Floor sanding is labour-intensive. It's not just a matter of pushing a machine across your floor. A skilled professional assesses the wood type, the condition of your floor, and the appropriate sanding techniques.
If the finish on your wooden floor is old and worn out, sanding is usually the best option. Sanding will remove the old finish, preparing the wood for a new application of finish or stain.
Cost per Square Meter for Floor Sanding and Polishing
$40-$50 per sqm depending on conditions for Hardwood Floor and $5 per sqm extra for Engineered Timber Floor. Floor sanding and Polishing with Tang Oil or Modified Oil : Price is similar with Water Based. $5-$10 per sqm extra Punch Nails & Putty Nail Halls.
Average Cost
For a 20-square-metre room in decent condition, expect to pay between £500 and £900. Larger, more damaged floors can easily climb to £2,000 or more.
Cost factors
100 square feet: $300-$800. 400 square feet: $1,200-$3,200. 1,000 square feet: $3,000-$8,000.
If your hardwood floors are in need of refinishing, you have two main choices: Do it yourself, or hire and pay someone else to do it for you. By sanding your floors yourself, you could potentially save hundreds or even thousands of dollars—so long as you do it right.
A bedroom of around 12 square metres might take around 4 to 6 hours from start to finish, including all the prep work and fine sanding needed to get that smooth finish. When you move to medium-sized spaces like living rooms or dining areas, things get a little more time-consuming.
In the end, whether sanding your floors or laying down carpet is cheaper depends on your priorities and long-term plans. Carpeting is often the more affordable choice upfront, offering comfort and warmth at a lower initial cost. However, it comes with the trade-off of regular maintenance and replacement over time.
While a DIY enthusiast might dedicate a week or more to sanding and finishing a standard-sized room, professionals can often complete the same task in a day or two. When planning a floor sanding project, it is crucial to consider not just the sanding time, but also the necessary preparation and finishing periods.
While the best solution is usually to hire a professional, anyone who wants to do it themselves has access to the same professional quality finishes as the professionals do. However, the industrial sanding equipment that is used by professionals is of superior quality and balance and you won't have access to it.
The average cost to rent a floor sander is $55, but it can cost between $25 and $70, depending on the type of sander and rental length.
Floor refinishing can vary in duration, but a standard 3-4 days is the typical timeframe for a 1,000 square foot job. The time that is actually needed depends on some factors like your home layout, as we will explore in this blog post.
Floor sanding process can indeed be messy, but with the right preparation and techniques, you can minimize the impact on your home's cleanliness. Traditional floor sanding often creates a significant amount of dust, which can settle on furniture, walls, and even in air vents, lingering long after the job is done.
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $3 to $8 per square foot to refinish their hardwood floors. This cost typically includes both labor and materials. For an average-sized room of about 200 to 250 square feet, the total refinishing cost would likely fall within the range of $600 to $2,000.
Using the wrong sandpaper grit can result in either an insufficiently sanded floor or a floor that's been sanded too aggressively. What Not to Do: Do not start with fine-grit sandpaper, and do not use excessively coarse sandpaper unless necessary.
Common Questions About Room-by-Room Refinishing
Refinishing hardwood floors one room at a time is a common concern for many homeowners. Yes, you can refinish hardwood flooring one room at a time by isolating each area during the process using plastic sheeting or drop cloths.
When can I walk across the floors again? A floor finish will be more susceptible to scuffing and scratching until it is fully cured. Your floor can be walked on with stocking feet in 3-4 hours and furniture can be placed back on the floor (not dragged) in 48 hours.
When you have deep scratches and dents on the floor which have to be removed, the drum sander is the best choice. For light sanding when you do not have any major and visible problem area, the orbital sander is a good choice.
The truth is that sanding a hardwood floor requires knowledge and many skills. If you're thinking about tackling this project as a novice, you're almost guaranteed to make some mistakes that will show up after applying the finish.
For example, sanding alone costs $0.50 to $3 per square foot, while staining adds $1 to $3 per square foot. The team will top everything off with a coat of finish, running you $1 to $2 per square foot.
You need a pristinely clean floor before sanding, so sweep it and then dust mop it to get up all debris and dust.
It's important to note that over-sanding can result in a significant loss of wood, so it's crucial to be mindful of the depth and duration of refinishing in any given area. If the issue persists or you're concerned about potential damage, it's best to consult a professional flooring contractor for further guidance.