Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost: Homeowner Price Guide
Angi puts professional hardwood floor refinishing at $1,107 to $2,681 for a complete project including sanding, staining, and finishing. Bob Vila reports a national average of $1,869, and This Old House says $1,800 for a professional project, varying with square footage and other factors.
Hardwood floor refinishing cost breakdown
Fixr says homeowners typically pay $3 to $8 per square foot to refinish hardwood. Bob Vila splits some of the work out: sanding averages $0.50 to $3 per square foot, staining $1 to $3, and buffing (per Angi) $1 to $2.50. Bob Vila adds that cherry floors cost $3 to $5 per square foot to refinish. See our flooring cost guides for other floor projects.
| Item | Cost | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional project, average | $1,800 | Total | This Old House |
| National average | $1,869 | Total | Bob Vila |
| Refinishing | $3 to $8 | Per square foot | Fixr |
| Sanding | $0.50 to $3 | Per square foot | Bob Vila |
| Staining | $1 to $3 | Per square foot | Bob Vila |
| Wire-brush finish | $2 to $5 | Per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Dustless refinishing add-on | $2 to $4 | Per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Stairs | $25 to $85 | Per step | HomeGuide |
| Moving furniture | $20 to $50 | Per room | HomeGuide |
| Carpet removal | $0.25 to $1.00 | Per square foot | HomeGuide |
| Flooring repairs | $200 to $600 | Total | Angi |
Fixr gives a lower figure for stairs, around $25 to $45 per step, which shows how much quotes can vary by contractor.
Labor vs. materials
This Old House says labor can take as much as 80% of the final project cost, at about $60 to $160 per hour. For materials, Bob Vila says most stains cost $27 to $40 per gallon, oil-based polyurethane runs $20 to $45, and water-based polyurethane $25 to $55. Fixr lists penetrating oil finish at $40 to $100 per gallon and Swedish finish at $50 to $80.
Additional costs
HomeGuide treats dustless work as an add-on to the base rate. This Old House and Bob Vila put dustless refinishing at $5 to $8 per square foot, a different basis, so ask whether the contractor quotes the add-on or the full rate. Stairs take careful sanding and finishing, which HomeGuide gives as the reason the per-step cost is higher than flat flooring.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
This Old House estimates $500 to $1,000 for materials, rentals, and safety equipment if you refinish yourself. Forbes Home gives $600 to $1,000 for a DIY process, with stain at $30 to $45 and varnish at $165 to $360. A drum sander is a heavy tool that takes practice, and older finishes can contain hazards, so many homeowners hire a professional. Ask what your local rules require.
Ways to save
- Clear the rooms yourself: Furniture moving is billed per room, so emptying the room yourself avoids that line.
- Pull up old carpet in advance: HomeGuide lists carpet removal as a per-square-foot labor and disposal charge, which you avoid by doing it first.
- Pick the right finish: Polyurethane prices differ by type, as listed above, so compare before choosing.
- Compare bids: Collect several itemized quotes with the same scope.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask for an in-person inspection instead of a phone estimate. The written quote should say the sanding sequence, the stain and finish product, the number of coats, and whether dust control, furniture moving, and cleanup are included. Check the contractor’s license and insurance and ask for references.
What changes the price
- Total square footage and room layout
- Overall condition of wood planks and required board repairs
- Type of protective finish and number of coating layers
- Extra detail work for staircases, landings, and closet edges
- Specialized dust containment systems using commercial vacuums
- Moving heavy furniture and removing old carpeting or tack strips
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors per square foot?
Fixr gives a typical rate for refinishing a whole floor, and Bob Vila prices sanding and staining as separate per-square-foot lines. See the table above.
How much does buffing cost?
Angi lists buffing a hardwood floor at $1 to $2.50 per square foot.
What does dustless refinishing cost?
HomeGuide describes it as an add-on to the base rate, while Bob Vila gives $5 to $8 per square foot for dustless work overall.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.