How Much Does It Cost to Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors?
The Typical Price Range
Most Connecticut homeowners spend between $1.50 and $10 per square foot to sand and refinish hardwood floors. Smaller jobs often hit the higher end of that range due to minimum charges, while large, connected spaces can come in lower per square foot.
For example, a 200 square foot dining room may cost more per foot than a 1,200 square foot open plan living area. That is because setup, travel, and sanding equipment time are spread across fewer feet.
So while the range is broad, here is how pricing breaks down once you look at the details.
What Influences the Price?
Square Footage
- Smaller areas: A 10-by-10 bedroom may cost more per foot due to minimum charges.
- Larger connected spaces: Open layouts often cost less per foot and provide a more consistent look.
Type of Wood and Design
Different hardwood flooring types refinish differently. Maple, oak, ash, cherry wood, and Brazilian exotics all require unique approaches. Harder wood types can take more floor sanding, while borders, inlays, and mixed-species layouts require extra handwork and precision, which adds labor.
Choice of Finish
- Oil-based polyurethane: Affordable and durable, it provides a traditional refinishing look with a longer drying time.
- Water-based finishes: These water-based finishes dry faster and allow for modern looks but typically cost more.
- Specialty stains: Custom colors require more preparation, staining pads, and precision, which increases the price of refinishing hardwood floors.
Stairs and Handwork
Stair refinishing, spindles, closets, and tight corners are almost entirely hand-sanded. This adds significant time and labor costs, often priced at a higher square foot rate.
What You Get for the Price
- $1.50 to $2.75 per square foot: Two coats, usually a clear top-coat finish with oil-based finish systems. Suitable for lightly used spaces or homes being prepped for sale.
- Mid-range projects: Three-coat systems with deeper color and more durability. A good fit for active living spaces.
- High-end work: Custom stains, surface finishes, borders, or detailed layouts. These involve more labor, higher installation costs, and longer project investment.
Staining typically adds cost per square foot of hardwood floor refinishing, especially in larger homes.
The Role of VOC Regulations
VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, and recent regulations have changed the formulas for many finishes.
- Low-VOC finishes: Safer for homes, especially when combined with a Dustless Sanding System and dust containment, but they may not last as long.
- High-VOC options: Older finishes often held up better, but modern choices focus more on health, air quality, and safety measures.
Decades ago, two coats of oil-based polyurethane were standard. Today’s floor refinishing projects often involve dustless refinishing with water-based finishes for healthier homes.
Real-World Examples
- Sunroom: A mix of maple, Brazilian exotics, and tile inlays increased costs due to intricate flooring repairs and coordination.
- Living room: White oak with a decorative border finished using a durable clear coat that still holds up years later.
- Custom designs: Red oak combined with cherry wood for a yacht-inspired look, requiring careful stain and finish application.
Look at our Guide on the Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors for further insights and expert analysis.
Tips Before You Get an Estimate
- Ask for a full breakdown of labor costs, stain, finish, and material costs.
- Know your floor size, floor condition, and wood types before calling a professional flooring contractor.
- Expect higher costs for stairs, small jobs, or intricate borders.
- Balance budget and durability: higher-quality finishes require more upfront work but offer long-term benefits.
The Bottom Line
The cost to refinish hardwood floors depends on project size, floor dimensions, floor condition, and finish choices. A small bedroom may need a simple screen and recoat, while a large living space may involve full demolition of existing finish, multiple coats, and added stain and finish application.
Whether you choose oil-based polyurethane or water-based finishes, refinishing is a project investment with strong cost recovery and long-term benefits.
With four generations of experience, Patrick Daigle Hardwood Flooring provides floor refinishing, floor repair, and furniture moving support. Our team handles the entire refinishing process, from floor sanding and stain application to final surface finishes, ensuring your hardwood floors look beautiful and last for years.
