How Much Does Refinishing Hardwood Floors Cost?

Are you looking to upgrade the floors in your home? Are you thinking about refinishing your hardwood floors?

While hardwood floors can look beautiful in your home, they can also be quite expensive. If you want to refinish them, you’ll need to invest in costly materials and installation.

So how much does refinishing hardwood floors cost? Read on to learn more about the average costs and the factors affecting them.

Average Costs for Refinishing Hardwood Floors

The hardwood floors in your home are an important part of its look and feel. Over time, the finish on your hardwood floors will wear down, making them look dull and scratched.

Refinishing your hardwood floors is a great way to give them a new lease on life. It can get done for an average cost of $1,500 – $4,000. If you need to install new hardwood floors, you can expect to pay an average of $5,000 – $10,000.

Factors in Calculating the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Several factors can affect the total cost of refinishing hardwood floors. You must keep them in mind when planning your hardwood floor refinishing project.

Room or Home Size

If the room is small, it will take less time and effort to refinish the floors and the cost will be less. If the room is large, it will take more time and effort to refinish the floors and the cost will be more.

Labor Fees

Another factor is the labor fees of the refinishers. Hourly labor charges for professional refinishers can vary.

In large metropolitan areas, rates may average $45 to $75 per hour. In smaller cities and rural areas, the average may drop to $30 to $50 per hour. These prices often do not include the cost of materials.

Most refinishers will charge by the square foot, with the average price per square foot running from $3 to $5. Some may charge a flat rate per room.

Materials

Materials play a big role in the cost of refinishing hardwood floors. The type of wood, the finish, and the intricacy of the design all affect the price.

For example, hardwoods like maple and oak are more expensive than softer woods like pine. If you want a high-gloss finish, that will also cost more. And, of course, the more intricate the design, the more it will cost to refinish.

Room Preparation

Room preparation can also have a significant impact on the cost of refinishing hardwood floors. If the room is not prepared, the refinishing process can be more difficult and time-consuming. The result may not be as desirable.

Additionally, if the room is not cleared of furniture and other items, the refinisher may charge a higher rate. The extra cost can and will add up in cases like this.

Sanding

Sanding is one of the most important aspects of refinishing hardwood floors. The amount of sanding required affects the cost of refinishing hardwood floors.

If the floors are in good condition, only a light sanding will be necessary. This will save on the cost of refinishing.

If the floors are in bad condition, they will need more extensive sanding. This is usually the case if they have deep scratches and extensive wear. This will increase the cost of refinishing.

Staining

Adding a stain to hardwood floors is a great way to change the look of your space. But, it can also increase the cost of refinishing.

If you’re looking to save money, you may want to consider leaving your floors their natural color. If you do choose to stain, keep in mind that dark colors will need more coats. They also may need refinishing more often.

Coating or Finishing

Factor in the costs of coating or finishing when refinishing hardwood floors. A high-quality finish protects the floors and makes them last longer. But, it will also increase the cost.

If the finish is not applied properly, it can wear down faster and need more frequent repairs. As a result, you will end up spending more in the long run.

Geographic Location

The cost can also vary depending on the geographic location. For example, refinishing hardwood floors in New York City may cost more than in a small town. This is because the cost of living is higher in New York City.

More people are also willing to pay for these services in New York City. This is because they have the disposable income to do so.

Extra Costs and Considerations

When refinishing hardwood floors, there will be extra costs and considerations. These can add up rather fast so be sure to consider them.

Below are some of these costs and considerations. You can also get in touch with experts like A&P Painting and Flooring for more info on these.

Subfloor Repairs

Aside from the cost of materials and labor, you may also need to pay for subfloor repairs. Repairs may include patching or replacing damaged subflooring, joists, or other structural components.

In some cases, the entire subfloor may need replacement. These costs can vary. So it’s important to get an estimate from a qualified contractor before proceeding.

Furniture Moving and Cleaning Costs

Beyond the cost of the materials and labor, there are other costs that you should take into account. These include the cost of furniture moving and cleaning, as well as any repairs that the floor may need.

When hiring contractors, be sure to ask about all the extra costs and considerations. This is so that you can budget accordingly.

In some cases, it may be cheaper to do the work yourself. But, it is important to weigh all the factors before making a decision.