Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors by Square Footage & Type

Your hardwood floors have weathered years of foot traffic, furniture shuffles, and maybe a few pet-related incidents. Now they’re looking tired, scratched, and dull. But here’s the good news: refinishing can breathe new life into them without the hefty expense of replacement. Understanding the cost to refinish hardwood floors helps you budget smartly and restore that gorgeous natural beauty.

What Affects Your Refinishing Cost?

Several factors influence your final bill beyond just square footage. The type of wood matters tremendously—exotic species require specialized techniques and cost more than domestic oak or maple. Your floor’s current condition plays a role too. Heavily damaged floors need extensive repairs before refinishing can even begin.

Location impacts pricing significantly. Urban areas typically command higher labor rates than suburban or rural regions. The finish you choose—oil-based polyurethane, water-based, or specialty options like tung oil—also affects your bottom line.

Breaking Down Costs by Square Footage

Here’s what you can expect to invest:

• 200 square feet: $600–$1,000 for a single room
• 500 square feet: $1,500–$2,500 for multiple rooms
• 1,000 square feet: $3,000–$5,000 for larger areas
• Entire home (1,500+ sq ft): $4,500–$8,000+

Most contractors charge $3–$8 per square foot, with the national average hovering around $4–$5. Remember, extremely worn floors requiring significant prep work will push costs higher.

Wood Type Matters More Than You Think

Not all hardwood is created equal when it comes to refinishing costs.

Domestic Hardwoods

Oak, maple, and hickory are refinishing-friendly and cost-effective. These species sand beautifully and accept stains evenly, keeping your costs on the lower end of the spectrum at $3–$5 per square foot.

Exotic and Engineered Woods

Brazilian cherry, teak, and other exotic species demand specialized expertise, pushing costs to $6–$10 per square foot. Engineered hardwood presents challenges too—it can typically only be refinished once or twice due to its thinner veneer layer.

Additional Cost Considerations

The staining process adds $1–$3 per square foot if you’re changing colors. Furniture removal and room preparation can tack on $100–$300. Deep scratches, water damage, or board replacement? Expect repairs to add $200–$500 depending on severity.

Edge work in difficult corners requires hand sanding, increasing labor time. Multiple finish coats for high-traffic areas boost durability but increase costs by 15–25%.

Money-Saving Tips

Strategic planning can significantly reduce your refinishing expenses:

• Tackle multiple rooms simultaneously to benefit from bulk pricing discounts
• Handle furniture moving yourself to save $100–$300 in labor
• Choose water-based finishes that dry faster, reducing project timeline and costs
• Skip unnecessary staining if you’re happy with the natural wood color (saves $1–$3/sq ft)

Timing matters too. Many contractors offer off-season discounts during slower winter months. Getting multiple quotes ensures competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.

Your Floors Deserve Expert Care

Refinishing hardwood floors transforms your home’s aesthetic while protecting your investment for decades. At Zicklin Contracting, we combine craftsmanship with transparent pricing to deliver stunning results that exceed expectations. Our experienced team handles everything from assessment to final buffing, ensuring your floors look showroom-perfect. Don’t let worn floors diminish your home’s beauty—let’s restore them together. 

Visit zicklincontracting.com today for your complimentary estimate and experience the difference that professional care makes.