Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$432 – $864
$3.00 – $6.00 per sq ft
Material
$144 – $288
Labor
$288 – $576
Floor Area
144 sq ft
Finish
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Timeline: Full sand & refinish takes 2–4 days. Allow 24–72 hours of dry time between coats. Plan to stay out of the home for 3–5 days total for oil-based finishes (1–2 days for water-based).
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Hardwood Refinishing Cost Breakdown
| Refinishing Type | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buff & Recoat | $0.50 – $1.00 | $1.00 – $2.00 | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| Sand & Refinish | $1.00 – $2.00 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $3.00 – $6.00 |
| Sand, Stain & Refinish | $1.50 – $2.50 | $2.50 – $5.00 | $4.00 – $7.50 |
| Heavy Repair & Refinish | $2.00 – $4.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 | $6.00 – $12.00 |
* Total per sq ft shown with oil-based polyurethane (1.0× material). Water-based adds 15%, hardwax oil adds 40% to material costs.
Average Project Costs (Sand & Refinish, Oil-Based Poly)
| Room | Size | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Bedroom | 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $432 – $864 |
| Dining Room | 14 × 12 ft (168 sq ft) | $504 – $1,008 |
| Living Room | 18 × 14 ft (252 sq ft) | $756 – $1,512 |
| Whole Floor | 40 × 30 ft (1,200 sq ft) | $3,600 – $7,200 |
How We Calculate
Our hardwood floor refinishing calculator estimates project costs based on floor area, refinishing type, and finish type. Material cost is affected by your choice of finish (oil-based, water-based, or hardwax oil), while labor cost depends on the scope of work.
How the math works: Floor area = length × width. Material cost = area × material rate × finish multiplier. Labor cost = area × labor rate. The finish multiplier adjusts material cost: oil-based polyurethane is the baseline (1.0×), water-based is 1.15×, and hardwax oil is 1.4×.
Refinishing Type Comparison
Buff & Recoat ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft material, $1.00–$2.00/sq ft labor) is a maintenance refinish. A buffer lightly scuffs the existing finish and a new coat of polyurethane is applied. Best for floors in good condition with minor surface wear. Takes one day.
Sand & Refinish ($1.00–$2.00/sq ft material, $2.00–$4.00/sq ft labor) is the most common refinishing job. A drum sander strips the floor to bare wood, followed by 2–3 coats of finish. Removes scratches, stains, and wear. The gold standard for restoring hardwood.
Sand, Stain & Refinish ($1.50–$2.50/sq ft material, $2.50–$5.00/sq ft labor) includes a color change via wood stain before applying finish coats. Popular for updating dated honey oak to modern gray or espresso tones. Stain adds an extra coat and drying day.
Heavy Repair & Refinish ($2.00–$4.00/sq ft material, $4.00–$8.00/sq ft labor) includes replacing damaged boards, patching holes, fixing water damage, and then full sanding and finishing. The most expensive option but can save floors that would otherwise need full replacement.
Finish Types
Oil-based polyurethane (baseline cost) adds a warm amber tone, provides excellent durability, and is the industry standard. Requires 24–72 hours between coats and has strong fumes requiring ventilation.
Water-based polyurethane (15% more on materials) dries crystal clear, cures in 2–4 hours between coats, and has minimal odor. Ideal for occupied homes and lighter wood tones. Slightly less durable than oil-based but improving with modern formulations.
Hardwax oil (40% more on materials) penetrates the wood for a natural, matte appearance. Brands like Rubio Monocoat and Osmo are popular. The key advantage: damaged areas can be spot-repaired without refinishing the entire floor.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover refinishing materials and labor but do not include furniture moving ($50–$200), baseboard removal and reinstallation ($1–$3/linear ft), staircase refinishing ($25–$75 per step), or closet interiors (often quoted separately). Very old floors may have lead paint underneath, requiring special abatement procedures ($5–$15/sq ft additional).
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association), and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Finish multipliers reflect wholesale material cost differences between product categories.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors? +
Hardwood floor refinishing costs $3–$6 per square foot for a standard sand and refinish with oil-based polyurethane. A buff and recoat (screen and recoat) costs $1.50–$3/sq ft. Sand with stain change runs $4–$7.50/sq ft. Heavy repair with board replacement costs $6–$12/sq ft.
How often should hardwood floors be refinished? +
Hardwood floors typically need full sanding and refinishing every 7–10 years. A buff and recoat every 3–5 years extends the time between full refinishes. High-traffic areas (hallways, kitchens) may need attention sooner. Engineered hardwood can be refinished 1–2 times depending on veneer thickness.
Is it worth refinishing hardwood floors? +
Yes. Refinishing costs $3–$6/sq ft versus $8–$19/sq ft for new hardwood installation. It restores the original beauty, increases home value by 3–5%, and extends floor life by another 10–20 years. Refinishing is almost always more cost-effective than replacement unless the wood is severely damaged.
How long does hardwood floor refinishing take? +
A buff and recoat takes 1 day with 24 hours of dry time. A full sand and refinish takes 2–4 days of work plus 24–72 hours between coats. Plan to stay out of the home for 3–5 days total with oil-based finishes, or 1–2 days with water-based polyurethane.
What's the difference between buff & recoat and full refinish? +
A buff and recoat (screen and recoat) lightly scuffs the existing finish and applies a new top coat. It's best for floors in good condition with minor wear. A full sand and refinish uses a drum sander to strip the floor to bare wood, then applies new stain and/or finish coats. Choose full refinish for deep scratches, stain changes, or worn-through finish.
Can I refinish hardwood floors myself? +
DIY is possible but challenging. Drum sanders are unforgiving — stopping or pausing creates visible marks. Rental equipment costs $75–$150/day for sander, edger, and buffer. Materials run $0.50–$2/sq ft. Most homeowners save money by hiring a pro ($3–$6/sq ft) because mistakes require additional sanding passes and material.
Oil-based vs water-based polyurethane: which is better? +
Oil-based polyurethane ($1/sq ft material) adds a warm amber tone, is more durable, and costs less — but takes 24–72 hours between coats and has strong fumes. Water-based polyurethane (15% more) dries clear, cures faster (2–4 hours between coats), and has low odor — ideal for occupied homes. Hardwax oil (40% more) gives a natural matte look and allows spot repairs.
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