How do contractors price hardwood floor refinishing?

By the square foot for sand-and-finish, with the rate moved by floor condition, species, stain vs. natural, and finish system — plus separate lines for board repairs, furniture, and dust containment.

What makes a refinishing job cost more?

Deep scratches and pet stains that need extra sanding passes or board replacement, dark stain (shows every flaw, needs water-popping), old adhesive or paint, and occupied homes needing containment and phased work.

Refinish or replace — how do I quote the fork?

Quote both lines when the floor is borderline: a refinish price and a replacement comparison. The itemized fork builds trust and often sells the bigger job honestly.

Field guide

A Refinishing Quote App for Floors That Have Seen Things

Refinishing is condition-driven pricing: the same 600 square feet is a routine sand-and-two-coats or a repair project with a finish on top, and you can't tell from the doorway. The quote that survives is the one built room by room, with the floor's history written into the lines.

Walk it, grade it, photograph it

Narrate as you cross each room: "Living room oak, normal wear, natural finish; dining room — water rings at the window, two cupped boards; hallway — pet stain at the closet, may not sand out, flagging for possible board replacement." Photos of every flagged spot ride with the estimate, so when the stain doesn't sand out, the change-order conversation starts from a picture the customer already signed next to.

The refinishing line set

Sand and finish by square foot — your rate, moved by condition tier
Stain upcharge (extra step, water-popping, slower inspection)
Board repair/replacement as unit prices, quantity TBD with a named cap
Repairs to match: species and width noted for sourcing
Dust containment and occupied-home phasing
Furniture moving, appliance handling
Finish system by name: oil vs. water-based, coat count, cure windows in the terms

Cure times belong in the estimate

Refinishing sells convenience-adjusted: when can we walk on it, when can rugs go down, where does the dog live for three days? Writing walk-on and rug windows into the terms sets expectations and pre-answers the call on day two.

Quote before the samples dry

FieldSquire drafts the lines from your walkthrough narration and photos, applies your saved rates, and sends the branded PDF with deposit and e-signature the same visit. Corrections become your private prices. The flooring estimating app is free for 14 days, no credit card.

Try it on a real job: FieldSquire's Solo plan is free for 14 days with no credit card — unlimited manual estimates and AI-assisted drafts you review line by line. Start the free trial or see the flooring estimating app guide.