Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Calculator in Philadelphia (2024)

Based on our hardwood floor refinishing cost calculator, the cost to refinish hardwood floors ranges between $4 and $15 per square foot. The cost depends on the room size, labor cost, type of hardwood, type of desired hardwood finish, condition of hardwood floor and number of coats required. If you only want to do screen and recoat of your hardwood floor, the cost of screen and recoat is comparatively less. Below, we have created a custom calculator to determine cost to calculate refinishing of hardwood floor for your home in Philadelphia. You just need to input required values and it will provide cost estimate.

Got hardwood floors that have lost their luster over the years? Bringing them back to life with a fresh refinish can really update the look of your home, but the costs can add up quick.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything that goes into refinishing hardwood floors so you know exactly what to budget for if you’re considering the project in Philly.

We’ll look at square footage, materials, labor, and more – so you’ve got all the info you need to decide if refinishing is right for your home and wallet.

If you’re pressed for time and prefer not to delve into our hardwood floor refinishing cost calculator or read through a comprehensive guide, you can directly reach out to us at HardwoodRefinishPhiladelphia. Simply request an estimate, and our attentive team will listen to your requirements, conduct a complimentary site visit, and provide you with an accurate estimate for refinishing your hardwood floor.

Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost Calculator in Philadelphia

Here is a video on how to use hardwood floor refinishing cost calculator:

This hardwood floor refinishing cost calculator for Philadelphia homes will help you estimate the price based on the details of your project. Read on for more information about the factors that impact cost, as well as frequently asked questions about refinishing hardwood floors.

How Much Does It Cost To Refinish Hardwood Floors?

The cost to refinish hardwood floors is typically between $4 and $15 per square foot. This estimate is based on various factors including the size of the floor area, the floor’s condition, the type of wood, the chosen finish, the number of coats required, the gloss level, and any additional services like staining or furniture moving.

Floor Size	Area (sq ft)	Minimum Cost	Maximum Cost
4×10	40 sq ft	$160	$880
10×10	100 sq ft	$400	$1700
12×12	144 sq ft	$550	$2000
16×16	256 sq ft	$1000	$4500
20×20	400 sq ft	$1600	$7000

The minimum and maximum costs are calculated based on the following assumptions:

• The condition of the floor ranges from good to poor, which affects the labor cost and the amount of sanding required.
• The number of coats ranges from 1 to 4, which affects the material cost and the durability of the finish.
• The staining option is either yes or no, which affects the color and the appearance of the floor.
• The level of gloss ranges from low to high, which affects the shine and the maintenance of the floor.
• The extra services include furniture moving, carpet removal, and stairs refinishing, which add to the overall cost and complexity of the project.

Factors On Which Cost Of Hardwood Floor Refinishing Depends

The cost of refinishing hardwood floors depends on several factors, such as the size and condition of the floor, the type of wood and finish, the number of coats, and any extra services you may need.

To help you estimate the cost of refinishing your hardwood floors, we created a handy hardwood floor refinishing cost calculator that takes into account all these factors and gives you a range of prices based on the average rates in Philadelphia.

You can use this calculator above to compare different options and plan your budget accordingly.

Here’s how it works:

Floor Dimensions

The overall square footage of your hardwood floors is the biggest cost determinant. Philadelphia homeowners pay anywhere from $3 to $6 per square foot for refinishing hardwood floors.

The total bill stacks up quickly for larger homes.To get an accurate idea, measure the length and width of your hardwood floor area. Multiply them to find the total square footage.

Condition of the Floor:

The amount of repairs needed is another major cost factor. Here are the three main condition levels:

• Good Condition: If your floors only show minor scratches and wear, refinishing will be quicker and cheaper. Light sanding followed by new protective coats may be enough.
• Fair Condition: Deep scratches, gouges, and several stained boards will take extra work to fix. The refinishing costs are moderate.
• Poor Condition: Severely damaged floors with cupping, patches, and large stained areas will need extensive repairs before refinishing. This can double your costs.

Type of Hardwood:

Some wood types are harder than others, which impacts sanding requirements. Common Philadelphia hardwood floor varieties include:

• Oak – Most popular, moderately hard
• Maple – Very hard, needs careful sanding
• Cherry – Softer than walnut
• Walnut – Softer than oak

The softer the wood, the quicker and cheaper it is to refinish generally. But the final look also depends on your personal wood preferences.

Finish Desired For Hardwood Refinishing

Choose the type of finish you want for your floor from the dropdown menu. The most common types of finish are

• Water-based polyurethane: It is eco-friendly, fast-drying, and low-odor, but it may not be as durable or resistant to scratches as oil-based polyurethane.
• Oil-based polyurethane: It is more durable and gives a warm amber tone to the wood, but it takes longer to dry and has a strong odor.
• Acid-cured finish: It is the most durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and chemicals, but it is also the most expensive and has a very strong odor that requires ventilation.

Number of Coats in Hardwood Refinishing

Choose the number of coats you want for your floor from the slider input from 1 to 4. The number of coats affects how thick and glossy the finish will be, as well as how long it will last. Generally, more coats mean higher quality and durability, but also higher cost.

Hardwood Staining

For a rich wood tone, staining can be applied before the final finishes. Oil-based stains cost $4-$8 per square foot, including labor. The stain color can match or change the original floor shade.

Level of Gloss Required for Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Polyurethane and varnish finishes come in different gloss levels:

• High-gloss – Reflective shine
• Semi-gloss – Some shine
• Satin – Subtle sheen
• Matte – Low luster

High-gloss is classic for hardwoods but shows scratches easily. Lower gloss options hide wear better. The product costs are similar for each level.

Extra Services in Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Beyond the core sanding and coating, your Philadelphia project may require:

• Furniture Moving – The crew shifts all furniture off the floors before starting. This adds $150-$300 to the bill.
• Old Carpet Removal – Eliminating carpets or pads underneath costs $2-$3 per square foot.
• Stairs Refinishing – Stairs run $4-$6 per step depending on details. Railings and trim add more.

Cost Ranges for Philadelphia Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Now that you know the key details impacting price, here are typical refinishing cost ranges for Philadelphia homes:

Materials Cost

This covers all sandpaper, sealers, stains and finish products needed.

• Low: $1.50-$2.50 per square foot
• Medium: $2.50-$3.50 per square foot
• High: $3.50-$5 per square foot

For a 1000 sqft floor, expect materials fees of $1500-$5000 depending on wood type, finish, and other specs.

Labor Cost

Skilled refinishing crews charge around:

• Low: $2-$3 per square foot
• Medium: $3-$4 per square foot
• High: $4-$6 per square foot

So for a 1000 sqft hardwood floor, total labor can run $2000-$6000 based on condition, repairs needed, and location details.

Total Hardwood Floor Refinishing Costs

When you combine material, labor, and any extra services required, the typical total costs are:

• Low-end: $4-$6 per square foot
• Mid-range: $6-$8 per square foot
• High-end: $8-$10 per square foot

So for a 1000 sqft floor, expect to invest $4000 to $10,000 for a full refinishing job in Philadelphia. Bigger homes with premium woods/finishes, extensive repairs, and lots of extras will fall in the high-end range. Smaller projects with minimal work needed will be cheaper.

Value of Refinishing Hardwood Floors

With the high costs involved, is refinishing worth the investment in your Philadelphia home? Here are some benefits to consider:

• Big Visual Impact – Refinished floors can make the entire home look fresh, light, and spacious. It feels like you live in a brand new house.
• Increases Resale Value – Beautiful hardwood floors are a top selling feature. Refinishing boosts value by $1000 to $4000 typically.
• Healthier Interior – Sanding removes allergens, while new finishes seal out dust and dirt. This improves indoor air quality.
• Long-Lasting Result – Modern water-based finishes stand up to heavy wear and traffic. Your floors will look great for decades.
• Environmentally-Friendly – Refinishing reuses your existing floors sustainably. It saves old growth trees compared to replacing floors.

Given these rewards, refinishing costs often provide homeowners with an excellent return on investment. Talk to your local realtor about how new floors may impact the sale price for your home.

What Does The Process of Hardwood Floor Refinishing Involve?

Refinishing hardwood floors takes 5-7 days from start to finish typically. Here is an overview of the full process:

1. Evaluate and Repair – The initial inspection identifies all repairs needed. Crews fill gaps, replace boards, sand out stains at this stage. Also, vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that could damage the sandpaper or the sander.
2. Deep Sanding – Drum sanders with coarse grits are used to remove the old finish and flatten the floors completely.
3. Fine Sanding – Finer grit sandpapers blend repairs smoothly and prepare floors for staining.
4. Staining – For colored floors, oil-based stains are applied evenly and given time to dry.
5. First Finish Coat – Polyurethane or varnish is rolled on evenly across the floors according to manufacturer instructions.
6. Light Sanding – A quick pass with ultra-fine grit smoothens the first coat.
7. Additional Finish Coats – Typically, two more layers are added for maximum durability and sheen.
8. Cure Time – The floors are avoided for 24-48 hours allowing the finish to fully harden.
9. Trimwork – Baseboards, vents, and doorways are re-installed or touched up last. Furniture can now be moved back in.

Doing this work yourself takes double the time and is tricky. Most homeowners wisely hire professional Philadelphia hardwood floor refinishers for the best results.

Is Sanding Old Hardwood Floors Worth The Effort?

Sanding old hardwood floors is a necessary step in refinishing them, but it can also be a tedious and messy process that requires skill and experience.

Sanding removes the old finish and exposes the bare wood underneath, which allows you to apply a new stain and finish that matches your preference or decor. Sanding also removes any scratches, stains, or imperfections that mar the appearance of your floor.

However, sanding also has some drawbacks that may make you wonder if it is worth the effort. Sanding creates a lot of dust that can be harmful to your health and difficult to clean up. Sanding also removes some of the wood’s thickness, which reduces its lifespan and durability. Sanding also requires special equipment that can be expensive to buy or rent.

So, is sanding old hardwood floors worth the effort? The answer depends on several factors, such as:

• The condition of your floor: If your floor has minor scratches or stains that can be fixed with a deep cleaning or a light buffing, then sanding may not be necessary. However, if your floor has deep scratches, stains, warping, or other damages that affect its structure or appearance, then sanding may be essential to restore its beauty and functionality.
• The type of wood: Some types of wood are harder or softer than others, which affects how well they can be sanded and refinished. Harder woods, such as oak, maple, and walnut, can withstand more sanding and last longer than softer woods, such as pine, fir, and bamboo. Harder woods also tend to have more consistent and attractive grain patterns that can be enhanced by sanding and staining. Softer woods may have more variation and irregularities that can be hidden by the old finish, but exposed by sanding.
• The age of your floor: Older floors may have more character and history than newer floors, but they may also have more wear and tear and less thickness. Older floors may have been sanded several times before, which means they have less wood left to work with. Older floors may also have nails, staples, or glue that can damage the sandpaper or the sander. Newer floors may have more thickness and less damage, but they may also have less charm and personality than older floors.
• The cost of your project: Sanding old hardwood floors can add to the cost of your refinishing project, both in terms of materials and labor. You will need to buy or rent a drum sander, an edger, a buffer, and other tools and supplies for sanding your floor. You will also need to hire a professional contractor or crew to do the sanding work for you, unless you have the skill and experience to do it yourself. Sanding can increase the cost of your project by $1-$3 per SF, depending on the condition of your floor and the quality of the work.
• The value of your home: Refinishing your hardwood floors can increase the value of your home by making it more attractive and appealing to potential buyers. However, the amount of value you can add depends on how well you do the refinishing job and how much buyers are willing to pay for it. Sanding old hardwood floors can improve the appearance and quality of your floor, but it can also expose flaws and imperfections that may lower its value. You will need to weigh the benefits and risks of sanding your floor against the market demand and expectations for hardwood floors in your area.

FAQs: Cost Of Refinishing Hardwood Floors in Philadelphia