How much does it cost to repair floors?
How much does it cost to repair floors?
$200 – $1,200 average cost for minor repairs
$500 – $6,000+ average cost for major repairs
Floor repair cost by damage
Floor repair costs $200 to $6,000 or more depending on the problem and extent of damage. Repairing minor damage such as simple scratches, stains, or squeaky floors costs $200 to $1,200. More complex jobs like fixing sagging floors or water damage floor repair cost $500 to $6,000+.
| Flooring damage | Average cost per room |
|---|---|
| Minor issues | |
| Scratched floor | $200 – $1,000 |
| Stained or faded floor | $200 – $1,200 |
| Squeaky floor | $200 – $1,000 |
| Major issues | |
| Uneven floor | $500 – $3,000 |
| Sagging floor | $1,000 – $6,000+ |
| Water damage | $1,200 – $5,000+ |
Scratched floor
Scratched floor repairs cost $25 to $100 per scratch, or $2 to $7 per square foot for larger areas, depending on the severity. Light scratches require buffing and polishing, while deeper scratches often need wood filler followed by refinishing. Severe scratches may require replacing sections of damaged planks at a higher cost.
Stained or faded floor
Stained or faded floors cost $200 to $1,200 per room to repair, depending on the flooring material. Stained carpets can often be repaired with a professional carpet cleaning that costs $40 to $90 per room. Other materials like hardwood, tiles, or laminate flooring have higher repair costs for repairing fading or staining.
Hardwood floor refinishing costs $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the wood type and finish required.
Tile reglazing costs $4 to $12 per square foot to brighten dulled, faded, or discolored tiles.
Laminate and vinyl floors with stains or fading usually require replacement of the affected area or the entire floor, as these materials cannot be refinished.
Squeaky floor
Squeaky floor repairs cost $200 to $1,000 per room, depending on the cause and accessibility of the floor. Fixing squeaky floors typically involves identifying the source of the movement and securing loose components, filling gaps, or sometimes replacing damaged sections.
For floors accessible from below, a carpenter might inject adhesive between the subfloor and joists or install wood blocks for added support. If working from above, they may drive screws through the carpet into joists or use a counter snap screw system for hardwood floors.
In some cases, lubricating floorboards with powdered graphite can solve minor squeaks.
Uneven floor
Uneven floor repairs cost $500 to $3,000 per room on average. Uneven floors can be caused by several factors, including foundation issues, poor installation, or subfloor problems. Minor unevenness might be addressed by applying a self-leveling compound, while more significant issues may involve replacing sections of the damaged subfloor or adjusting floor joists.
Sagging floor
Sagging floor repairs cost more, averaging $1,000 to $6,000 because they usually involve structural issues that require substantial work. The repair often involves reinforcing or replacing floor joists, installing additional support beams, or even costly foundation repairs. The total cost depends on the cause and extent of the sagging and the accessibility of the affected area.
A structural engineer might need to assess the sagging problem before repairs begin, adding to the cost.
Water damage
Water-damaged floor restoration is a multi-step process that can be both complex and costly. The average repair cost ranges from $1,200 to $5,000 per room, depending on the extent of the damage. This process typically involves two main steps:
Water removal & drying: Water damage restoration costs $4 to $12 per square foot, depending on the amount of water, the type of water (clean, gray, or black), and the equipment needed.
Flooring replacement: After the area is dry, damaged flooring often needs to be replaced. The costs can range anywhere from $2 to $50 per square foot, depending on the type of flooring material.
These are just two of the potential steps in water damage restoration. Depending on the situation, additional repairs may be necessary, such as addressing structural damage or preventing mold growth, which could further increase the overall cost.
Floor repair cost by repair type
The cost for floor repair varies widely depending on the damage extent and the repair type needed. Surface-level repairs cost $200 to $1,200 per room to repair minor scratches, dents, and discoloration. More extensive structural repairs, such as subfloor repairs cost $500 to $1,200.
| Repair type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Surface-level repairs | $200 – $1,200 |
| Subfloor repairs | $100 – $300 (small area) $500 – $1,200 (entire room) |
| Floor joist repairs | $350 – $1,000 per joist |
| Floor leveling | $1,000 – $6,000 |
Surface-level repair
Surface level repairs, including scratches, dents, and minor water damage, cost $200 to $1,200, depending on the size and extent of the damage. These repairs are typically the least expensive and involve addressing cosmetic issues without needing to replace entire sections of flooring. This can apply to hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and even some types of tile flooring.
Subfloor repair
Subfloor repair costs $100 to $300 to replace a small area or $500 to $1,200 to replace the subfloor throughout the room. This type of repair addresses issues beneath the visible flooring, often necessary when there's water damage, rot, or structural problems that need fixing before any type of flooring can be properly restored or reinstalled.
Floor joist repair
The cost of replacing floor joists averages $350 to $1,000 per joist, depending on the extent of the damage and accessibility. Floor joists are crucial structural elements that support various types of flooring and repairing them is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of your entire floor system, regardless of the surface material.
Floor leveling
Floor leveling costs $500 to $6,000 per room and is a common repair method for uneven or sagging floors. The process involves applying a self-leveling compound that flows into gaps and low spots, creating a smooth surface. Costs vary based on the area size, unevenness severity, and materials used.
In some cases, you may be able to reuse your existing floor covering after leveling, particularly if it's still in good condition. However, if the floor covering is damaged or worn, you would need to factor in the cost of new flooring on top of the leveling expenses.
Floor repair cost factors
Several factors can influence the cost of floor repair:
Type of damage: Minor surface issues are less expensive to fix than complex structural problems.
Extent of damage: Larger areas of damage or more severe issues increase repair costs.
Accessibility: Labor costs may increase if the damaged area is difficult to access.
Location: Labor and material rates vary by region, affecting overall repair costs.
Underlying issues: Problems with the subfloor or joists can significantly increase repair costs.
Age of flooring: Older floors may require more extensive repairs or be more challenging to match to existing materials.
Flooring material
The cost of floor repairs depends heavily on the flooring material, with lower prices for carpet and vinyl and higher prices for hardwood and stone. The table below provides average repair and removal costs for various materials.
| Floor material | Average repair cost (per square foot)* |
|---|---|
| Bamboo | $7 – $17 |
| Cork | $5 – $15 |
| Laminate | $4 – $14 |
| Vinyl | $2 – $16 |
| Concrete resurfacing cost | $3 – $7 |
| Hardwood floor repair cost | $2 – $20 |
| Tile repair costs | $10 – $50 |
| Tile removal cost | $2 – $7 |
| Carpet repair cost | $1 – $3 |
| Carpet removal cost | $0.70 – $1.60 |
*Bamboo, cork, laminate, and vinyl repair often require replacing the damaged section of flooring.
Floor repair FAQs
How much do mobile home floor repairs cost?
Mobile home floor repair costs anywhere from $300 to $5,000, depending on the damage extent, floor size, and material type. Repairs can range from $2 to $30 per square foot, with structural damage to floor joists being the most expensive to fix.
How do you repair laminate flooring?
Laminate flooring repairs vary based on the damage severity. Minor scratches are often fixed with repair kits or markers, while more significant damage requires plank replacement. The process involves removing damaged sections and installing new pieces, which may include unsnapping planks or cutting out damaged areas.
Can you repair vinyl flooring?
Yes, you can repair vinyl flooring depending on the damage severity. Minor scratches can often be fixed using repair kits or liquid seam sealers. For larger damage or tears, the process typically involves cutting out the damaged section, cleaning the area, and installing a new piece.
Can you repair a cracked or chipped floor tile?
Yes, minor chips may be fixed with epoxy or color-matched filler, but it is more common to replace the broken tile. The repair typically involves removing the damaged tile, cleaning the area, and installing a replacement tile. However, matching the existing tile's color and pattern is crucial for a seamless look.
Is it better to repair or replace the damaged floor?
The decision to repair or replace a damaged floor depends on the extent of damage, age of flooring, and the cost. Minor damage often warrants a simple repair, while extensive or recurring issues may justify replacement. Consider the floor's overall condition, longevity, and your budget. Sometimes, replacing the entire floor proves more cost-effective in the long term.
How long do floor repairs take?
The time it takes to repair a floor depends on the flooring type and damage extent. Minor repairs like filling scratches can take a few hours, while major repairs such as replacing damaged planks or tiles may take a few days. Extensive projects like sanding and refinishing hardwood floors can last several days to a week.
Getting estimates from flooring repair companies
For accurate estimates from a flooring repair company, be sure to:
Clearly describe the type and extent of damage.
Provide photos or video of the damaged areas if possible.
Specify the flooring material (e.g., hardwood, laminate, tile).
Mention any previous repair attempts.
Ask about different repair options and their costs.
Inquire about the expected longevity of the repair.
Request information on preventive measures to avoid future damage.
Discuss the timeline for the repair work.
Ask about warranties on the repair work.
Get multiple detailed, written estimates for comparison.
Questions to ask a floor repair contractor
These questions will help you assess the contractor's qualifications, understand the repair process, and ensure you're getting quality work:
Are you properly insured and licensed?
How long have you been repairing floors, and can you provide references?
What experience do you have with repairing the type of flooring I have?
Can you provide a detailed estimate of the repair costs, including any potential subfloor preparation?
What is the estimated timeline for completing the repairs?
Do you offer any warranty on your repair work?
How will you minimize dust and protect the surrounding areas during repairs?
Will you handle the cleanup after the repairs are complete?
Do you use subcontractors or do your own employees perform the work?
Can you explain the repair process and what materials you'll be using?
How will you ensure the repaired area matches the rest of the floor?
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.