CountBricks: Typical Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors

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James Miller
Head of Sales

The Real-World Price of a Fresh Floor Finish

For construction professionals in the Bay Area, understanding the cost to refinish hardwood floors is crucial. Current rates range from $5.50 to $8.75 per square foot for standard resurfacing, including sanding, minor repairs, and three coats of water-based polyurethane. A typical 600 sq ft area may cost between $3,300 and $5,250. Nationally, the average is $3.50 to $6.00 per square foot, with local premiums due to higher labor rates and regulations.

Why Professionals Choose Refinishing

• Preserve historic character in older homes
• Avoid demolition mess of a full tear-out
• Boost property value ahead of a sale
• Remove deep scratches or worn finishes
• Update stain color for modern aesthetics

Typical Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors

Bay Area range: $5.50–$8.75 per square foot. A 600 sq ft area typically costs $3,300 to $5,250.

National average: $3.50–$6.00 per square foot. Local premiums are due to labor rates and regulations.

Key Cost Drivers

• Floor condition: Extra sanding for heavy gouges
• Finish type: Oil-based poly adds 10-15%
• Board width & species: Affects labor time
• Furniture moving: Empty rooms reduce costs
• Access & ventilation: Impacts crew efficiency

Hidden Costs to Watch

• Subfloor repairs
• Squeak elimination
• Post-refinish cleaning services

How CountBricks Calculates Your Estimate

1. Start a voice session on the CountBricks app.
2. AI captures room dimensions and floor condition.
3. Live pricing from suppliers and labor rates are used.
4. Receive an itemized quote and schedule.

DIY vs Professional: The True Comparison

Tool rental & materials: DIY costs about $1.75 per sq ft.
Time: 20–25 hours for 600 sq ft.
Risk: Potential for costly mistakes.

Maximizing ROI with CountBricks Recommendations

• Upgrade to water-based poly for faster re-occupancy
• Add LED baseboard lighting
• Bundle stair tread refinishing

Timeline and What to Expect on Site

1. Day 1: Furniture relocation, coarse sanding
2. Day 2: Fine sanding, first coat of sealer
3. Day 3: Buffing, finish coats, job walk-through

Ready for Your Personalized Quote?

For precise pricing on hardwood floor refinishing, visit CountBricks.com.

Our AI app can generate costed estimates in seconds.

CountBricks: Typical Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors

CountBricks Case Spotlight: 1904 Edwardian Living Room

A Richmond District homeowner faced varied bids from $4,000 to $6,400 for refinishing a 480 sq ft white-oak floor. Using CountBricks, the client quickly measured the room and noted specific needs, leading to a final cost of $3,180, or $6.63 per sq ft, under budget.

Voice-First Takeoff
AI flagged additional sanding and stain upgrades, updating costs instantly.

Live Pricing Advantage
Real-time supplier feeds reflected a polyurethane promotion, saving $0.38 per sq ft.

Final Numbers
Project completed in 2.5 days with a 9.7/10 satisfaction rating.