One of the most common questions our residential clients ask is, “What’s the actual cost to refinish wood floors?” CountBricks has analyzed thousands of projects nationwide and combined those numbers with our live material database to give you a clear answer. Below, we break down every factor that moves the needle on price and show you how our AI-powered platform produces precise, transparent estimates in minutes.
• Refinishing preserves the character of existing hardwood while costing 40-60% less than full replacement.
• The project typically generates less waste, making it the eco-friendlier option.
• Homeowners gain a fresh, modern look without altering floor heights, trims, or door clearances.
CountBricks uses laser-accurate blueprint takeoffs to measure every square inch. Larger areas reduce labor cost per foot through economies of scale but obviously increase total spend.
Light surface scratches require simple sanding and finishing, while deep gouges or water damage call for patching, board replacement, or even subfloor repair. CountBricks AI flags these issues during onsite voice walkthroughs so no hidden costs appear later.
• Water-based polyurethane: Dries fast, low odor, mid-range price
• Oil-based polyurethane: Rich tone, longer cure, slightly higher material cost
• Hardwax oil: Premium, natural look, higher labor because of multi-coat system
Single-tone neutral stains keep labor time down. Multi-step custom colors raise both material and labor totals. Our real-time product library updates stain pricing hourly, ensuring your quote reflects today’s cost, not last quarter’s catalog.
Tight hallways, built-in cabinetry, and occupied homes extend project duration. CountBricks schedules work phases so you remain in your house whenever possible, but additional masking, furniture moving, and HVAC control can adjust the final figure.
National Average: $3.25 – $5.75 per square foot
Basic Recoat (no deep sanding): $1.25 – $2.50 per square foot
Premium Custom Finish: $6.50 – $9.00 per square foot
Because CountBricks streams live supplier feeds, your estimate may shift slightly from these ranges. You’ll see the exact cost breakdown—materials, tasks, labor hours—before approving the job.
1. Voice-guided Site Walkthrough: Our estimator converses with you, captures room dimensions, and photographs trouble spots.
2. AI Blueprint Takeoff: Upload existing drawings or let us scan your home—a digital floor plan populates instantly.
3. Sanding & Repair Phase: Crews remove old finish and level boards; damaged planks are replaced.
4. Stain Application: Optional color layer applied once the surface is pristine.
5. Protective Finish Coats: Two to three clear coats with buffing between layers for durability.
6. Final Inspection & Clean-up: CountBricks quality control signs off, and you receive a digital warranty packet.
• After-hours ventilation in high-humidity climates
• Base shoe molding replacement when profiles break during removal
• Temporary pet boarding to avoid paw prints on fresh finish
CountBricks AI cross-checks more than 80 possible cost triggers so none of these surprises end up in your final invoice.
• Instant Estimates: Voice data converts to line-item pricing while you walk the space.
• Automated Scheduling: Our algorithm syncs crew availability with product lead times, eliminating downtime.
• Live Change Orders: Need to switch from satin to gloss? Approve the change on your phone before the next coat begins.
CountBricks partners with multiple lenders to offer same-day approval on renovation loans. Your estimate links directly to financing options so you can compare payment plans without re-entering data.
When the Martin family purchased a 1940s colonial in Jackson, their biggest worry was the gouged, yellowed oak flooring. Replacement quotes topped $28,000—far above budget. They turned to CountBricks for an AI-driven alternative.
• Rooms Measured: 1,860 square feet captured via blueprint upload in under five minutes
• Damage Identified: 14 split boards, 3 water-stained areas logged through voice annotations
• Selected Finish: Low-VOC water-based satin polyurethane with custom grey wash
2. Custom Stain Package: $0.85 per square foot
3. Two-Coat Water Poly: $1.20 per square foot
4. Sundries & Dust Control: $0.40 per square foot
Total Project Cost: $10,631
The Martins saved 62% versus tear-out and replacement while finishing a week ahead of schedule. Realtor comps after refinishing placed the home’s value $18,000 higher than pre-project estimates, netting an immediate equity gain.
• Live material feeds locked pricing before purchase, shielding the client from supplier surcharges
• Task-based labor analytics adjusted crew hours when an extra stain day was added, preventing change-order shock
• Digital punch-list approval ensured zero outstanding items on move-in day
Whether you own a historic bungalow or a new-build ranch, CountBricks empowers you to understand the true cost to refinish wood floors before a sander touches the timber.
