The cost to refinish hardwood floors depends on several factors — mainly square footage, repairs, color choice, and finish type. Larger floors cost more overall, damaged areas take more labor, and custom stains or upgraded finishes increase the price slightly.

The Real-World Factors That Affect Refinishing Cost

1. Square Footage:

This is the biggest factor. The more square footage, the more sanding, staining, and finish we need. Larger jobs may get a slightly lower price per square foot, but total cost naturally increases.

2. Board Repairs or Replacements

If your floors have termite damage, deep pet stains, or dark urine spots, those boards will need to be replaced. Repairing or replacing boards adds both labor and materials, but it’s the only way to guarantee the finished floor looks perfect and lasts for decades.

3. Color and Stain Choice A natural finish (no stain) is the least expensive. If you decide to stain the floor, it adds another step — sanding, water-popping, applying, and wiping — which adds to the cost. If we need to bleach the floor before staining (for example, to remove dark spots or lighten the wood), that process also increases the price slightly. ---

4. Hand-Distressed or Specialty Floors

If you have a hand-distressed floor and want it sanded smooth, that takes more time and labor. If you’d like us to create a hand-distressed look, that’s a custom option as well — it’s beautiful, but it adds time and cost to the project. ---

5. Type of Finish or Upgraded Products

There are several types of polyurethane and finish systems. Some upgrades are worth every penny for homes with pets, heavy traffic, or commercial use. Others simply offer cosmetic differences or faster dry times. We’ll always explain what’s necessary and what’s optional so you can make the right choice for your floors and your budget. ---

Summary of Price Influences

Factor Impact on Cost Square footage Most significant Damaged or stained boards Moderate to high Stain or bleach process Moderate Hand-distressed look Moderate Upgraded finish systems Variable ---

Our Promise Every floor is unique — and so is every quote. At Only Wood Floors, we never guess. We evaluate your floor in person, explain your options, and provide transparent pricing before we start. No surprises, no upsells — just honesty and craftsmanship.