How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors? A Complete Price Guide

Imagine you’re walking across your hardwood floors one morning, coffee in hand, and you catch it. That dull patch that wasn’t dull before. Or maybe it’s the scratch that appeared after “someone” (we’re not naming names, but we know it was the dog) skidded across the living room. 

That’s usually when homeowners start Googling floor refinishing costs in Fort Myers, FL, and thinking, “Is this going to be one of those projects that spirals?” Don’t worry! It doesn’t have to. The numbers are pretty straightforward once you understand what affects them, and honestly, there’s something satisfying about bringing hardwood back to life. 

What You’re Really Paying for Floor Refinishing in Fort Myers, FL

Hardwood floors don’t magically look new again. There’s work behind that fresh, smooth, just-installed finish. When you hire a flooring contractor, you’re paying for:

• Floor sanding (the heavy-hitter part)
• Repairs, if needed
• Floor staining or natural finish (your pick)
• Protective coats to seal everything in
• Labor, equipment, and materials
• Experience, which matters more than people think

This whole process is what makes refinishing a smart investment. Instead of a quick band-aid. A good refinish job can make a 20-year-old floor look like it was put in last week.

What Does It Actually Cost?

Let’s talk numbers (the part everyone jumps to anyway).

Across Fort Myers, FL, most homeowners pay somewhere in the middle range of the national average. Hardwood refinishing usually depends on a few factors. Which we’ll dive into in a second. 

Think of it like this:

• A small bedroom? Not too bad.
• A full open-concept living room? A bit more.
• Your entire first floor? You’ll feel it, but the transformation is massive.

But the real price changes depending on the things people don’t always think about, stains, repair work, wood type, and how gently (or not-so-gently) your floors have been treated over the years.

What Affects the Cost?

Here’s where refinishing prices shift around. A few examples:

1. The condition of your floors

Small scratches? Easy. Deep gouges? That’s a different job.

If boards are warped, loose, or cracked, fixing them adds a bit to the bill. It’s worth it, though, refinish over damaged wood is like painting over a dent in a car. You still see it.

2. The type of hardwood

Oak, maple, hickory, every wood behaves differently when sanded or stained. Some require more passes, some resist certain stain colors. A good flooring contractor will explain this upfront.

3. Stain or no stain

Going natural is usually the more affordable route. But if you want that rich espresso, honey oak, driftwood gray, or anything modern and dramatic, floor staining adds a little extra time and material. Proper floor cleaning beforehand ensures the stain adheres evenly and looks flawless.

4. Room size and shape

One big square room? Easy. Multiple small rooms with lots of edges and tricky corners? More labor.

5. Extra services

Think repairs, pet odor treatment, or removing old floor wax. These extras can bump the price a bit. But makes a huge difference in the outcome.

Is Refinishing Cheaper Than Replacing? Absolutely.

Sometimes people ask if they should just rip everything out and start fresh. Here’s the truth. Replacing hardwood can cost three to four times more than floor refinishing.

Unless your floors are truly beyond saving. Refinishing is almost always the smarter choice financially and environmentally. You keep your original wood. You avoid demo work. And you get beautiful results for a fraction of the replacement cost.

Plus, new floors from scratch require flooring installation, which is an entirely different budget conversation.

The Real Value: Why Fort Myers, FL, Homeowners Refinish Instead of Replace

Here’s a fun little secret: Florida humidity is not kind to hardwood. And yet, homeowners love it (rightfully so, it looks incredible). Refinishing helps your floors handle the climate better. Protects against moisture and keeps your home looking updated without the cost of new flooring.

A good refinishing job:

• Boosts home value
• Brightens rooms instantly
• Removes years of wear in hours
• Makes wood look richer, deeper, more alive

And honestly? There’s nothing quite like seeing your floors after that final coat dries.

How Long Does the Process Take?

It usually takes 2–4 days. Depending on square footage and stain choice.

Day 1: Floor sanding
Day 2: Repairs + staining (if chosen)
Day 3–4: Sealing and drying

There’s a bit of curing time involved. But your contractor will guide you through the timing. So you know exactly when you can walk, tiptoe, or slide (carefully!) back across the floor.

A Quick Tip: Don’t DIY Sanding. Really.

Yes, you can rent a sander. Yes, YouTube makes it look easy.

But uneven sanding marks? Permanent.
Gouges? Expensive to fix.
Dust everywhere? Absolutely.

Refinishing hardwood takes skill. The kind that only comes with experience. A professional flooring contractor prevents irreversible mistakes. That is a DIY attempt that usually causes.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what goes into floor refinishing. From sanding to staining to sealing. It helps you understand why prices vary. And what you’re truly paying for. It’s not just about making floors pretty again (though it definitely does that). It’s about restoring strength, value, and life into your hardwood. If you’re in Fort Myers, FL, and wondering whether your floors need a refresh or a full redo. Refinishing is often the most cost-effective way to make your home shine again.

If your hardwood floors are looking tired, scratched, faded, or just overdue for a makeover. Now’s the perfect time to bring them back to life. Reach out to trusted flooring contractor today like  Shane’s Hardwood Floors of Florida for expert floor refinishing services.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Does refinishing remove deep scratches?

Ans: Often yes. Sanding eliminates most visible damage. It makes your floor feel like new again. 

Q: How many coats of finish are applied?

Ans: Usually two or three, depending on the sheen and durability needs.

Q: Can I change my floor color when refinishing?

Ans: Absolutely. Floor staining lets you go lighter, darker, richer, or more modern.