The average hardwood floor repair costs $1,072, but it can range between $480 and $1,708. A pro will determine the exact cost depending on materials, damage, and size.
The average hardwood floor repair cost is $1,072, though most homeowners spend between $480 and $1,708. Costs heavily depend on the extent of the damage and the repair method. Use this guide to learn all about hardwood floor repairs based on factors like the type of problem, repair method, and whether or not you hire a pro to fix it.
Several factors affect the cost of repairing a hardwood floor, including the size and type of problem you’re addressing. The fix method can also affect your costs.
The type of problem you’re fixing significantly affects how much you’ll pay for repairs. For instance, fixing minor scratches might only cost $1 per square foot, while repairing water damage can cost as much as $100 per square foot.
| Type of Problem | Average Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Uneven | $3–$60 |
| Scratches | $1–$8 |
| Cupping | $1–$8 |
| Mold and mildew | $10–$25 |
| Gaps | $7–$15 |
| Water damage | $8–$100 |
| Squeaky | $10–$50 |
| Rot | $50–$250 |
| Dents | $5–$25 |
Repairing uneven hardwood floors typically ranges from $3 to $60 per square foot, depending on the cause. Common causes of uneven floors include excess moisture, foundation shifting, and poor structural design. The cause will determine the precise fix needed. For instance, if your floors are uneven due to your foundation shifting, then you’ll likely need an experienced contractor to jack up the floor, which will cost at the higher end of the spectrum.
Hardwood floor scratches usually cost between $1 and $8 per square foot to fix. Minor scratches may only require you to apply a wood stain or touch-up marker to fix, which is relatively inexpensive. Fixing deeper scratches involves sanding down the scratched area and refinishing the floor to restore its original appearance, which costs more.
Cupping refers to hardwood floors that are higher around the edges than the center, creating a cup-like effect. It’s usually caused by a moisture imbalance. Cupping repairs cost between $1 and $8 per square foot. To fix this problem, you or a pro will need to identify the moisture source, dry out the flooring, sand the cupped boards to even them out, then refinish them to restore their original appearance.
Depending on the extent of the damage, removing mold and mildew from hardwood floors costs between $10 and $25 per square foot. This process involves identifying and removing the moisture source that caused the mold, then thoroughly cleaning the affected area and treating it with antimicrobial solutions. If your mold problem is severe, you may need to replace whole sections of the floor or subfloor, which can significantly increase your costs.
Commonly caused by fluctuating humidity levels, hardwood floor gaps cost between $7 and $15 per square foot to fix. Fixing small gaps usually involves filling them with wood filler or rope, while repairing larger gaps may require replacing the boards or refinishing areas of the floor.
Repairing water damage can cost anywhere from $8 to $100 per square foot, depending on the severity. Water damage can cause problems like warping, staining, and mold. The repair needed depends on the cause, but it may involve sanding down warped areas, applying wood filler, or refinishing the entire surface. In some cases, you may need to replace entire sections of the floor and/or subfloor, which will cost at the higher end of this range.
Squeaky floors are often caused by gaps between the subfloor and joists or loose boards. Fixing them usually costs between $10 and $50 per square foot. Repairs typically involve applying adhesive to the subfloor, screwing down loose boards, and/or inserting shims to eliminate gaps.
If your floors are exposed to moisture for too long, the wood can begin to rot, leading to decay and weakness. Fixing rotted floors ranges from $50 to $250 per square foot. In most cases, you'll need to remove and replace the rotted section of the floor and treat the area to prevent further rot.
If you drop something heavy on the floor or move heavy furniture, it can leave a dent. Fixing dented hardwood floors costs between $5 and $25 per square foot. You can often fix minor dents using water and a hot iron to steam it out, but deeper dents require sanding and refinishing.
Generally, the bigger your hardwood floor damage, the more you can expect to pay since costs are often priced by the square foot.
| Square Feet | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 20 | $100–$500 |
| 50 | $250–$1,250 |
| 100 | $500–$2,500 |
| 150 | $750–$3,750 |
| 200 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| 300 | $1,500–$7,500 |
| 400 | $2,000–$9,500 |
Hiring a local hardwood repair pro usually costs between $65 and $100 per hour. Depending on the damage they're addressing, the repairs can take anywhere from an hour or two to multiple days to complete. Most homeowners end up paying somewhere between $330 and $2,400 in labor for hardwood floor fixes.
Different problems require different repair methods. The method needed can affect your costs since some methods are more expensive and time-consuming than others.
Filling involves using a putty-like substance called a wood filler to fill in minor cracks, gaps, and holes in hardwood floors. It’s the least expensive repair method as it typically only costs around $10 to $15 for the wood filler package, and most homeowners can complete this repair themselves. After the filler is applied, it needs to be smoothed out and allowed to dry. Once it’s completely dry, the filled area is sanded to create a smooth surface.
Patching usually costs between $600 and $1,600, depending on the size of the problem. This process involves cutting out the damaged area and patching it with a new piece of wood, which is cut to fit the size and shape of the removed section. The patched area is then sanded and finished to blend in with the existing floor.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,100 to $2,700 to refinish your hardwood floors. This repair method is primarily used for hardwood floors with extensive surface-level damage, like scratches and dents. It involves sanding down the entire surface to remove the damaged top layer and applying a stain to give the floors a brand-new appearance.
Resurfacing costs between $1,200 and $3,000. This process is used for floors with deeper damage than refinishing can address. It involves deep sanding to remove damaged layers of the floor, then applying multiple coats of finish to restore the floor’s appearance. In some cases, it might also include replacing damaged boards.
Replacing floorboards typically costs between $800 and $2,000. This repair method is pricier than many other methods since the new boards must be the exact same type, size, and thickness as the existing boards. The precision needed makes this a more labor-intensive process than methods like patching or filling.
If your hardwood floor is in good shape but has lost some of its shine and luster, polishing can help restore its original appearance. Polishing costs between $100 and $300 and involves applying a specialized polish or buffing compound to smooth out minor scratches and restore the floor’s shine.
Hiring a pro to fix your hardwood floor can cost anywhere from $330 to $2,400 in labor, depending on the problem. Many homeowners can save money on a pro by conducting minor repairs themselves, like filling cracks. But it’s best to leave more complex repairs, like resurfacing and floorboard replacements, to the pros unless you have some related experience under your belt, otherwise, you run the risk of creating further damage. A hardwood floor professional will have the skills, knowledge, and equipment necessary to safely and properly repair your floor.
When repairing a hardwood floor, you may want to book other services to further enhance or restore your home’s appearance.
Interior painting cost: $1,000-$3,000
Air duct cleaning cost: $270-$500
Protective floor pads cost: $5-$15
Deep home cleaning cost: $200-$400
There are several ways you can potentially save money on a hardwood floor repair, including:
Completing minor repairs yourself
Calling multiple prospective repair pros to find the best price
Bundling multiple repairs together for a potential discount
Doing prep work yourself, like moving furniture
Scheduling repairs during off-peak seasons, like winter
Shopping around for materials to find the best price
Using reclaimed or leftover materials
Repairing hardwood floors is usually less expensive than installing new ones, and in many cases it is enough to invigorate old floors. Refinishing can remove minor damage, such as scratches, dents, and even water staining. If most of the floor is in good shape, even significant damage in small areas, like rot and decay, can be repaired with new planks. On average, hardwood floor repair costs fall into the $480 to $1,700 range.
However, if your floors are extensively damaged, including severe warping and widespread rot, or if you have structural issues, replacement is not only ideal but necessary. Depending on the type of wood you select and the size of the area to update, hardwood flooring installation costs typically range from $2,475 to $7,030.
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Yes, you can fix hardwood floor gouges. Apply wood filler to shallow gaps, smooth it, sand, and match the stain. For deeper gouges, layer the filler. However, remember that you may need to repeat this process annually. Wood expands and shrinks throughout the year, loosening the wood filler.
To remove deep scratches from hardwood without sanding, start by cleaning the area. Then, fill the scratch with wood filler or a wax repair stick matching the floor color. Buff it smooth with a soft cloth. Finish with a protective sealant to blend the repair with the surrounding wood. Remember, this type of fix is not permanent. It is a better idea to refinish your floors for lasting results.
Keep your floors clean by sweeping or vacuuming them weekly to remove dirt and debris that can scratch the surface. Mats at entryways are also a good idea to catch excess dirt and moisture before it reaches the floors. Additionally, pads under furniture legs will help protect your floors from scratches.
Furniture pads and rugs are simple ways to protect your floors as they prevent furniture from scratching it, reducing wear and tear. The same goes for trimming your pet’s nails since they can scratch the floors as well. You can also apply a protective finish every few years to maintain the floor’s appearance.
