How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors?
Boston and surrounding areas
Boston Average Rate: from $3,500 to $6,500
Cost per square foot: between $4 and $9
Cost data in this article is sourced from Angi, Fixr, Digest, Home Depot, and company records.
You can find out the cost of refinishing for your hardwood floor with Weles by using our calculator:
Calculate Your Cost of Refinishing Now
Updated: Feb 21, 2025
Homeowners considering professional hardwood floor refinishing in Boston, where the charm of historic homes meets contemporary living, should budget between $3,500 and $6,500, with the cost per square foot usually falling between $4 and $9. This variation captures the distinct challenges presented by Boston's varied climate as well as the city's distinctive architectural diversity. For those who would rather take a hands-on approach, we also discuss a few do-it-yourself hardwood refinishing techniques in addition to professional services. Hardwood floors are a great way to highlight the natural charm and aesthetic appeal of your house, but they do need periodic restoration and careful upkeep. In this thorough guide, we'll examine the variables affecting Boston refinishing costs, compare the benefits and drawbacks of doing it yourself vs hiring a pro,
Why Boston is Different
Boston isn't just famous for its rich history and clam chowder; it's also a city with its own set of rules when it comes to home improvement. Labor costs here are generally higher than the national average, and local regulations can sometimes add extra steps (and costs) to your project. Plus, the older homes in Boston often have unique hardwood types that require special care.
The Average Cost in Boston
On average, you can expect to pay between $4 to $9 per square foot for hardwood floor refinishing in Boston. While the national average hovers around $3 to $8, the extra dollar or two here accounts for the factors we just discussed.
| Square Footage | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 200 | Small apartment | $800 – $1,800 |
| 500 | Average single-room studio | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| 800 | Typical one-bedroom apartment | $3,200 – $7,200 |
| 1,200 | Average-sized house | $4,800 – $10,800 |
| 2,000 | Larger home | $8,000 – $18,000 |
Factors Affecting the Cost
Let's break down what goes into that per-square-foot cost:
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Size of the Area: The larger the area, the more cost-effective the project usually is.
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Type of Wood: Exotic woods like mahogany will cost more to refinish than common woods like oak.
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Labor Costs: In Boston, labor can make up to 85% of the total cost.
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Coating or Finishing: Your choice of finish can also affect the price.
Interactive Calculator: Click here to use our cost estimator to get a ballpark figure for your project.
🔨 Flooring Tip: It is important to understand that not all floor wear needs a full refinishing. In some cases, it is enough to resurface the floor by applying a new layer of finish without sanding; This method can update the appearance of your floors without the extensive procedure that is involved in refinishing. Find out when to resurface rather than refinishing in a guide that we provide.
Cost in Boston by Type of Hardwood Flooring
The cost of refinishing hardwood floors is largely dependent on the type of wood used. Selecting the proper wood type is important in Boston, where buildings can be historic or contemporary. The typical prices for refinishing various types of hardwood flooring in Boston are examined in detail below, along with advantages and disadvantages for each:
- Bamboo ($4 to $7): Boston residents appreciate bamboo flooring for its resilience to the city's changing weather. Refinishing costs $4 to $7 per square foot, making it an excellent choice for contemporary decor. Bamboo's scratchiness and potential for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in its adhesives should be taken into account when assessing indoor air quality.
- Cherry ($4 to $6): Refinishing cherry wood adds an elegant touch to homes in Boston. The wood's rich, warm tones run between $4 and $6 per square foot. Its opulent look complements both traditional and contemporary designs. However, because cherry wood tends to darken in the sun, placement and upkeep must be done with caution.
- Cork ($6 to $11): Suitable for family homes, cork floors are a unique option in Boston that provides comfort and sound insulation. The price per square foot for refinishing can range from $6 to $11. Cork is environmentally friendly and resistant to moisture, but because of its softer nature, it can get damaged in high-traffic areas.
- Maple ($7 to $10): With refinishing costs ranging from $7 to $10 per square foot, maple flooring—known for its durability—is an affordable and sensible option for Boston's busy households. Although its light colors can be restricting in design, their hardness might not be as comfortable underfoot and their light tones serve as a neutral background for a variety of decor styles.
- Oak ($4 to $9): Refinishing oak, a traditional option in Boston, will run you $4 to $9 per square foot. Oak is renowned for its toughness and aesthetically pleasing grain patterns. It is perfect for areas with a lot of traffic because it resists wear well. Oak, however, needs constant maintenance to prevent warping and moisture damage.
- Walnut ($4 to $9): With their rich colors and distinctive grains, walnut floors give Boston homes an opulent feel. Refinishing a walnut floor will cost $4 to $9 per square foot. Walnut requires more care in busy areas because it is softer and more prone to dents and scratches despite being durable.
DIY vs. Professional in Boston
If you're a hands-on homeowner, you might be considering the DIY route. This is the cheapest way to refinish hardwood floors. While it's possible to save some money, keep in mind that professional services offer expertise and efficiency. Plus, the labor-intensive nature of the job often justifies the cost. For a detailed guide on DIY refinishing, check out our previous article.
"Refinishing can be a challenging task. While small issues might be manageable on your own, complex and large-scale floor refinishing projects require professional help. Taking them on yourself, without training, may easily turn a small problem into a large one."
How to Save Money
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Do the Prep Work: Remove furniture and clean the area yourself to save on labor costs.
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Bulk Purchase: Sometimes buying the finish yourself can save a few bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Refinishing hardwood floors is generally cheaper than replacing them. For more details on the cost comparison, visit our article on whether it's cheaper to refinish hardwood floors or replace them.
Wood floors should not be restored if they have already been restored several times and the wood is too thin, if there is significant water damage or warping, or if the wood is damaged beyond recognition. In these cases, replacement may be necessary.
Yes, before you start refinishing hardwood floors, you should remove all furniture from the room.
You can determine if a wood floor can be refinished by checking the thickness of the wood. Floors that have a layer of wear that is at least 3/4 inch thick can usually be refinished. Look for significant damage, such as deep potholes or severe warping, which may indicate that refinishing may not be sufficient.
Wood floor restoration typically takes 3 to 5 days. This includes time to sand, apply several coats of finish, and allow the finish to dry and cure. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the room and the type of finish used.
Hiring a Contractor in Boston
Always look for contractors who are licensed and insured. Check their reviews and ask for local references to ensure you're getting the best service for your money.
Weles Wood Floor Service is a great choice for refinishing hardwood Floors in Boston. Don't just take our word for it. Here's what John, a Boston resident, had to say: "Weles Wood Floor Services transformed my worn-out floor into something spectacular, and the cost was well within my budget!"