Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors Calculator

Item	Cost Range (Approx.)
Sanding and Refinishing Labor	$3.00 – $5.00/sq. ft.
Stain Application (Optional)	$1.50 – $2.50/sq. ft.
Polyurethane Finish Application	$2.00 – $3.00/sq. ft.
Repairs (e.g., replacing damaged boards)	$100 – $500
Screening or Buffing (Light Refinishing)	$1.00 – $2.00/sq. ft.
Removing Carpet, Staples, or Adhesives	$0.50 – $2.00/sq. ft.
Removing Furniture	$100 – $300
Baseboard Removal and Reinstallation	$1.00 – $2.50/linear ft.
Dust Containment (Optional)	$100 – $200
Disposal of Debris	$50 – $150

FAQs

How much should I expect to pay to refinish hardwood floors? The cost to refinish hardwood floors can vary depending on factors like the floor area, condition of the floors, and your location. On average, it can cost between $3 to $5 per square foot.

Is it cheaper to refinish hardwood floors or replace? In most cases, refinishing hardwood floors is cheaper than replacing them, as replacing floors involves the cost of new materials and labor for installation.

Is it cheaper to sand and refinish hardwood floors? Yes, sanding and refinishing hardwood floors are generally cheaper than full floor replacement.

Do you need to remove baseboards to refinish hardwood floors? It’s not always necessary to remove baseboards, but it’s recommended for a more professional and seamless finish.

Can I stay in my house while floors are refinished? Staying in the house during hardwood floor refinishing is possible, but it can be inconvenient due to dust, fumes, and noise. It’s advisable to find alternative accommodations if possible.

How long does it take to refinish 1000 square feet of hardwood floors? The time to refinish 1000 square feet of hardwood floors can vary, but it typically takes around 2 to 5 days, depending on the extent of the work and drying time for finishes.

When should you not refinish hardwood floors? Hardwood floors with extensive water damage, structural issues, or severe warping may not be suitable for refinishing and may need replacement.

What is the difference between resurface and refinish floors? Resurfacing generally involves sanding the floor’s top layer, while refinishing includes sanding and applying new finishes.

What are the cons of refinishing hardwood floors? The cons of refinishing hardwood floors include dust, fumes, inconvenience, and the need to vacate the area during the process.

Can you refinish floors one room at a time? Yes, it is possible to refinish floors one room at a time, allowing you to still use other parts of the house during the process.

What is the cheapest way to refinish floors? The cheapest way to refinish floors is to do it yourself with basic sanding and applying a new finish.

Does refinishing hardwood floors increase home value? Refinishing hardwood floors can improve a home’s appearance, potentially increasing its appeal and value to buyers.

How do I prepare my house for wood floor refinishing? Preparing for wood floor refinishing involves removing furniture, cleaning the floors, and sealing off adjacent areas to minimize dust migration.

What is the final step in refinishing hardwood floors? The final step in refinishing hardwood floors is applying the finish, such as polyurethane, to protect the wood and give it a shiny appearance.

How do I prepare my house for floor sanding? Preparing for floor sanding involves removing furniture, covering vents, and sealing off adjacent areas to prevent dust from spreading.

How soon can you put furniture on refinished hardwood floors? It’s generally best to wait 24-48 hours before placing furniture on refinished hardwood floors to allow the finish to fully cure.

How long does a house smell after refinishing hardwood floors? The smell after refinishing hardwood floors can linger for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the ventilation and type of finish used.

How long to walk on refinished floors? You can usually walk on refinished floors with socks or soft-soled shoes after 24 hours, but avoid heavy traffic and moving furniture for a few days.

How long to wait to put rugs down after refinishing floors? It’s best to wait at least 7-10 days before putting rugs down on refinished floors to allow the finish to cure fully.

How do you air out a house after floor refinishing? Ventilate the house by opening windows and using fans to help air out the space after floor refinishing.

Which is better water-based polyurethane or oil-based? Water-based polyurethane dries faster, has less odor, and is more environmentally friendly, while oil-based polyurethane provides a more durable finish.

What is the best season to refinish hardwood floors? Spring and fall are ideal seasons for hardwood floor refinishing, as moderate temperatures and humidity levels are beneficial for the finish to cure properly.

Can you live in the house while refinishing hardwood floors? You can live in the house during hardwood floor refinishing, but it may be more comfortable to find alternative accommodations due to dust and fumes.

What happens if you put furniture on refinished floors too soon? Placing furniture on refinished floors too soon can cause indentations or damage to the finish before it has fully cured.

Is sanding or stripping hardwood floors better? Sanding is generally better for refinishing hardwood floors, as it smoothens the surface and prepares it for a new finish.

Can you change floor color when refinishing? Yes, you can change the floor color when refinishing by using a different stain or finish.

Is it better to refinish hardwood or laminate? Hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times, making them more durable and longer-lasting than laminate floors.

How often should wood floors be refinished? Wood floors typically need refinishing every 7-10 years, depending on wear and tear.

How many times can real hardwood floors be refinished? Real hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times, depending on the thickness of the wood.

How do I know if my hardwood floors need refinishing? Hardwood floors may need refinishing if they have visible wear, scratches, dullness, or areas where the finish is worn away.

Can you refinish wood floors without moving all furniture? It is recommended to remove all furniture when refinishing wood floors to ensure an even finish and to protect the furniture from dust and damage.

How messy is refinishing floors? Refinishing floors can create a significant amount of dust and debris, making it a messy process.

Should you paint first or refinish floors first? It’s generally best to refinish floors first and paint afterward to prevent paint from getting on the newly refinished surfaces.

How can I make my old hardwood floors look better without refinishing? To make old hardwood floors look better without refinishing, you can clean, polish, and use area rugs to conceal imperfections.

Can you refinish floors without removing furniture? While it is possible to refinish floors with some furniture in place, it is generally recommended to remove all furniture for the best results.

How can I make my hardwood floors look new without sanding? To make hardwood floors look new without sanding, you can use a hardwood floor cleaner and apply a fresh coat of finish.

Does replacing carpet with hardwood increase value? Replacing carpet with hardwood floors can increase a home’s value and appeal to potential buyers.

How long does refinishing floors last? Refinished floors can last 7-10 years or longer with proper maintenance.

Is it better to have carpet or hardwood floors in bedrooms? The choice between carpet and hardwood floors in bedrooms is subjective and depends on personal preference and style.

Do you have to take off baseboards to refinish hardwood floors? While not mandatory, removing baseboards before refinishing hardwood floors can lead to a more professional and thorough result.

How do you make old wood floors look good again? To make old wood floors look good again, clean them thoroughly, polish, and consider using a floor restorer product.

Why is refinishing wood floors so expensive? Refinishing wood floors can be expensive due to the labor-intensive process, materials, and specialized equipment required.

Can you Restain hardwood floors without sanding? It is generally not recommended to restain hardwood floors without sanding, as sanding ensures proper adhesion and a smooth surface for the new stain.

How much wood is removed when sanding hardwood floors? The amount of wood removed when sanding hardwood floors is typically minimal, as sanding is done to remove the top damaged layer.

Can I change the color of my hardwood floors? Yes, you can change the color of hardwood floors by using a different stain or finish during the refinishing process.

What should you not do when sanding floors? When sanding floors, avoid using too much pressure, staying in one spot for too long, and using the wrong grits of sandpaper.

Should I wash the floor before sanding it? It’s best to vacuum and clean the floor before sanding to remove dirt and debris.

Can you be in the house when floors are being sanded? You can be in the house while floors are being sanded, but it’s recommended to wear a mask and limit exposure to dust.

Can hardwood floors be refinished in one day? Refinishing hardwood floors typically takes multiple days, allowing time for sanding, drying, and applying finishes.

When can I walk with shoes on refinished hardwood floors? You can walk with shoes on refinished hardwood floors after the finish has fully cured, which may take several days.

How long does Bona finish take to cure? Bona finish can take around 24-72 hours to cure fully, depending on the specific product and environmental conditions.