Cost Overview for Refinishing Hardwood Floors
Average total cost: $600 to $6,000, depending on room size, wood type, and finish quality .
Per square foot: Typically $3 to $8 per square foot .
Examples by Room Size:
40 sq ft → $120–$320
100 sq ft → $300–$800
400 sq ft → $1,200–$3,200
1,000 sq ft → $3,000–$8,000
Cost by Wood Type:
Bamboo: $2–$6/sq ft
Cherry: $3–$5/sq ft
Engineered wood: $3–$6/sq ft
Oak: $3–$5/sq ft
Parquet: $3–$6/sq ft
Mahogany: $5–$8/sq ft
Maple: $6–$8/sq ft
Process-Based Cost Components:
Sanding: $0.50–$3/sq ft
Staining: $1–$3/sq ft
Recoating: $1–$2/sq ft
Summary Table
Factor Cost Range (per sq ft)
Base refinishing $3 – $8
Sanding $0.50 – $3
Staining $1 – $3
Recoating $1 – $2
Total potential cost $5.50 – $16 (depending on services and wood type)
Comparison: Refinish vs. Replace
According to a related NerdWallet article updated July 21, 2025:
Refinishing: Costs on average between $1,100 and $2,700, depending on factors like condition and wood complexity
Replacing: Typically double or more, making refinishing the more cost-effective option in most cases .
Key Takeaways
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Refinishing hardwood floors generally costs $3–$8 per sq ft, totaling $600–$6,000 for an average job.
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Wood species and refinishing steps (like sanding, staining, recoating) influence cost significantly.
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Refinishing is usually much cheaper than replacing, especially for structurally sound floors without serious damage.
