Flooring
Hardwood floor refinishing (400 sq ft): what it costs in Massachusetts
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts and materials | $250 | $700 |
| Labor: 20 to 40 hours × $115 to $160 an hour | $2,300 | $6,400 |
| Fees: disposal, permits, supplies | $100 | $400 |
| Total, rounded | $2,650 | $7,500 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $44.01 an hour, times 2.6 to 3.6 to cover what a contractor bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Materials are a band from basic to high-end. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your home, materials and contractor change the number.
Sand and refinish existing hardwood floors with new stain and finish. Hours are total labor.
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What is usually included
- Sanding with drum and edge sanders
- Stain if chosen
- Two or three coats of polyurethane
- Dust containment
- Furniture moving by agreement
What moves the price
- Floor condition and deep scratches
- Stain color changes
- Waterborne vs oil finish
- Stairs add cost
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Is dust-free sanding used?
- How many coats of finish?
- Who moves furniture?
- How long until we can walk on it?
Can you do it yourself?
Not recommended as a first DIY. Sanders gouge floors easily.
Common questions
How long is the floor out of use?
Plan on 3 to 5 days for sanding, stain and finish drying. Light foot traffic in socks is often fine after about 24 to 48 hours for water-based finish.
How many times can a floor be sanded?
A solid hardwood floor can usually be sanded 4 to 6 times over its life. Thin engineered boards may allow only one or two light sandings.
Do screen and recoat work?
Yes, if the finish is worn but the wood is not scratched through. A screen and recoat costs less and takes about a day.
How much does hardwood floor refinishing (400 sq ft) cost in Massachusetts?
A typical range is $2,650 to $7,500. It is an estimate built from labor wages and material prices, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $2,650 to $7,500 |
| New York City area | $2,250 to $6,300 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $2,050 to $5,900 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $2,250 to $6,300 |
| Houston area, Texas | $1,450 to $4,100 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $1,550 to $4,300 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $1,550 to $4,300 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $1,650 to $4,500 |
| Miami area, Florida | $1,850 to $5,300 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $1,950 to $5,700 |