Hardwood
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How Much Does it Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?

Written by
Paul Galushkin
Published on
September 20, 2023

Hardwood floors are one of the most popular flooring materials for homeowners. They add beauty and value to any home, but over time they can become scratched, dull, and faded. Refinishing hardwood floors is an excellent way to restore their original beauty without having to replace them.

However, refinishing can be costly depending on the size of your floor and the materials you choose to use. Here, we’ll discuss the factors that determine the cost of refinishing hardwood floors and provide an estimate based on typical costs.

Hardwood Flooring

Origin

Hardwood flooring has been a popular choice for homeowners for centuries. The origin of this classic flooring material can be traced back to early human civilizations that used wood to construct their homes. As technology advanced, wood was cut into thinner and thinner planks, leading to the creation of the wooden floorboards that we know today.

Despite the rise of other flooring options, hardwood floors remain a popular choice due to their timeless look and durability. It's fascinating to think that something as simple as a tree can be transformed into a beautiful and functional part of our homes.

Types of Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a timeless choice for homeowners looking to add a touch of beauty and elegance to their homes. There are a variety of types of hardwood flooring to choose from, each with its unique charm and character.

Oak

Oak wood floor

One popular option is oak hardwood flooring, known for its durability and strength. Oak is a common hardwood species that comes in a variety of shades, from light to dark.

Maple

Maple wood floor

Maple hardwood floors are also a popular choice, with their distinctive wood grain pattern and natural color variations. Maple is a very hard species, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.

Pine

Pine wood floor

Pine flooring is another common choice, similar to oak and maple. It has a slightly softer hue and is a good choice for bedrooms or living rooms.

Cherry Wood

Cherry wood floor

If you're looking for a classic hardwood flooring option, cherry wood might be just the ticket. Known for its rich, warm tones and elegant texture, cherry wood can add instant sophistication to any room. For those seeking a more exotic look, Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring is a stunning option, featuring a rich, reddish-brown color.

Engineered Wood Flooring Alternatives

Another style of hardwood flooring types includes parquet flooring. Instead of solid hardwood, parquet floors are made of small pieces of wood arranged in geometric patterns, creating a unique and stylish look.

Bamboo Flooring

An alternative to engineered hardwood floors is bamboo flooring. Usually, the per square foot bamboo costs are higher than engineered hardwood per square foot costs. As one of the most renewable and sustainable resources on the planet, bamboo is an eco-friendly option for those looking to improve the aesthetics of their homes. With its strength and durability comparable to oak and maple, it has become a popular choice for homeowners. Bamboo flooring can come in a wide range of colors and styles, from light and natural to darker, more striking tones. It's easy installation and low maintenance make it a practical option for any household.

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Whatever type of hardwood floor you choose, you can be sure that it will add value and warmth to your home. So why not explore your options and discover the perfect fit for your home? Talk to a professional and find out what hardwood floor is best for your home today!

Installation Process

Installing hardwood floor can be a great way to add beauty and value to your home. Before you begin, there are a few important steps to take to ensure your installation goes smoothly. First, make sure your subfloor is level and free of any debris. Next, measure the space carefully to determine how much hardwood floor material you will need, and purchase extra material in case of errors or future repairs.

When it comes time to actually install the hardwood floor, start in the middle of the room and work your way out, using a flooring nailer to secure the boards in place. Be careful to stagger the seams and maintain consistent spacing between boards for a professional-looking finish. Don't forget to sand and finish the hardwood floor once it's installed to protect it and bring out its natural beauty.

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Hardwood installation can be a daunting process especially for those who lack experience. Luckily, hardwood installation experts have the knowledge and skills necessary to make the process a breeze. With their attention to detail, these experts can install hardwood floor flawlessly, ensuring that your new surface is both visually appealing and durable. By enlisting the help of a hardwood installation professional, you can save yourself the stress and hassle of attempting a DIY installation. So, if you're thinking about replacing your old floor with hardwood, consider reaching out to a trusted expert in your area to ensure the job is done right.

Eventual Damage

However, even if a professional installer has laid down the planks, it is important to remember that hardwood is not immune to damage over time.

Maintenance

Everyday wear and tear, spills, moisture, and deep scratches can all take a toll on your hardwood floor. Like any other aspect of a home, hardwood floors require maintenance and care. While a professional hardwood floor installation can help to minimize future damage, it's important to be proactive about protecting your beautiful hardwood floor. By doing so, you can ensure that your hardwood floor will remain a beautiful and durable feature for many years to come.

Refinish

Even so, many homeowners are looking to refinish their hardwood flooring. Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to restore the original shine and beauty of your hardwood floor. This process can be done by either sanding down the existing finish or applying a new finish over the existing hardwood floors, depending on the type of damage.

Invest in Hardwood Floors

At the end of the day, hardwood floors are an investment worth making. With proper maintenance and care, they can last for years to come, adding character and value to any home. When hardwood eventually becomes damaged, refinishing is a cheaper alternative to replacing hardwood.

So why not give your home the upgrade it deserves today?  Hardwood flooring is both timeless and beautiful, sure to bring an elegant touch to any space. Explore your options and discover the perfect fit for your home. With professional installation and diligent care, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy your newly refinished hardwood floors for years to come.

Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Man sanding down floors

Refinishing hardwood floors may seem like a scary task, but it's worth it in the end for the beautiful, restored floors you'll have.  Refinishing your hardwood floors is a great way to bring them back to their original beauty, as well as add extra protection against future damage.  

The first step in refinishing hardwood floors is to assess the condition of your floor. This will help determine whether you need to sand the floor down or just apply a new finish. If your floor is in good condition, then you can usually just apply a new finish. However, if the floor is more heavily damaged, then you may need to sand it down as well.

Once you've determined how to refinish your hardwood floors, you'll need to thoroughly clean the floor and apply a wood sealant. This will help protect the wood from future damage.  Then, depending on the condition of your floor and the look you're going for, you can either apply a new finish or sand it down and apply a new finish.

Once the finish is applied, it's important to let it dry completely before walking on the floor. After that, you can enjoy your restored hardwood floors for years to come.

Reasons to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Refinishing hardwood floors can breathe new life into your home. There are a variety of reasons why you might want to refinish your floors.

Perhaps your floors are looking dull and worn from years of use, or maybe they have suffered water damage and need repair. Wood floor refinishing can also increase the value of your home and provide a fresh start to a room. Not to mention, there's something to be said about the satisfaction that comes from seeing your wood floors go from tired to gleaming. Whatever your reason may be, the choice to refinish hardwood floors can be a simple yet effective way to transform your home.

Refinishing Process

The process to refinish hardwood floors involves stripping away the old finish, sanding the wood to remove any scratches or damage, and applying a new stain or finish to give it a fresh look. It's important to start with a clean, empty room before beginning the refinishing process. The amount of time and effort required to refinish hardwood floors varies depending on the size of the room and the condition of the wood floors, but the end result is always worth it.

Refinished hardwood floors provide a glossy, polished look that can elevate the style of your home. With a little time and effort, your old, worn-out floors can be transformed into a stunning feature of your home.

Materials Needed to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Before getting started, there are some essential materials needed to refinish hardwood floors. Mainly, you will need a variety of sanding equipment. These include a drum sander, a belt sander, or any other form of floor sander with sandpaper, wood filler, rollers, roller covers, and floor finish or stain. You may also need a primer for unfinished floors, as well as gloves, goggles, and dust masks for safety. Lastly, make sure you have a shop vacuum or plenty of cloths or rags on hand to clean up any messes during the process.

Hardwood Floor Costs

The cost to refinish hardwood floors is determined by several factors. The size of the floor, the number of hardwood stairs, the type of wood, and the condition of the floor all play a role in determining how much it will cost to refinish. For example, if you have a smaller area that requires minimal sanding and staining, it may be less expensive than larger areas that require more labor-intensive work. In addition, certain woods are harder to work with than others and may require specialized tools or techniques which could add to the overall cost.

Estimated Labor Costs

On average, the typical price range is $2-$6 per square foot for local labor costs alone when refinishing hardwood floors. This doesn’t include materials or any additional services that might be needed.

If you’re hiring a professional to refinish hardwood floors, they may charge an hourly rate which can also vary depending on the company and the complexity of the job. In addition, hardwood floor refinishers may charge for tasks such as removing carpet or deep cleaning. It’s important to get an estimate from a few different companies for comparison and see where you can save money before making a decision.

Estimated Material Costs

Refinishing hardwood floors can give your home a fresh new look and feel, but it's important to understand the actual costs involved. One of the biggest expenses comes from the materials needed to get the job done. .

Materials

Depending on the size of your floors and the type of finish you choose, the hardwood floor refinishing cost can be anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. This includes sandpaper, oil based polyurethane stains, sealants, and any other supplies required to properly refinish wood floors.  

Additional Service Costs

In addition, there might be additional costs for things like moving furniture, carpet removal, and disposal. Some companies may also offer additional services such as cleaning deep stains or polishing which could add to the total cost. Also, most contractors offer dustless refinishing in which they remove all the dust created during the process to avoid any mess. This can come at an additional cost but might be worth it for those who desire a cleaner job.

Final Thoughts

The decision to refinish hardwood floors can be a simple yet effective way to give your home a fresh new look. There are many benefits to doing this, including increased value and improved aesthetics. But it's important to understand the costs involved before making any decisions.

Costs to refinish hardwood floors vary depending on factors such as size, wood type, and condition of the floor. However, with time and effort, you can bring back the life and shine of your hardwood floors with a beautiful finish that will last for years to come.

Conclusion

Refinishing hardwood floors is a great way to add value and beauty to your home. The cost of refinishing floors depends on the size, material, and condition of the floor but typically ranges from $2-$6 per square foot for labor costs alone. When considering the cost to refinish hardwood floors, it’s important to factor in any additional services or materials that may be needed such as staining materials, sealants, or specialty tools. If you are hiring a professional for the job, make sure to get an estimate from multiple companies before making a decision.

Refinishing your floors may take time and effort but the results will be worth it in the end!  With new life breathed into your home through refinished hardwood floors, you can enjoy a refreshed space that adds value to your home. Refresh your floors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with seeing them go from tired to gleaming!

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