What's a realistic budget to refinish around 800 sqft of hardwood?
What's a realistic budget to refinish around 800 sqft of hardwood?
For 800 square feet of hardwood refinishing in Ottawa, expect to budget $2,400 to $4,800 for professional work, with most homeowners spending around $3,200 for a standard sand and refinish job.
The cost breakdown depends on your specific needs. Basic sand and refinish runs $3-6 per square foot, so your 800 sq ft project would cost $2,400-4,800. If you're keeping the existing stain color and the floors are in decent condition, you'll be on the lower end. Stain color changes add $1-2 per square foot since they require additional steps and materials, bringing your total to $3,200-5,600.
Several factors affect your final cost in the Ottawa market. The current condition of your floors matters significantly - floors with deep scratches, pet stains, or multiple previous refinishes require more aggressive sanding and potentially board replacement at $15-30 per board. The type of finish you choose also impacts cost, with water-based polyurethane typically costing more upfront than oil-based but offering faster cure times and lower odor.
Consider the value of dustless sanding systems that many Ottawa contractors now use. While this might add 10-15% to your cost, it dramatically reduces cleanup time and dust throughout your home. Most professional refinishing jobs take 3-5 days including cure time, during which you'll need to stay off the floors.
Get multiple quotes from licensed flooring contractors to compare pricing and approaches. The investment is worthwhile - properly refinished hardwood can last 7-10 years before needing attention again and significantly increases your home's value. For a detailed estimate based on your floor's specific condition and your finish preferences, request a consultation from Ottawa Floor Install.
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This response was generated by Flooring IQ, an AI assistant. While we base our answers on industry standards and local Ottawa/Ontario requirements, please verify all current regulations, codes, and requirements from their respective sources:
- Permit requirements: City of Ottawa Building Services
- Ontario Building Code: ontario.ca
- Building permits: Ontario Building Code
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