What’s The Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors?

As your hardwood flooring ages, it can develop many scratches and can start looking dull. The good thing about hardwood floors is they can make a comeback – at least 10 to 12 times during their lifespan. All it requires is refinishing once every few years. The first thought that may come to your mind is the cost to refinish hardwood floors. This guide provides you an insight into the cost you can expect and the factors that can affect your expenses. 

Average Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors

If your hardwood floor starts looking scratched, dull, and old, it is usually time for refinishing it. The cost to refinish wood floors for a medium-size apartment or condominium (superficy of +-400 sq. ft. of hardwood floor) is usually between $1,600 and $3,000, and will vary depending on the floor area, but also according to many other factors. The cost per square foot starts around $4.25, which includes both labor and materials. Most of this cost is in the form of labor. Eventually, the determining factors include the cost of labor, the complexity of the job, the type and condition of wooden flooring, and the amount of time required.

Benefits of Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are better than most other flooring options because they provide you with the option to refinish them. Refinishing offers many advantages over replacing the floor. 

• Update Your Floors Aesthetics on a Budget: Given the cost to refinish hardwood floors, it is an excellent way to change your floor’s look on a budget. Choose from a wide range of wooden floor colors that match your décor and personal style. You can customize your floor without the need to replace it.
• Eco-Friendly Option: Since refinishing prevents the need for replacing your hardwood flooring for decades, it is an environment-friendly process of extending the life of your floor. It prevents the flooring material from going to landfills. 
• Removing Damaged Planks: Hardwood floors are known for their durability. However, they can still get damaged from impact or other causes. The good thing is that you can have the damaged boards swapped during the refinishing process. The new boards can be matched to the existing floor with re-staining.

Factors that Affect the Cost to Refinish Wood Floors

Typically, the cost to refinish hardwood floors is charged around the number of square feet in the project. The rate per square foot can vary based on factors like your local labor costs, residential or commercial space, overall project size, and refinishing the stairs as well. Besides, a floor that is in great condition will usually have a lower price per square foot than a floor that has heavy scratching and is older. This is because of the difference in the prep work involved.

The key factors that influence the cost to refinish wood floors are as follows:

• Square Footage: More square footage will naturally increase the cost of the refinishing project. 
• Location: The cost of labor in an area where the cost of living is high, will be much higher. This is especially the case in urban areas. 
• Labor Costs: Labor costs alone can range from $2 to $6 per square foot. Besides your location, other factors like the amount of prep work, accessibility, and the amount of sanding required also affect this factor.
• Preparation: As already indicated above, the amount of prep work required for a refinishing job is a big factor affecting costs. It involves replacing boards, repairs, and cleaning work. The condition of the hardwood floor affects the amount of work and the cost.
• Cost of Material: The amount and quality of materials required for the project also affect the cost. 

So, these are the key factors that affect the cost to refinish hardwood floors. If you think your hardwood flooring is starting to look old, dull, and outdated, feel free to contact us for an assessment. From installing new flooring to refinishing to sanding and staining, we at International Floors are a full-service hardwood solutions company in Quebec. Call us today at 514 791-5641 to discuss your flooring needs. You may also write to us using this Online Form.