Timber floors have a natural charm, adding special warmth and feel to any space.
However, they also have unique maintenance needs and are prone to wear and tear. As a natural product, timber is susceptible to scratches and visible signs of damage caused by regular use and foot traffic. As time passes, the floor’s finish may lose its shine, so you must decide how to proceed with your flooring.
Fortunately, the solution is not replacing your entire floors. Instead, floor sanding and refinishing is a cost-effective way to refinish your flooring. This is also an advantage of natural timber over composites, which are often laminated and can’t be refinished.
Now, you might be thinking about the process of timber floor sanding, right? It’s actually a very simple and efficient process to bring back the shine of your hardwood floors. You can do it on your own or hire floorboard sanding Melbourne professionals as well.
But before making any decision, you must know some basics and the average cost of sanding floorboards. So, let’s take a closer look at the factors affecting floor sanding costs and average price range.
How Much Does DIY Floor Sanding Cost?
If you want to do floor sanding yourself, it will save you a lot of money. But first, you must know the ins and outs of the process. You can refer to our guide to floor sanding techniques to ensure professional results for your floors.
To begin the process, you will need to hire a floor sander machine. It might cost you $70 to $120 for 24 hours (based on location and the type of machine). Moreover, you must buy sealers and finishes for your timber floors. It will cost you anywhere between $15 to $25 per square meter.
While the DIY option is cost-effective, it is not as easy as you might think. Sanding floors with all hard-to-reach corners and baseboards will cause much difficulty. It will be a dusty and time-consuming process. Additionally, any mistake or error in the process will be even more costly. That’s why people often rely on floor sanding professionals to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Which Factors Affect Professional Floorboard Sanding Costs?
Okay, so now you might want to hire experts in floor sanding. But before you start researching floorboard sanding Melbourne companies, consider the factors that can affect your overall price quotes:
1. Timber Type
When it comes to timber floor refinishing, one size certainly does not fit all. Various types of timber demand different treatment methods. So, your floorboard sanding cost might go up or down based on your floor type.
Floating timber floors need different processes, along with specialised equipment, grit papers, and accurate pressure. Parquetry flooring, which is often arranged in patterns, requires a gentle approach to avoid over-sanding.
It’s important to carefully monitor the floors during the sanding process, as over sanding can compromise their shine. Remember, most boards are sanded multiple times before replacement, so minimal sanding is better than over sanding your floors.
2. Essential Equipment
The choice of equipment not only impacts the overall cost of the project but also influences the labour required. Various tools, such as traditional belt or drum sanders, edgers, and buffing machines have different uses.
Additionally, equipment like palm sanders and moisture meters are helpful to ensure the task is executed effectively.
3. Flooring Condition
The amount of wear and tear on your floors heavily influences the sanding process. Floors with severe scratches, dents, or damage need extensive sanding to achieve a smooth and uniform surface.
Ultimately, this prolongs the duration of the refinishing and increases its overall cost.
4. Surface Area
The size of the flooring area directly impacts the time and resources required for refinishing. A typical square or rectangular room without complex details will naturally require less time compared to one with numerous nooks and crannies. Additionally, larger spaces will cost you more, typically estimated on a per-square-meter basis.
If you are considering floorboard sanding for multiple rooms simultaneously, you can ask for discounts from service providers.
Average Cost of Floor Sanding
After going through these floorboard sanding cost considerations, you might already know that the actual cost of sanding your floors can be calculated only after a professional inspection.
You should approach multiple floor sanding professionals and ask for price quotes to find the most affordable one. But here we are mentioning some standard costs of floor sanding to help you in budgeting for the project:
Service | Average Cost |
Floor sanding (solvent-based polyurethane) | $40-$60 per square meter |
Floor sanding (water-based polyurethane) | $50-$70 per square meter |
Floor sanding (tang oil or modified oil) | $50-$70 per square meter |
Floor lime wash | $60-$75 per square meter |
These all are average prices charged by different service providers. The actual price can vary depending on your location, floor condition, and other needs.
What to Ask Your Ideal Floor Sanding Professional?
Now you might have calculated your estimated floor sanding cost; you must start researching for different floor sanders available in your area. Of course, you want to hire an experienced professional you can rely on.
To ensure you hire the right person, ask these questions along with the pricing details:
- How much experience do you have in floor sanding?
- Can you provide me with a written price quote?
- What measures do you take to ensure proper ventilation and thorough cleanup?
- Do you provide comprehensive services, including sealing and staining?
- What is the estimated duration for completing my project?
- Will I need to vacate my residence during work?
- Can you share some customer references with me?
Floor Sanding FAQs
Is floor sanding costlier for old or damaged floors?
The floor sanding cost for old or damaged floors can vary based on the damage and flooring type. Generally, extensive repairs may increase the overall cost compared to sanding newer floors.
How much does it cost to have a floor professionally sanded?
For a professionally sanded floor, you can expect the price to be between $40 and $65 with a polyurethane finish.
How long will it take to sand a floor?
Most floor sanding companies take one to three days to complete the project. However, it can vary depending on the floor type and size.
Conclusion
Sanding your timber floors can provide them with a new life. When considering a floor sanding project, having basic knowledge of the process and an understanding of standard costs will help you save money.
The best way to have your floors sanded is by consulting floorboard sanding Melbourne professionals. They can utilise their years of experience and vast knowledge to increase the value of your home aesthetics.
If you are looking for experts in floor sanding, Prestige Floors is your go-to option. We offer exceptional floor sanding and polishing services to make your floors look as good as new. Whether you need help with residential or commercial flooring, we assure you that we will achieve your desired results. Reach out to us today and ensure the best choice for your floors!