How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
$2 – $7 average cost per square foot (without staining)
$3 – $8 average cost per square foot (with staining)
$800 – $3,200 average total cost (400 square feet)
Average hardwood floor refinishing cost
Refinishing hardwood floors costs $2 to $8 per square foot or $800 to $3,200 total on average. The total price to refinish hardwood floors depends on the area size, finish, wood type, and refinishing method. Refinishing hardwood floors is an effective way to restore their natural beauty, improve durability, and increase the value of your home.
| Room size | Square feet | Average cost (no stain) |
Average cost (with stain) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4x10 | 40 | $80 – $280 | $120 – $320 |
| 10x10 | 100 | $200 – $700 | $300 – $800 |
| 12x12 | 144 | $290 – $1,000 | $430 – $1,200 |
| 16x16 | 256 | $510 – $1,800 | $770 – $2,000 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $800 – $2,800 | $1,200 – $3,200 |
| 24x24 | 576 | $1,200 – $4,000 | $1,700 – $4,600 |
| Whole house | 1,500 | $3,000 – $10,500 | $4,500 – $12,000 |
| Whole house | 2,000 | $4,000 – $14,000 | $6,000 – $16,000 |
Some professionals have minimum charges for small projects. Bundling multiple rooms may cost less in the long run.
Hardwood floor refinishing cost calculator
If you know your floor's length and width, enter the measurements into the calculator below to get an estimated cost for refinishing.
Price to refinish hardwood floors by method
The refinishing method you choose directly impacts the price:
| Factor | Average cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Sand and refinish | $2 – $7 |
| Sand, stain, and refinish | $3 – $8 |
| Screen, buff, and recoat | $2 – $5 |
| Whitewashing | $3 – $8 |
| Sandless refinishing | $2 – $6 |
Sand and refinish: This process removes surface wear and restores the wood's finish. It's the standard choice for floors with visible scratches or dullness.
Sand, stain, and refinish: Adding stain allows you to change or enhance the floor color, increasing both customization and total cost.
Screen, buff, and recoat: This lighter process addresses minor imperfections and applies a fresh coat of finish. The cost to buff floors is less than a full refinish but is only suitable for floors in good condition.
Whitewashing: Achieving a whitewashed look requires both sanding and staining, placing it at the higher end of the cost spectrum.
Sandless refinishing: Chemical hardwood floor polishing costs less than staining or whitewashing. Chemical treatments refresh the floor's appearance without sanding, ideal for floors with minimal wear.
Hardwood refinishing price by wood type
The type of hardwood influences both the difficulty and price of refinishing. The table below shows to average cost per square foot to refinish common hardwood floor types:
| Floor type | Average cost (per square foot) |
|---|---|
| Oak, cherry, pine | $3 – $7 |
| Parquet | $3 – $6 |
| Bamboo | $2 – $6 |
| Engineered hardwood | $2 – $6 |
| Maple, mahogany | $4 – $8 |
Professionals can refinish engineered hardwood floors fewer times than solid wood, depending on the thickness of the wear layer. Floors with very thin layers or acrylic finishes cannot be sanded at all.
Refinishing hardwood floors cost factors
Several factors can influence your project's final price:
Area size: The size of the area to be refinished is a major factor in the total project cost.
Layout: Refinishing costs more for rooms with complicated layouts and tight spaces.
Stairs: Refinishing hardwood stairs costs $25 to $85 per step and requires careful sanding and finishing, making the cost per step higher than flat flooring.
Dustless refinishing: Using specialized equipment to capture sanding dust costs an extra $2 to $4 per square foot. This method keeps your home cleaner and reduces post-project cleanup.
Extra coats of finish: Additional finish layers cost $0.50 to $1.75 per square foot. They improve durability and sheen but require more time and materials.
Wire-brush finish: Creating a textured, rustic look with wire-brushing costs $2 to $5 per square foot and requires extra labor and specialized tools.
Moving furniture: Contractors may charge $20 to $50 per room to move and replace furniture, especially in fully furnished spaces.
Carpet removal: Removing existing carpet or flooring adds $0.25 to $1.00 per square foot in labor and disposal fees.
Repairs
Repairing hardwood floors costs $2 to $20 per square foot or $500 to $1,500 total on average. Common repairs include fixing squeaky or uneven floors, scratches, or water damage and replacing damaged sections or boards.
Replacing vs. refinishing
Refinishing is an excellent option when floors have surface damage like scratches, dullness, or minor stains. However, replacement is necessary if floors have extensive water damage, warping, or the wood is too thin to sand safely. Hardwood flooring costs $11 to $25+ per square foot with installation.
If you're not sure how thick your floors are or whether they've been refinished before, consult with a professional to see if it's a viable option.
Hardwood refinishing FAQs
Can you refinish engineered hardwood?
Yes, you can refinish engineered hardwood if the top wear layer is thick enough, at least 2 millimeters. Most engineered floors allow for 1 to 3 refinishes. Always check the manufacturer's guidelines before sanding.
How long does it take to refinish hardwood floors?
Refinishing hardwood floors takes 2 to 6 days. The timeline depends on the size of the space, the number of finish coats, and drying times between each step.
How often do I refinish hardwood floors?
Refinish your hardwood floors every 7 to 10 years, or whenever you notice deep scratches, dullness, or worn areas that cleaning can't fix.
How many times can you refinish hardwood floors?
You can refinish solid hardwood floors 4 to 10 times, depending on their thickness and previous refinishing jobs. Engineered hardwood floors can be refinished fewer times, depending on the thickness of the wear layer.
Getting estimates for hardwood floor refinishing
Follow these tips to get accurate estimates for hardwood floor refinishers near you:
Get quotes from at least three local flooring companies with a proven track record.
Choose contractors with strong ratings and positive reviews on trusted platforms like HomeGuide and Google.
Measure your space accurately and provide identical measurements to each contractor for consistent comparisons.
Ask each company for a detailed cost breakdown that clearly lists materials, labor, and any additional fees.
Questions to ask flooring refinishers
When interviewing potential refinishers, ask the following questions:
How many years of experience do you have with refinishing hardwood floors?
Can you provide references from recent customers?
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
What do you include in your price per square foot?
Which types of finishes do you offer, and what are the pros and cons of each?
How many sanding passes will you do?
Will you move and replace furniture, or should I handle that?
How long will the refinishing process take from start to finish?
How do you handle dust and cleanup after the job?
Do you offer a warranty on your workmanship and materials?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.