The Average Cost to Refinish Oak Hardwood Floors

Recoating the Floors

• According to Cost Helper, the national average cost of recoating the floors is $1 per square foot. Also known as screening, the process involves removing the old sealant and stain before replacing the surface with a new color. It should take two days or less for professional recoating. Keep in mind that recoating is best suited for floors with minor wear and tear or damage.

Refinishing the Floors

• Cost Helper claims that the average cost of refinishing hardwood floors is $4 or less per square foot. The refinisher removes the original stain and sealant from the floors and sands down the surface, exposing the original oak wood. A new stain placed on top of the wood restores the original look of the wood. It may take three days or longer, depending on the amount of damage and the type of stain used. If you want a distressed or vintage look on the wood, the price may cost $5 per square foot. The price may vary according to your location, as Local Price lists the cost at $1.50 to $3 per square foot.

Considerations

• The shape of your room changes the overall cost of the refinishing. For example, refinishers charge more for stairs, even if the stairs take up less square footage than a room. The job involves stripping, sanding and applying stain to both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the stairs. According to Cost Owl, it may cost up to $45 to refinish a single stair. Rooms with angles or unusual shapes cost more because the professional spends more time on those spaces.

Do-it-Yourself

• The average cost of refinishing oak floors yourself depends on the tools you have on hand. You need a drum sander, which sands a large surface in a short period. Renting a drum sander can cost up to $200 or more, depending on where you rent the tool from and how long the job takes. You also need paint stripper for removing the old stain and a putty knife for scraping off the stain. Wood stain, clear sealant or topcoat, paintbrushes and cleaning supplies add more to the total cost.