Table of Contents
Sanding hardwood floors might seem like a pros-only project. And then there’s that big, scary sanding machine… But it’s really not that difficult. I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners—some of them complete DIY novices—successfully prep their floors for a new finish.
Can I sand my floors myself?
Sanding wood floors is a time consuming but relatively easy procedure. Sanding wood floors & refinishing yourself will definitely save money, and even an inexperienced homeowner can likely do a better job than the lowest bidding handyperson who quotes on it.
How hard is it to sand your own floors?
There’s really no getting around it – sanding your floors is hard work and physically tiring. Mostly, this is down to the floorboards not being completely flat which means that the drum of the floor sanding machine won’t be able to reach all areas of the floorboards in one go.
Can you sand and refinish floors yourself?
If you only have some minor scratches and dings or a dull finish, you might be able to simply buff and add a new coat of varnish. But, even if your floors need a complete makeover, refinishing hardwood is a very manageable and rewarding do-it-yourself job that can save a lot of money.
How much does it cost to sand floors yourself?
Sanding and refinishing your hardwood floors as a DIY project is a time investment, but it is less expensive than paying a professional. Refinishing your floors yourself can cost between $500 and $1,000 depending on square footage.
Is it difficult to sand hardwood floors?
Sanding hardwood floors might seem like a pros-only project. And then there’s that big, scary sanding machine… But it’s really not that difficult. I’ve helped hundreds of homeowners—some of them complete DIY novices—successfully prep their floors for a new finish.
How much does it cost to sand a floor?
Cost to Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors Sanding costs $0.50 to $3.00 per square foot to sand hardwood floors. An average 12 x 14 foot room would cost $80 to $500 depending on how many passes it needs and the area you live in.
How long does it take to sand floor?
How long does it take to sand a floor? It can take 1-5 days for a professional and 2-15 days for a DIY enthusiast, depending on the size and condition of the floor. For planning purposes, it would take 1-day per room for a professional and 2 days per room for a homeowner doing DIY.
How much does it cost to sand and refinish a hardwood floor?
If your hardwood floors are dull, scratched, and looking old, it’s probably time to refinish them. According to HomeAdvisor, the typical price range to refinish hardwood floors is between $1,074 and $2,485, with the national average at $1,757. This comes out to $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and labor.
How much does it cost to refinish $1000 square feet of hardwood floors?
Cost per square foot to refinish hardwood floors: Flooring square footage Average cost 751 – 1000 sq. ft. $2,100 1001 – 1500 sq. ft. $2,350 1501 – 2000 sq. ft. $3,500 2001 – 3000 sq. ft. $5,000.
What is the cheapest way to refinish hardwood floors?
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.
Can you sand hardwood floors by hand?
The process for sanding a floor by hand would be, as a general rule, to start on a 40 grit sandpaper and work your way up to 100 or 120 grit paper to leave a fine finish. It is important to keep any sander moving so it does not dig into or burn the floor. Get yourself a floor sander, or better still hire a pro.
How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors yourself?
How much does it cost to sand and refinish hardwood floors yourself? Expect to pay a bit less than $500 per 275 square feet if you plan to DIY your hardwood flooring. The typical price range is from $1,000 to $2,400.
How long does it take to sand and refinish hardwood floors?
It typically takes between two and five days to refinish hardwood floors, depending on the type of polyurethane you use (oil or water-based), and the size and condition of your floors.
How can I refinish my hardwood floors without sanding?
The best way to refinish wood floors without sanding is to use a technique called screen and recoat. This involves scuffing up the finish with a floor buffer and applying a refresher coat of finish.
Is it worth it to refinish hardwood floors yourself?
Typically, several factors determine the cost of refinishing hardwood floors. However, refinishing your floor is easier than replacing the whole floor. It’s less expensive and requires less time. Also, refinishing your floor will increase your home value if you plan to sell it later.
Is refinishing hardwood floors difficult?
The cost of hardwood floor refinishing can vary greatly, but the typical rate nationwide is between $3-5 per square foot. Difficulty: Refinishing floors isn’t actually difficult as long as you rent the correct equipment and study up on the process. It isn’t a project that requires special skills.
Is it worth refinishing hardwood floors?
Is It Worth It To Refinish Your Hardwood Floors? Yes, it’s worth refinishing hardwood floors instead of replacing them. Refinishing is cost-effective, it’s quicker, and it’s a lot easier because it requires less labor.
What kind of sander should I use on hardwood floors?
The drum sander is the real workhorse of hardwood floor sanding. It is a massive piece of equipment, too heavy for most people to lift—two people are required to carry it.
Can you use an orbital sander on hardwood floors?
Random orbital sanders are the best choice for do-it-yourself hardwood floor refinishing. They take longer to remove old finishes than drum sanders, but they do not require a lot of experience to use and are less likely to damage your wood floor. Just be sure to keep the sander level at all times.
What grit sandpaper do you use to refinish hardwood floors?
Start with 36-grit sandpaper for a floor that hasn’t been sanded in a long time or that has a lot of heavy finish on it. Floors that have been painted may even require you to go tougher and use 24 or 16-grit paper. Maple floors are so hard that they often require 36-grit sandpaper as well.
