amber finish, durable, yellows over time |
| Shellac | $3.25 - $5.75 | Vintage look, easy to repair, less moisture-resistant |
| UV-Cured Polyurethane | $6.00 - $9.50 | Factory-applied, hardest surface, instant curing under UV light |
| Water-Based Polyurethane | $4.00 - $6.50 | Clear finish, fast drying, low odor, minimal yellowing |
| Wax Finish | $3.00 - $5.00 | Traditional soft sheen, requires regular rewaxing |
3. Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floor By Wood Type
When looking for how much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors, you must consider the wood type for your flooring refinishing, as it impacts the overall hardwood floor refinishing cost. For example, oak wood ranges between $2.75 and $5.50 per square foot, while exotic wood ranges between $5 and $10 per square foot.
| Wood Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Oak (Red or White) | $2.75 - $5.50 | Most common, durable, prominent grain |
| Maple | $3.25 - $6.00 | Hard surface, subtle grain, light color |
| Cherry | $3.50 - $6.50 | Softens with age, darkens over time |
| Walnut | $4.00 - $7.00 | Softer wood, rich brown color |
| Hickory/Pecan | $3.75 - $6.75 | Extremely hard, dramatic grain variation |
| Ash | $3.00 - $5.75 | Light color, straight grain, similar to oak |
| Pine | $4.50 - $8.00 | Softwood, requires careful sanding |
| Exotic Woods | $5.00 - $10.00 | (Brazilian Cherry, Tigerwood, etc.) - Dense grain patterns |
4. Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floor By Refinishing Methods
Your chosen method to refinish hardwood floors directly impacts its overall costs, as there are several options for refinishing hardwood floors. For example, sand and refinish is a standard choice which is ideal for floors with noticeable marks or a dull look, as it removes surface wear and restores the wood’s finish.
If your floor is in good condition with minor imperfections, consider screening, buffing, and recoating it, as it applies a fresh coat of finish at a lower cost. Those who want to enhance or change the floor color, consider sanding, staining, and refinishing. This process, however, increases the total cost but lets you personalize the look.
On the other hand whitewashing process requires both sanding and staining, but offers a unique look. Sandless refinishing uses chemicals to refresh the floor’s look without sanding.
| Refinishing Method | Cost Per Sq Ft | Best For | Process Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand & Refinish | $3.00 - $5.00 | Severely damaged floors | 3-5 days |
| Sand, Stain & Refinish | $4.50 - $7.50 | Color changes | 4-7 days |
| Screen, Buff & Recoat | $1.50 - $3.50 | Light wear | 1-2 days |
| Whitewashing | $5.00 - $9.00 | Modern light finishes | 5-8 days |
| Sandless Refinishing | $2.50 - $4.50 | Minimal damage | 1-3 days |
Factors That Impact The Cost TO Refinish Hardwood Floors
Apart from your area, wood type, floor finish, and refinishing methods, some other elements also influence the hardwood flooring refinishing cost. Consider doing floor refinishing during gut renovations to save on labor. However, you may get home renovation loans if you have a shortage of budget for such house fixing projects.
| Factor | Cost Impact | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet Removal | $1 - $3/sq ft | Removal of old carpet, padding, and staples before refinishing hardwood underneath |
| Dustless Refinishing | +$2 - $4/sq ft | Specialized equipment minimizes dust but increases project cost |
| Extra Finish Coats | +$0.75 - $1.50/sq ft | Additional layers improve durability and sheen level |
| Furniture Moving | $50 - $150 per room | Additional fee for moving/replacing furniture in furnished rooms |
| Room Layout Complexity | +10% to +30% | Tight spaces, angles, or multiple corners increase labor time |
| Stain Application | +$0.50 - $2/sq ft | Changing wood color requires extra prep and drying time |
| Stairs Refinishing | $25 - $85 per step | Requires hand-sanding and meticulous finishing work |
| Wire-Brush Finish | +$2 - $5/sq ft | Creates textured, rustic look with specialized tools |
1. Carpet Removal
Removing old or existing carpet and staples may cost you between $1 to $3 per square foot, resulting in an increase in overall hardwood flooring refinishing cost. If you want to make your room soundproof, consider adding mass and disconnecting the floor from the structure below.
2. Dustless Refinishing
This refinishing method uses specialized equipment to minimize dust, which may cost you an additional $2 to $4 per square foot. Consider this refinishing method if you want to keep your home cleaner and reduce cleanup time after the project.
3. Extra Finish Coats
Whether it’s hardwood or laminate flooring, you might need to apply an additional finish layer may cost $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot. It requires more time and materials, but improves durability and sheen level.
4. Furniture Moving
Your contractor may charge you an extra $50 to $150 per room for moving or replacing furniture in furnished rooms, especially in fully furnished spaces. If you’re also looking to paint house interior, consider doing it before starting to refinish your hardwood floors.
5. Room Layout Complexity
If you have room has tight spaces, angles, multiple corners, or complicated layouts, it may cost you 10 to 30% more to refinish due to the extra labor time and effort required.
6. Stain Application
If you want to change the wood color, it will cost you an extra $1 to $3 per square foot due to extra prep and drying time.
7. Stairs Refinishing
Hardwood floor refinishing on stairs may cost you around $25 to $85 per step, as it requires careful hand-sanding and finishing work.
8. Wire-Brush Finish
Another finishing option is a wire brush that is used to create a textured, rustic look. It requires specialized tools and extra labor, resulting in an increase of $2 to $5 per square foot to the overall refinishing cost.
Bottom Line
The hardwood flooring is in trend, especially in vintage style interiors. However, its refinishing is also necessary when you see signs of wear and tear. For that, you can use our hardwood floor refinishing cost calculator to get an estimate for your upcoming refinishing project. Consider doing small tasks like ceiling fan installation before starting to refinish your floor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does It Take To Refinish Hardwood Floors?
Refinishing hardwood floors can take anywhere from 1 to 7 days, depending on the area size, number of coats, and drying times between each step.
How Often Do I Refinish Hardwood Floors?
It’s recommended to refinish hardwood floors every 5 to 10 years, depending on maintenance, wear, and traffic. Also, keep an eye on the floor’s condition and look for signs like dents, scratches, or fading to determine when it’s time.
How Many Times Can You Refinish Hardwood Floors?
1/4 inch or less thick hardwood floors require refinishing 3 to 5 times, 3/4 inch thick floors require 5 to 7 times, and 1-inch or more thick floors require refinishing more than 7 times.
Does Refinishing Hardwood Floors Add Value?
Yes, refinishing hardwood floors adds value to your home by increasing durability, enhancing appearance, and return on investment.
Is It Cheaper To Refinish Hardwood Floors Or Replace Them?
Yes, hardwood floor refinishing is cheaper than replacing them. Refinishing will cost you just $3 to $8 per square foot, while replacing it may cost you between $6 and $25 per square foot.
