Refinishing wood floors is a great method to bring back their original beauty, increase their lifespan, and improve your home’s curb appeal. However, as with any other improvement work, the price of varnishing or refinishing wooden floors depends on several aspects. If this type of renovation interests you for your space, then you need to know what it costs and how you can budget for it.
In this guide, you will learn what affects the cost of refinishing wood floors, and what the main factors are that affect the refinishing cost, and explain them in detail about aspects such as labor costs, materials, area, and others.
What Does Wood Floor Refinishing Involve?
Let us first look at the overall process of refinishing before going deep into the costs incurred. Refinishing a wood floor means using fine abrasives to strip the top layer of the wood floor to remove scratches, indentations, and worn finishes and then painting or sealing the surface so it looks like new again.
Here’s a quick look at the general finishing process:
- Sanding: Removes the old finish, scratches, and surface damage.
- Staining (optional): Enhances or changes the wood’s color.
- Sealing: A protective layer is applied to preserve the wood and finish.
- Polishing: Final buffing for smoothness and shine.
Each step requires specific materials and professional expertise, contributing to the overall cost.
Key Factors That Affect Refinishing Costs
The cost of refinishing your wood floors can vary depending on several factors, making every project different. These are the most common things to think about:
1. Size of the Area
It is critical to understand that the cost will vary according to the size of the area to be refurbished. This is why larger venues will necessitate more material and human resources than smaller ones. Refinishing a tiny room costs less than refurbishing a huge, open space or many rooms.
2. Condition of the Floors
The cost of refinishing the floors depends on the current state of your floors. Deep scratches, water stains, or warping on the wooden floor is usually a sign that the floor is going to need repair before refinishing is begun.
3. Type of Wood
The cost of refinishing differs from one type of wood to another. Plain wood and kinds of wood that are in abundance are much cheaper to refinish than exotic species of wood, which are rare in the market. Basic types of wood, such as oak or maple, are easier to refinish and cheaper than softer woods and the more exotic ones. So, if you have some specific wood type, then you may have to pay a little extra for that particular type of wood. Luxury home builders often work with high-end materials and exotic woods, which can increase the cost of refinishing due to the rarity and complexity of these woods.
4. Finish Type
The type of finish will also determine the price of the house, whether it is glossy, dim, sandy, and the like. There are several options available, including:
- Oil-based Polyurethane: Gives a room a warm look and is very durable but takes longer to dry/harden. It costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot.
- Water-based Polyurethane: Dries in a very short time and emits fewer odors than other models, making it ideal for use at home. It typically costs between $2.00 and $3.50 per square foot of home.
- Natural Oils: Although these finishes are environmentally friendly, their average cost ranges from $3 to $5 per square foot.
5. Labor Costs
The most obvious cost that falls under this category of cost is labor, which is determined by the area of job location, the level of experience of the contractor, and the difficulty level of the labor. Thus, make sure to discuss your situation with several contractors and try to find the best rate for your home.
Average Cost of Refinishing Wood Floors
Costs of refinishing wooden floors range between $1,500 to $4,500 and this depends on the size of the area and other aspects discussed. The actual prices you should consult with local contractors because conditions in every house are different.
Additional Considerations
1. Pre-Refinishing Preparation
Before actual refinishing can take place, there is probably work that will need to be done beforehand, such as moving furniture, spackling, etc. These services will contribute to the cost since, under certain circumstances, you might require the services of qualified personnel.
2. Maintenance After Refinishing
Wood floors require constant care and after refinishing, think of the maintenance that will be needed in the future. Our refinished floors will help you save money the more you practice proper cleaning by regularly mopping the floor and re-coating it now and then. Purchasing high-quality cleaners and maintenance items can be anywhere from $50-200 per year.
3. Seasonal Timing
Timing can also impact costs. Sometimes, especially during the spring and summer months, most contractors are very busy and therefore charge higher fees. In case you are open to timing, then it might be better to undergo your refinishing during the fall or winter months when business may not be so good.
How Long Does the Refinishing Process Take?
The duration of the process is the other aspect of consideration when working on your refinishing plan. It often takes about 3 to 5 days for professional refinishing to complete a given floor, depending on the size of the floor area, its initial condition, and the type of refinishing that is done on the floor. Water-based polyurethane is more suitable to use because it takes less time to dry compared to oil-based polyurethane, therefore allowing you to move back into the space earlier.
For DIY projects, prepare for it to take even more time to complete—a week or more—as it takes time for the learner to model the project and new mistakes mean that one has to spend time to redo them. Home builders recommend planning accordingly to accommodate potential delays and challenges, ensuring the project is done efficiently.
How to Save on Wood Floor Refinishing Costs
Refinishing wood floors can be a significant investment, but there are ways to keep costs manageable:
- Shop around: Consult with more than one contractor in your locality for propositions on how much they’d charge and what you should expect from them.
- Time it right: This is mainly because contractors allow a cheaper price in winter than they do during summer or other busy seasons.
- Focus on high-traffic areas: If your entire floor doesn’t need refinishing, consider spot refinishing high-traffic areas to save on costs.
- Do light sanding or screening: If your floors are in good shape but need minor refreshing, screening (a less intensive sanding process) can cost significantly less, around $1 to $2 per square foot.
Is Refinishing Worth the Investment?
Refinishing wood floors is a worthwhile investment for most homeowners, especially if you plan to stay in your home for the long term or sell it in the future. A beautifully refinished floor can boost the home’s aesthetic appeal and even increase its resale value. Real estate experts state that refinished wood floors give homeowners an ROI of 70%–80%, which is one reason why this option is ideal for homeowners.
Tips for Refinishing Wood Floors
- Get Multiple Quotes: Do not accept quoted rates without consulting at least three different contractors. Some business people recommend customers ask for a detailed estimate that divides the total costs in terms of labor, materials, and other expenses.
- Check Reviews: Look for those contractors who have been recommended by other clients, and who have a good reputation in the market. Refinishing wooden floors involves certain amounts of money and this is the reason everyone should ensure they hire the best service providers in this industry.
- Plan for Disruption: Wood floor refinishing is also somewhat invasive and usually requires that you temporarily move out of the room for days at a time. Schedule to reduce the disturbance to your family as much as possible.
- Consider the Value Added: Even though sanding and refinishing wood floors is a one-time investment, it has the potential to add value to your home. It would pay off, consider it an investment of your capital in the property for the long term.
Conclusion
The refinishing of wooden floors is one way of giving your house new looks and improved market value. Still, size, condition, and kind of finish will cause differences in cost, which is why knowing these factors can be helpful when it comes to financial planning. Regardless of the project you need refinishing, here at Christopher Custom Homes, we work under a clear and comprehensive estimation to avoid any confusion at any time throughout the refinished project. Amateur or professional, there are distinct benefits in having beautifully refinished wood floors, no matter what your chosen approach.
If you are ready to upgrade your home’s looks and features with refinished wood floors, give us a call and schedule an appointment now!