Ask the right questions so you don’t get floored by your refinisher
Sanding down and resealing can restore your dull, scratched hardwood flooring to its glossy glory. However, DIYing this task is tricky and time-consuming. If you’re looking for a helping hand, learn how to hire someone to refinish hardwood floors to avoid contractor catastrophes.
Keep the following tips in mind when picking the right pro and looking for an accurate quote for your hardwood floor refinishing project.
When approaching flooring contractors, they will need some basic information to provide you with an accurate quote and project timeline. Have the following details at hand:
Floor size: The most important information for the contractor is how much hardwood needs refinishing (in square feet).
Flooring type: Some hardwood floor types require more intensive sanding or a more costly finish.
Flooring condition: A light buff rather than a more costly full refinish is sometimes enough for minor damage.
Desired finish type: Polyurethane finishes are more economical and longer lasting than penetrating oils. However, they more easily show scratches and aren’t as easy to apply or repair.
Additional requirements: Carpet removal, furniture removal, or repairs to damaged boards or the subfloor all affect the final price and timeline. For example, the average hardwood floor repair costs $1,070.
Steer clear of flooring contractors who can’t show appropriate and up-to-date licensing, insurance, and bonding. Membership, certification, or training through organizations like the National Wood Flooring Association provides reassuring validation. Also, check online reviews, ask for past client references, and view portfolio examples.
Once you’ve found a few contractors that fit the bill in terms of credentials and experience, get multiple quotes and speak to them in person to consider overall compatibility. Reviewing several quotes helps ensure you don’t pay too much and allows you to compare the services or experience each contractor offers as part of their price.
Think you have the ideal hardwood flooring refinishing contractor lined up? Don’t go ahead with the work without a basic contract. This should outline the following:
Project details: Including the type of finish, the number of coats, and other services such as furniture removal or additional repairs.
Timeline: Depending on the hardwood floor finish, the contractors may complete the job over several days to a week to allow time for each coat to dry.
Payment details: Progress payments for this short-term project will be rare, but most contractors will ask for a deposit.
Warranties: Some contractors offer warranties. For example, they might fix any areas that peel, crack, chip, or discolor within 3 to 5 years of refinishing.
When interviewing potential hardwood floor refinishers, asking the contractor these questions can help whittle out duds.
How many years of experience do you have refinishing hardwood floors?
Can you show me your paperwork for licensing, insurance, and bonding?
Can you show me some references and examples?
Can you break down the costs in your quote?
What is your payment structure, and in what ways can I pay?
Why have you recommended this finish for my hardwood floor?
What do you need me to do before refinishing? i.e., moving furniture, etc.
What is the timeline for the project?
Hiring the right hardwood flooring refinisher near you increases the floor’s life span and appearance. If you get it wrong, you could be overcharged for substandard work. Doing some simple research on multiple contractors can help you make an informed decision to avoid any nasty surprises. Always check their credentials, reviews, portfolio examples, and pricing details.
Refinishing hardwood flooring yourself is possible, but it’s a dusty, demanding, and drawn-out job that costs an average of $500 to $1,000. You’ll have to don protective gear, and you need the right tools for the job, including floor sanders, rollers, and a refinishing solution. Sand too hard, and you could damage your flooring. Picking the wrong sealant means it might not adhere to the flooring effectively. Plus, if you don’t apply the multiple coats of sealant properly, you could end up with flooring that looks worse than when you started.
The average cost to refinish hardwood floors by a professional flooring contractor ranges from $1,100 to $2,700. However, it minimizes mess and ensures speedy, safe, and smooth sealant application. You also won’t have to worry about removing and redoing the sealant if things go wrong or, worst-case scenario, have the expense of replacing damaged flooring.
Before you hand over the final payment for the project, carefully inspect the flooring finish—you’re looking for an even application and thorough cleanup. Also, consider leaving an online review. It’s helpful for future clients and the contractor if they’ve done a good job.
Don’t forget to keep a good contractor’s details on hand. How often you have to refinish hardwood floors depends on wood type, finish, and footfall, but it’s typically around once every 10 years.
