Is it time for a flooring renovation? Knowing how much to redo floors helps you keep your budget on track and avoid any surprises. From refinishing existing hardwood to installing brand-new materials, 2026 brings updated costs and exciting options. Below is what you will invest in for beautiful, durable floors.
Starting point – Refinish or Replace?
Before you spend time and money, consider what you are working with. Many homeowners doing flooring renovations don’t realize that their existing hardwood flooring can be refinished.
Refinishing floors costs $5-$10 per square foot, including the cleaning and finishing process, as long as the floors haven’t already been refinished excessively and still have an adequate thickness.
Full floor replacement averages $15-$20 per square foot for mid-grade materials. Working with high-end materials? Expect to spend $20,000 to $25,000.
How Much to Redo Floors: Labor Costs
Your flooring contractor can make or break your remodel. Most flooring contractors either charge by the hour ($100 – $200 X per worker) or by square foot ($4 – $8 per square foot, depending on how complex the job is).
What drives costs?
- Design intricacy: Complex patterns and unique layouts drive up costs
- Building Requirements: Stricter building regulations raise costs
- Material Handling: More adhesive may be needed with thicker materials, raising costs
Extremely low rates likely indicate uninsured contractors, which is a risk not worth taking
Material Options and Pricing
Hardwood and Engineered Wood
Real wood adds warmth and value to any home
- Laminate wood: Starting at $1/sq. ft
- Engineered Wood: Less than $3/sq. ft
- Solid Hardwood: Less than $6/sq. ft at big box retailers
- Reclaimed and boutique hardwood: $12+/sq. ft
Solid Hardwood is great for living and bedroom spaces, while engineered wood is better suited for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms.
