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 |  | Recoating: $200-$250 per room |  | Refinishing: $340-$900+ per room |
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Hardwood floors add stylish elegance or folksy charm to a home, depending on the type of wood, layout and condition. Refinishing to remove ground-in dirt while sanding out dents and dings can revive this highly visible portion of your interior decor.
Typical costs: | - 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.
Related articles: Hardwood Floors, Baseboards, Crown Molding, Engineered Wood Flooring, Laminate Flooring, Floor Cleaning
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What should be included: | - 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[1] 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.
Additional costs: | - 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.
Shopping for refinishing a hardwood floor: | - RentalHQ.com[2] lists local rental centers, and Lowe's[3] carries a range of do-it-yourself refinishing supplies.
- Get estimates from several contractors. For referrals visit the National Wood Flooring Association[4] .
- 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.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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| Posted by: Jeannine in Allen Park, MI. | Posted: June 13th, 2016 04:06AM |
| Recoat or Refinish: Both | Contractor: Wilson |
Excellent Job from these guys, not only do I recommend them but would use them again if/when I need my floors refinished. |
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| Posted by: Mrs Edwards in Topeka, KS. | Posted: March 21st, 2016 09:03AM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 600 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: Recoat | Contractor: |
My floors were in real bad shape and a friend told me about a guy in Topeka that did her floors about a year before at a very reasonable price. Mark with Mark's Cleaning Service came out and explained his process and showed me some before and after pictures of other jobs he had done. He really did an amazing job and it only took him 2 days. I' recommended him to a lot of my friends. Give him a call if you want your floors done for a very low price. 785-220-3610 |
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| Posted by: ritatheflooringgirl in west hartford, CT. | Posted: January 15th, 2015 12:01PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1700 | Number of Rooms: 5 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish | Contractor: connecticut flooring llc |
We recently had or pour floors by Connecticut flooring we put a product called mono coat on ours for an all natural looking finish. That's what owner Brian suggested, we were looking for something authentic and easy maintenence. Its holding up wonderfully and we are very pleased. The crew was very informative, polite and very neat. |
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| Posted by: brandon k in westport, CT. | Posted: November 18th, 2014 05:11AM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 4500 | Number of Rooms: 11 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish | Contractor: sunshine floor supplies |
we refinish our house in less then a week |
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| Posted by: Joe Palmer in Kinnelon, NJ. | Posted: May 31st, 2014 09:05AM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 787.5 | Number of Rooms: 2 |
| Recoat or Refinish: Refinishing, Screen & Recoat | Contractor: Passport Wood Floors,inc |
787.5 Sanding Sealer And Three Coats Water Base Finishing ( Natural Color)
1.5 stair Box Sanding Sealer And Three Coats Water Base Finishing ( Natural Color)
Screen & Recoat Hall Up Stair I am very happy with the work done on my house
recommend to all my neighbors, Passport wood Floors 9084890793 |
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| Posted by: Kaigan in Wilmington, DE. | Posted: February 11th, 2013 12:02PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1500 | Number of Rooms: 5 |
| Recoat or Refinish: Refinish | Contractor: Delaware Valley Hardwoods |
We used Delaware Valley Hardwoods for our project of 1500ft of 90year old wide plank oak that had excessive wear. At the time of the estimate, we were unsure how it would refinish but Jim assured us it would be amazing. after two days of sanding with the large machnes, Jim laid stain samples for us to choose from. We chose a Dark color (Dark Walnut) and it came out beautiful! you would never know how awful the floors were before refinishing!
We HIGHLY recommend Delaware Valley Hardwoods for any wood project! 302.396.4560 call them for the best job out there! |
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| Posted by: Bill C. in Clinton, MA. | Posted: November 20th, 2012 07:11PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: None | Number of Rooms: 0 |
| Recoat or Refinish: Re-EVERYTHING | Contractor: Colonial hardwood Floors |
Are u people crazy???? The prices that some of you paid are crazy!????? 8 dollars a foot??!!!!! Are you insane!!!! We do the best job in Mass. And get less than 2 bucks a foot!!!! |
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| Posted by: Bill Property Management in Worcester, MA. | Posted: October 13th, 2012 04:10PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 900 | Number of Rooms: 8 |
| Recoat or Refinish: 3 | Contractor: N.P. HARDWOOD FLOORS |
We just had 900 s.f. of rough looking Hardwood Flooring Refinished here in Worcester Ma, the contractor was perfect, the hardwood floors were completed on time and very, very beautiful. Most respectful company I have ever met. Dust free equipment and low fume product (Bona Traffic) made a very comfortable situation for other tenants in the building.True Professionals, recommended to anyone that enjoys Hardwood Flooring done right.
Bill The Property Manager 774-279-605 (one) |
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| Posted by: phillip and morgan in Gurnee, IL. | Posted: August 11th, 2012 05:08AM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1100 | Number of Rooms: 2 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish | Contractor: FloorWorx |
We live in what most might call a McMansion. It was built in 1999 and the hardwood downstairs, I swear, was coated with sugar water. After our two award winning Pugs had their way, it looked like bare wood. Peter from FloorWorx in Lake Bluff came out and sanded, buffed, and laid down 4 coats of poly. We stayed at a hotel during the 8 day process for which my wife insisted (cost of hotel 3000 not included in total) . process was harrowing but floors look nice. Just in time for our country club get-to-know. We are impressed with our glassy floor and brag that we got the whole thing done for under 15,000 (pocket change for us). |
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| Posted by: Eugene Flanagan in Locust Grove, VA. | Posted: November 24th, 2011 09:11AM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1,200 sqft | Number of Rooms: 4 |
| Recoat or Refinish: sand & finish | Contractor: Dominion Floors |
Dominion Floors moved our furniture out of the rooms ,pulled up all the carpet and disposed of it. Sanded , Stained it Honey Oak and coated the floors with (3) three applications of Waterbase polyurethane. They also supplied and installed New Shoe-moulding on the baseboards before the final coat. All for $3.00 a square foot.Great price and quality , Dominion was professional all the way through the proccess ,keeping us up to date on the jobs status. Great experience all around and they have a store in Arlington ,Va. also , so my Mom can get her New carpet from them too! |
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| Posted by: dee doodle in haviland, OH. | Posted: October 14th, 2011 11:10AM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1500 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish / recoat | Contractor: john smith |
trying to make a decision, this is a project for next spring/summer....rather we can do it ourselves or need a contractor.....needing feedback....live 30 miles east of Ft Wayne, indiana..... |
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| Posted by: Roseanna Martinez in DENVER, CO. | Posted: September 26th, 2011 03:09PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 500 | Number of Rooms: living room and kitchen |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish | Contractor: Retana's Flooring Services |
I LOVED the way my floors came out. The installers at Retana's Flooring Services were very polite and on TIME! They got my floors done in 3 days. Left my house looking like a MILLION dollars. I would recomend Jose and his crew. |
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| Posted by: lestat in lancaster, PA. | Posted: August 2nd, 2011 12:08PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 550 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refiinish | Contractor: wood floor restoration & installation |
excellent job very old and in bad shape houuse dated back to 1700 |
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| Posted by: May be cheaper than you think in Rapid City, SD. | Posted: June 6th, 2011 09:06PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 550 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: recoat | Contractor: Nathan Varilek |
I bought a rental house and pulled up the carpet to find old oak floors, not wanting to buy new carpet I called a local wood floor contractor. I was expecting to spend well over a thousand but but he was done in a day and the floor cleaned up very well and looks new again! Thanks Woodfloors & More. |
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| Posted by: Bryan Wilson in Lisle, IL. | Posted: May 19th, 2011 04:05PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 710 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: Refinishing | Contractor: Flooring Contractor Inc |
I needed a contractor to sand and finish my old floor,apply a medium brown color and a few coats of finish.I found this company on your website that did some work in Naperville,about 15 minutes from my home and I decided to give them a call.Daniel explain me the work he will do and the type of finishes I can get, very informative.He e-mailed me a detailed written estimate about the work to be done.One of my wife coworkers recommended him also.No dust, very clean, a profesional person to work with.
Give him a call at (630)428-1633 |
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| Posted by: AntiqueBuilderBoy in San Diego, CA. | Posted: April 22nd, 2011 02:04PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 120 | Number of Rooms: 1 |
| Recoat or Refinish: Refinish | Contractor: |
Rented orbital and screen sanded 60, 80 & 100 grit. Quick 150 palm sander to smooth floor. Satained floor with compatible Min stain color to original hue. 3 coats of linseed oil with 3 hours soak before final buffing. Floor now has great hue with oak grain highlights. Looks like an old well taken are of floor. Not a new glitzy gloss. Love it. |
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| Posted by: Jay Dubs in Oak Creek, WI. | Posted: April 16th, 2011 07:04PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 500 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: | Contractor: Bills Hardwood Flooring |
His guys did a all right install. the sand and finish was a bit less than a professional look. i have repeatedly ask bill to stop in and take a look of the finish. he just got the money and was done |
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| Posted by: mikeeman in Calgary, Other. | Posted: March 31st, 2011 07:03PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1200 | Number of Rooms: 3 plus hall |
| Recoat or Refinish: 3 | Contractor: Termite Wood Worx |
My floors were destroyed by some bad renters. They nailed carpet to my floor and badly wore out the maple hardwood. I met this awsome contractor referred to me by a friend of mine and he came through. Best money I ever spent on a contractor. |
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| Posted by: Seattle_Jen in Seattle, WA. | Posted: March 29th, 2011 07:03PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 575 fir; 400 oak | Number of Rooms: 6 plus hall |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish, 3 coats | Contractor: Dallas Watson |
Sand and 3 coats of swedish finish on oak living/dining rooms; sand, stain and 3 coats of swedish finish on fir in kitchen, bedrooms, office and hallway. |
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| Posted by: jenna in st.cloud, MN. | Posted: March 23rd, 2011 05:03PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1100 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish | Contractor: D&JFlooring |
I have an older home, I tried to save money and do them myself, it was not a good idea, i left marks everywhere and the floor was very uneven. I called around and got prices which varied widely. A friend refered me to D&J flooring, when he arrived I had my doubts, he didnt drive a brand new vehicle and was a little younger. After we talked and went through everything he explained what should be done, he then told me it would take about 4 days, I wasnt prepared to move out for that time, when I did them myself it took me about a day(and look what happened) He then told me we will do what it takes, if you want to go and take your family overnight on weekend we will come friday night to start and you can have your house back by Sunday evening, we will just have to burn the midnight oil. When we left on friday they were replaceing boards that were ruined by me in the middle of floor, when we got back our house looked so amazeing it was unreal. I would refer them to everyone, very old school ended job with a handshake and he stops by out of blue about twice a year to make sure everything is still looking great. Their number is 320-360-1246 and service the state of mn |
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| Posted by: pete ianuzelli in philadelphia area, PA. | Posted: January 7th, 2011 09:01AM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 600 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinished | Contractor: Ralph Lebresco Jr |
I had old wide plank oak floors that desperately needed help. So i called a few places before i met Ralph. He answered all the questions i needed answers to and then some. He also gave me the best price and a precise time needed. The floors look as.if they were just put in yesterday. Highly recomended 267 271 1590 |
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| Posted by: Darlene Perez in Winston Salem, NC. | Posted: November 13th, 2010 02:11PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 400 | Number of Rooms: |
| Recoat or Refinish: Sandless Refinish | Contractor: All-Things-Wood |
Incredible job, brilliant and durable finish! In the past we had suffered with a full sanding done by a big local company, dust went every where and the smell was horrible�we couldn�t sleep in the house. But All-Things-Wood refinished the floor without the dust and little odor. The cost was only $1.50 a foot. We were so impressed we invited them back to refinish our bathroom cabinets. Amazing, they did away with the water stain, changed the color from Oak to Cherry, and for half the cost quoted by other companies. |
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| Posted by: ED MELLO in Providence, RI. | Posted: November 10th, 2010 04:11PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 700 sq ft | Number of Rooms: 2 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinish | Contractor: Mr Sandless |
Mr Sandless came to my house and in 8 hours they refinished my floor, got rid of my stains and put 3 coats of gloss poly on my floors. There was no sanding and my house didn't smell like polyurethane all week either. Best of all the finish was great. |
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| Posted by: Larry Johnson in chicago, IL. | Posted: October 27th, 2010 01:10PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1100 | Number of Rooms: 3 |
| Recoat or Refinish: refinished\ recoated | Contractor: matt [email protected] |
I needed carpet pulled up in 3 rooms plus stairs. Matt from annointedservices.net stained and seals floors to a great finish. Also gave me a stairway finish to die for, would refer them to anyone in the chicago area (708)271-3686 |
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| Posted by: Susan 39 in Centreville, VA. | Posted: September 28th, 2010 03:09PM |
| Sq Ft of Hardwood: 1100 | Number of Rooms: 1st floor |
| Recoat or Refinish: Refinish | Contractor: Era Construction llc |
We recently moved into our home and where not to happy with the conditions the floors where in so we called Era Construction for a quote on refinishing the floors. About two weeks later they got started. The guys at Era Construction did an amazing job finishing the floors, they took there time on making sure it was just right. My floors look like new and i'm glad I chose them. |
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External Resources: | - www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,203303,00.html
- www.rentalhq.com
- www.lowes.com/cd_Refinish+a+Hardwood+Floor_280130849_
- woodfloors.org/find-a-professional-2.aspx
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