Is It Cheaper to Refinish or Replace Hardwood Floors?
Quick Answer:
Refinishing is significantly cheaper — typically 50-70% less expensive than replacement. For a 1,000 sq ft area, refinishing costs $3,000-$8,000 while replacement runs $8,000-$15,000 or more.
Cost Comparison: Real Numbers
Refinishing
For 1,000 sq ft
- Done in 1 day
- Minimal disruption
- 99% dust-free with modern equipment
- Preserves existing solid wood
Replacement
For 1,000 sq ft
- Takes multiple days
- Major home disruption
- Disposal and waste costs
- Often requires furniture storage
Why Such a Big Price Difference?
The cost gap exists because refinishing works with what you already have, while replacement involves:
- •Tearing out and disposing of existing floors ($1-$2/sq ft)
- •Purchasing new hardwood materials ($5-$10/sq ft or more)
- •Labor-intensive installation ($3-$5/sq ft)
- •Longer project timeline increasing labor costs
When Refinishing Makes Sense
Refinishing is the best choice when:
When Replacement Might Be Necessary
Consider replacement only if:
- •Floors have been refinished 3-4 times already (very rare)
- •Severe water damage has caused extensive warping or rot
- •You have thin engineered flooring that can't be sanded
- •Major structural issues with subfloor require board removal
Note: Even when homeowners think replacement is necessary, professional inspection often reveals that refinishing can still deliver excellent results. We'll give you honest guidance.
The ROI Advantage of Refinishing
Beyond the upfront savings, refinishing offers better return on investment:
$5,000 spent on refinishing can increase your home's value by a similar or greater amount, while looking identical to new $12,000 floors. Buyers can't tell the difference between refinished and new — but you pocket the $7,000 savings.
For detailed pricing, see: How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
Get a Side-by-Side Comparison
We provide detailed quotes showing exactly what refinishing will cost vs replacement for your specific floors. Serving Anderson Township, Milford, Newtown, and all of East Los Angeles.