Wood Floor Restoration FAQ
We get a number of questions over and over about wood floor restoration so we decided to create this Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have other questions about a specific space, contact us and we’ll have a look and get you the facts.
How much does it cost to refinish existing hardwood floors?
This will depend on how much work has to be done. But typically, you’re looking at $2,500 to $6,000 depending on how big the house is and how worn out the floors are. Also, any repairs can add to the cost. If you’re just moving into the Upstate, you’ll realize that prices to do a wood floor restoration are usually lower than what you are used to in larger, urban areas.
If you get a significantly lower quote (and we encourage you to get at least three quotes), be sure to look carefully. Remember, you don’t want to pay for two floor refinishes.
Is it worth restoring hardwood floors?
Many times, yes. If you don’t want a completely new floor, then floor refinishing is probably a good choice. A new floor is beautiful but often you have a really nice floor already if you just do a professional refinishing job. We have a good article that has some other info here.
Ask to see some homes we’ve refinished and we will show you before and afters. You’d be amazed at how nice your floors can look with some TLC.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood floors?
Refinishing a wood floor is cheaper.
Refinishing: Pull the trim, sand the floors, apply the finish, apply a 2nd coat…
Replace your floor: Demolition (removing trim, pulling up all the old floor), check to see if subfloor needs repair and repair if needed, place moisture barrier, install floor, sand, finish…you get the idea.
Is there a super cheap way to refinish hardwood floors?
Try what is called revitalizer. Applying a revitalizer gloss is the simplest and cheapest way to refinish hardwood floors. This approach works best on floors that only have surface-level scratches and other minor wear and tear issues. You can get the job done without the need for equipment rentals or hard-to-find materials.
If you only have some mild scratches, you can get a professional buffer (experience not included) and give the floor a once over to remove scratches. Then apply the gloss revitalizer. It’s definitely not as good as a sand and refinish but it may suit your needs. FYI, if you haven’t done DIY floor work before, it’s harder than it looks. Really. Just sayin’…
