Refinishing is almost always the better value — if your floors are structurally sound. A full refinish costs $5–$7 per sq ft vs $10–$18 per sq ft for replacement. The only reason to replace is when the wood itself is damaged beyond what sanding can fix. Most floors we see that homeowners assume need replacing can be refinished.
Walk your floors and check off what applies. This determines which path makes sense.
Typical cost in Central FL:
$5–$7 / sq ft
Full sand, stain (optional), 3 coats of finish
Typical cost in Central FL:
$10–$18 / sq ft
New hardwood installation, material + labor
| Option | 500 sq ft | 1,000 sq ft | 1,500 sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buff & Coat (light refresh) | $500–$900 | $900–$1,600 | $1,300–$2,200 |
| Full Refinishing (sand + finish) | $1,500–$3,000 | $5,000–$7,000 | $4,500–$9,000 |
| Hardwood Replacement | $5,000–$9,000 | $10,000–$18,000 | $15,000–$27,000 |
| LVP Installation (alternative) | $2,500–$4,500 | $5,000–$9,000 | $7,500–$13,500 |
Estimates for Central Florida. Actual pricing depends on floor condition, species, stain choice, and subfloor work required. Free written estimates available.
Florida's high humidity causes hardwood to expand in summer and contract in winter when AC runs constantly. Minor seasonal gapping is normal and not a reason to replace. Major, persistent gaps (especially combined with cupping) can indicate a moisture problem that needs to be resolved before any refinishing work begins.
Bouncing, squeaking, or soft spots may not be the hardwood's fault at all — the subfloor beneath could be damaged. Before deciding to replace hardwood, we check whether the issue is in the floor itself or in the subfloor. Subfloor repair + refinishing is often cheaper than full floor replacement. We handle both.
Florida storms and AC condensation line failures are common causes of water damage to hardwood. Surface staining from water can often be sanded out. Deep water damage — where boards are warped, cupped, or the subfloor is compromised — typically requires replacement of affected boards or sections, not the entire floor. We replace only what needs replacing.
The key is wood thickness. Most solid hardwood (3/4") can be refinished 3–5 times over its life. Surface scratches and dull finish are good candidates. Structural issues — rotting, warping, or thin boards — are not. We check thickness and condition during a free estimate.
Yes, but fewer times. Most engineered floors have a 2–6mm hardwood veneer. Thin veneer (under 2mm) may only be safely sanded once. Thicker veneer (4–6mm) can handle 2–3 refinishes. We assess this during your free estimate.
Partial replacement is often possible — we replace damaged boards and blend them into the existing floor. This is significantly cheaper than full replacement and looks seamless when done correctly. Refinishing the whole floor after board replacement ensures a consistent finish.
Refinishing takes 3–5 days. Full floor replacement typically takes 5–10 days including subfloor prep, installation, and acclimation time. Refinishing also has a lower disruption factor — you're living with the existing floor, not a full demo and re-install.
Almost always yes. Refinished hardwood floors are a strong selling point in Central Florida. The cost of refinishing ($5–$7/sqft) typically adds more perceived value than it costs, especially compared to buyers negotiating for new floors. We've refinished floors the week before listing — it's one of the best pre-sale investments you can make.
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