Calculating hardwood flooring refinishing expenses |
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How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors? Cost to refinish hardwood floors determined by number of factors and total expenses primary depend on labor cost to complete the work and materials prices which have to be purchase to complete the project successfully. But calculating total expenditures for refinishing wood floors number of additional factors should be taken into account. Flooring contractor will calculate the cost after taking on site measurements and analyzing work complexity. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with refinishing. Estimating hardwood flooring refinishing cost
Wood finish and stain are two main materials which have to be purchased in order to perform wood floors refinishing. Product quality will affect its cost at a first place and while some finishes very affordable, other have significantly higher price. But even if the difference in price will be 20% - 40% buying quality finish will pay off in a long run. For preventing streaking and blotching and seal wood pores it is always a good idea to apply wood conditioner before stain application which normally sold in gallons and cover 100 square feet of area. While refinishing older wood floors there is always a chance some additional materials should be purchased including wood filler or wood patching compound for filing the gaps in between planks or splits which developed on the floor surface overtime. Liquid sander Many homeowners wonder whether they can refinish wood floors with no sanding process involved. It is definitely possible there is a product which can eliminate old finish from wood surface and floor will be ready to new finish or stain application. But with such refinishing scratches and dents won’t disappear and it might work well only if old floors in good condition otherwise sanding is unavoidable.
Cost of man power will depend on difficulty of a work and project size. Removing and reinstalling baseboards as well as possible floor repair will be charged based on time required for completing the task and an installer’s hourly rates. Refinishing is a complex step by step process which includes sanding, stain and protective finish application. If the floors won’t be stained labor cost will be cheaper. Normally a contractor will offer a better deal for bigger projects and charge a significantly higher rate per square foot if it is 500 of less sq. ft. of wood flooring has to be refinished. Cost of refinishing wood stairs will depend on width and shape of steps and expenses will be estimated separately.
Water or oil-based products which stain and seal are available from the shelf of local home improvement retailers and normally sold in 1 Ounce, 1 Quart, 1 Gallon containers as well as 5 Gallon buckets. For refinishing floors in single room one gallon container which normally cover up to 500 sq ft area with brush / roller application will be sufficient amount, but for completing the work in a few rooms or a whole house it is better to buy a bigger containers what might save you 10% - 20%.
How long a refinishing project will last depend on wood finish and stain drying time. One 12’ x 12’ room can be complete in one day applying fast drying water based transparent finish. On average a crew of three professionals should be able to complete 1,200 sq ft of wood floors refinishing in a four bedroom house within 3 days. It will include sanding and application of three coats of clear water-based finish. Extra day will be necessary for changing color of the wood by stain application. The process will take longer if baseboards and shoe base moldings have to be reinstalled.
Many homeowners might consider reducing overall expenses for wood floors refinishing and complete the process by self. While application of finish and stain on the wood surface are very easy tasks, operating a drum or belt sander as well as wood floor edger require skills. Lack of experience might cause poorly completed work and the floor appearance won’t be satisfactory. It is always better to hire a professional flooring contractor to perform such work who will not only ensure quality of work but will save time as well. |
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