How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Your Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood floors are beautiful, to say the least, they will add a touch of class and elegance especially if they are looking nice and polished. But the importance of hardwood floors goes beyond aesthetics, according to Probuilder, hardwood floors have an estimated return on investment of between 70 to 80%, and a potential increase in home value by about 2.5%. However, while this is true, hardwood floors are bound to get old and lose their sheen after several years of service. 

Although replacing the entire floor is always an option, refinishing the surface is a popular alternative because it is much more affordable. So, how much does it cost to refinish your hardwood floors? LV Hardwood Flooring mentions that the cost ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot. However, just like any other project, there are several factors that will influence the total cost, such as the size of the flooring. Take a look at the detailed breakdown of the cost implications of refinishing your hardwood floors.

A one cost fits all mentality doesn't work in renovation or construction projects. So, here are some of the factors that will determine how much your final quote will be for your hardwood floors refinishing.

The size of the floor

It goes without saying that the size of the floor will determine the overall scope of work, the bigger the square footage the more the cost of refinishing the floors. As mentioned earlier the cost ranges from $3 to $8 per square foot. Another factor to keep in mind is the complexity of that particular space. It is, however, not uncommon for contractors to provide discounts for larger working spaces.

Labor

Labor costs take a big chunk of the budget. Fixr reports that the labor accounts for about 80% of the entire cost. The labor cost for such a project is determined by the amount of surface preparation and the type of refinishing you decide to go for. Dustless hardwood refinishing is generally more expensive, the cost ranges from $5 to $8 per square foot.

Materials

There is so much that goes into refinishing hardwood floors, from cleaning and sanding to the application of stain. The cost of these products will add up with every increase in square footage. The price of refinishing a specific hardwood floor differs according to type. For instance, refinishing mahogany is the most expensive, ranging from $6 to $8 per square foot

Your choice of finish

The type of finish you use on your newly refinished hardwood floor will improve the durability and also general aesthetics. Nonetheless, hardwood floor finishes are not all equal and do come at different prices. The most popular types are the oil and water-based polyurethane options. According to Flooring Stores, the cost of the oil-based polyurethane finish ranges from $20 to $40 per gallon while its water-based counterpart is about $25 to $50 per gallon.

Other than the aforementioned factors, refinishing hardwood floors also comes with other minor costs that also add up quickly if you are not aware.

Moving furniture

Before the task begins, the room needs to be open and clear. The cost of removing any furniture and furnishings in the house is often not included in the overall cost. Some contractors might not move the furniture while others will do it at an additional cost. On average, the cost of moving furniture from a house ranges from $75 and $200. Doing it yourself is a good way of saving time and also avoiding any unnecessary costs. Be sure to also ask whether the contractor will clean up after the project or if you need to hire someone else for this task.

Repairs

It is not uncommon for hardwood floors to require repairs before refinishing. Usually, the contractor should be able to fix any existing damage but, keep in mind that the cost might be higher compared to your local repairman. The better the condition of your floor the less expensive the refinishing project will cost.

The specific type of hardwood floor doesn't bring a world of difference as far as the refinishing cost is concerned. However, it is also true to mention that some specific types of floors will require extra attention during the surface preparation stages. Having said that, let's take a look at some of the popular types of hardwood floors and how much they cost to refinish, according to Fixr.

Oak

This is one of the most popular types of hardwood floors. Not only is it strong and durable, but it also has that signature pale hue that allows it to be stained into different colors. Oak comes in two different types, the white and red varieties, each one bringing distinct color and character to any interior space. The cost of refinishing hardwood floors made of oak is between $3 to $5.

Cherry

This is another hardwood variation that is quite distinct. It features a rather unique red tint hence the name 'cherry'. The red tint tends to deepen over time giving it a naturally beautiful look. When choosing a stain for this type of wood, be sure to go for a color that will complement the natural beauty of the cherry hardwood. It doesn't require any special surface preparation and the refinishing cost ranges between $3 and $5.

Walnut

This is the perfect choice for homeowners looking to introduce a mid-tone wood floor for a homier vibe. Compared to oak, walnut is softer making sanding and other surface preparation relatively easier. When it comes to the refinishing cost, it is no different from the aforementioned types ranging between $3 to $5.

Maple

Maple is another popular option for contemporary homes. Just like oak, it is quite durable and also introduces a rather rustic appearance to the home interior. It is available in a range of tones ranging from lighter hues to darker beige or tan options. Because of its tough composition, it takes a longer time to sand and stain this type of wood. As such, refinishing is also relatively more expensive ranging from $5 to $8 for every square foot.

Of course, there are plenty of flooring options that you can choose from. But why should you choose this type of flooring over carpet or tiles?

Better Health

Let's face it, the floor is one of the dirtiest surfaces in most homes. This is where all the dust and debris from your feet or from the paws of your furry friend settle. According to Supreme Hardwood Floors, they are not only easy to clean, but they also don't trap allergens and microorganisms. All you need to do is to wipe your floor with a damp cloth and an anti-bacterial solution to remove any potential dust and allergens. What's more, a vacuum cleaner will be also more effective on hardwood surfaces compared to a carpeted floor.

They stay beautiful and durable

There is no denying the fact that hardwood floors are beautiful. Because of the variety of hardwood species, you can get solid wood of different hues and colors to fit into whatever interior decor you have in mind. Other than that, solid wood flooring is also available in different thicknesses, usually between 5/16-inch to 3/4-inch, per Colonial Carpet & Flooring. This makes it possible to refinish your floor multiple times to restore its initial aesthetic appearance.

Hardwood floors are durable, and just because they have sustained a little wear and tear or have lost their sheen, it doesn't mean they cannot look like new again. You can easily extend the life of your floor by refinishing.

Refinishing is cheaper than a complete replacement

One of the benefits of refinishing is a significant reduction in cost. On average the cost of replacing hardwood floors ranges from $2,500 to $7,300, per Modernize. In contrast, this is almost three times what you would otherwise spend on a refinishing project. However, if your floor is beyond refinishing for any reason, then you have no choice but to consider a total replacement.

Fixes cupping problems

Hardwood floors cup because of moisture problems. If you are having this problem in your home, the first order of business is to get to the root of the problem and deal with the moisture. However, if the floor doesn't straighten up after a while, sanding and refinishing are good ways of evening out the wood planks, explains City Floor Supply.