Refinishing Hardwood Floor Cost

• It's about$200-$250 (averaging $1/square foot) to recoat a slightly worn 225-square-foot (15x15 feet) room, a process also known as screening. Typically this takes about a day or two, and restores a floor that's in relatively good condition.
• Expect to pay $340-$900 (about $1.50-$4 a square foot) to completely refinish a 15x15 foot room. That generally includes sanding down to the bare wood and applying at least 2 and sometimes 3 coats of finish. Simple projects average 2-4 days, but the process can take anywhere from 3 days to several weeks, depending on the type of finish, stain and weather conditions.
• The price range can jump to $850-$1,125 (around $3.75-$5/square foot) or more for a refinishing specialist to do a customized job on a 225-square-foot vintage wood floor, using multiple coats of chemicals, stains and other finishes to create just the right look. Generally this more labor-intensive approach requires at least 8-11 days, or more.
• Do-it-yourselfers intent on completely refinishing a 225-square-foot floor can rent a commercial sander, also called a drum sander, and buy other needed materials for about $125-$225. Renting a floor buffer and buying needed supplies recoating runs $50-$100. These costs go up the longer it takes to finish the project.

• Use a drop of water to decide if the floor needs recoating/screening or a complete refinishing. If the water beads up or soaks in slowly, recoating may be all that's needed. However, if the water soaks in immediately, it means the wood fibers are probably exposed and the floor should be refinished.
• Refinishing a hardwood floor is dusty, dirty, noisy and stinky (lots of strong chemicals). Many people opt to have their floors refinished while they're on vacation.
• This is a do-it-yourself project only for those with lots of time and patience. ThisOldHouse.com describes the process both for screening floors and for doing a complete refinishing job, and gives tips for spot repairs such as small stains or burns.

• Refinishing stairs can add about $25-$45 per step to the total cost.
• Severely damaged floors may need boards replaced, cracks sealed, stains bleached or other repairs before being refinished; the cost will depend on how extensive the problems areas are.
• Removing old carpet can be messy and time-consuming, and may not be included in an estimate unless specifically requested. Many commercial refinishers don't remove the furniture from the room, so customers might have to do it themselves or pay others to do it.

• RentalHQ.com lists local rental centers, and Lowe's carries a range of do-it-yourself refinishing supplies.
• Get estimates from several contractors. For referrals visit the National Wood Flooring Association.
• Many refinishers require a deposit, but don't pay the full amount until the project is completely finished. Request and check references, verify that the company is licensed and bonded, and check for any complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

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