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The cost to refinish hardwood floors is $1,900 on average, ranging from $600 to $4,500, depending on the area size, the floor’s condition, the type of wood, the type of coating, and the refinishing method. Traditional refinishing includes sanding the floors, which can be very dusty and costs about $3 to $8 per square foot. Dustless refinishing uses a vacuum to collect dust during the sanding process, reducing the amount of dust produced, and costs about $5 to $8 per square foot. 

The cost to install hardwood flooring is about $4,800 on average, ranging from about $1,000 to $12,000. Nationally, the average cost to install hardwood floors ranges from $6 to $12 per square foot for labor and materials. High-end woods and large spaces may cost $13 to $25 per square foot. 

Additional cost factors include:

• Square footage of the area

• Type of wood

• Preparation requirements

• Type of finish

• Location

• Floor style and pattern

• Plank thickness

• Wood grade, color, and grain

It’s time to refinish your hardwood floors when they show signs of age that diminish their overall appearance and function. A few surefire signals that you should consider refinishing your hardwood floors include:

• Gouges, scrapes, deep scratches, and dents over a significant area

• Discoloration from stains or sun exposure

• Water damage causing rotting, warping, or bowing

• Weak, spongy, or soft spots in the floor indicating damaged subflooring

• Dull and worn appearance across most of the floor

Despite the costly upfront expense, hardwood floors can add value and appeal to your home, making them one of the highest ROI home improvements. In terms of functionality, hardwood floors are very durable and can last several decades when properly maintained, making them well worth the investment. In some cases, installing hardwood floors can even alleviate allergies in household members, as it’s easier to keep this floor type free of dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and other pesky allergens.

Several kinds of wood can be used for wood flooring, not all being hardwood, ranging in price per square foot. You should choose the best type of wood for your flooring based on desired color, cost, durability, feel, and texture.

Check out the cost of common wood types per square foot:

• Maple: $7–$11

• Pine: $5–$10

• Bamboo: $5–$11

• White ash: $9–$13 

• Hickory: $6–$13 

• Red oak: $8–$13 

• White oak: $8–$15 

• Brazilian walnut: $11–$20