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Refinishing hardwood floors costs between $3 and $8 per square foot. Replacing them? That jumps to $6 to $18 per square foot—sometimes more.
If your hardwood floors look tired, scratched, and dull, you have a choice to make. Should you sand them down and add a fresh finish? Or pull them up and start over with new flooring?
This guide breaks down the real costs of both options. We'll explain when each makes sense for Spokane homeowners looking for a trusted flooring store in Spokane to help. You'll find average prices, the factors that change your final cost, and a simple checklist to help you decide.
We'll also show you how to get a free assessment from our local team at Profloors & Blinds.
Yes, refinishing is almost always cheaper. Refinishing hardwood floors costs $3 to $8 per square foot on average. Replacing hardwood floors costs $6 to $18 per square foot, including materials and labor.
For a 500 square foot room, refinishing runs about $1,500 to $4,000. Replacement runs $3,000 to $9,000 or more.
Refinishing works best when floors are structurally sound with only surface damage. Replace when boards are warped, water-damaged, or too thin to sand again.
Refinishing hardwood floors costs $3 to $8 per square foot on average. In our experience, most Spokane refinishing jobs fall in the $4 to $6 range for standard hardwood.
Refinishing includes sanding down the old finish, applying stain if you want a color change, and sealing the wood with a protective coat.
A few things can push your price toward the higher end:
You can rent a floor sander and do this yourself. DIY saves money, but it's easy to damage your floors if you sand unevenly or miss spots. Professionals finish faster and get a smoother result.
Most refinishing jobs take 2 to 5 days depending on room size. You'll need to stay off the floors while the finish cures.
200 sq ft
500 sq ft
1,000 sq ft
Replacing hardwood floors costs $6 to $18 per square foot, including materials and labor. The final price depends on the type of flooring you choose.
Replacement includes tearing out your old floors, preparing the subfloor, installing new flooring, and adding finishing touches like baseboards and transitions.
When you replace floors, the work covers more than just laying new boards:
A few extras can add to your budget:
Most replacement jobs take 3 to 7 days for a typical room. Larger projects that include tear-out, subfloor prep, and acclimation may take up to 10 days.
Laminate
Engineered Hardwood
Solid Hardwood
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
If you're leaning toward replacement, explore our wood and laminate flooring options to compare styles and prices.
Prices for both options can shift based on your specific situation. Here's what drives the numbers up or down.
Surface scratches and a dull finish are easy fixes with refinishing. Deep gouges, cracks, or structural damage usually mean replacement is the better choice.
Hardwood floors can only be sanded so many times. If your floors have been refinished several times before, the wood may be too thin to sand again. At that point, replacement is your only option.
Larger rooms cost more overall, but the price per square foot often drops. Small rooms or spaces with odd angles, closets, and tight corners take more time and cost more per square foot.
Spokane labor rates tend to run slightly lower than national averages. This can make both refinishing and replacement more affordable compared to larger metro areas.
If you're replacing floors, your material pick changes the price a lot. Budget laminate costs far less than premium solid hardwood. The gap between low-end and high-end options can be $10 or more per square foot.
We often see homeowners surprised by subfloor damage once old flooring comes up. Always budget a 10 to 15 percent buffer for unexpected repairs.
Not sure which path is right for you? Here's a quick way to decide based on your floor's condition and your goals.
Solid hardwood floors can be refinished 4 to 6 times over their lifespan. If you don't know your floor's history, a professional can measure the wood thickness and tell you if refinishing is still an option. According to the National Wood Flooring Association, the thickness of the wear layer is the primary factor in determining how many times a floor can be sanded.
Refinishing lets you change the color of your floors with a new stain. But if you want a totally different look—like going from traditional oak to modern luxury vinyl—replacement is the way to go.
Our flooring visualizer takes out the guesswork. You can see your space changed right away.
Upload a photo of your room. Pick a product from our collection. Watch what happens instantly. The realistic picture shows you exactly how different floors will look in your actual space.
Step 1: Upload your photo. | Step 2: Pick a product. | Step 3: See the change right away!
Use the visualizer to pick your favorites online. Then ask for those specific samples to test in person. This gives you both online ease and hands-on proof.
Try the Pro Floors and Blinds Flooring Visualizer today!
Photos can help, but they don't tell the whole story. An in-person assessment catches things you might miss—like subfloor damage, wood thickness, or hidden water stains under furniture.
One of our flooring experts will visit your home and look at your floors up close. We'll check the condition of the wood, measure the space, and talk through your options. You'll get an honest recommendation on whether refinishing or replacement makes the most sense for your situation and budget.
A little prep helps us give you the most accurate estimate:
Ultimately, the choice between refinishing and replacing comes down to your floor’s condition, your style goals, and your budget. Refinishing offers a cost-effective way to restore beauty when the wood is still sound, while replacement delivers a fresh start when damage or design changes call for something new.
At Profloors & Blinds, our Spokane team is here to guide you through the decision with honest advice, hands-on assessments, and a wide selection of flooring options. Whether you’re refreshing what you have or starting over, we’ll help you achieve a result that looks stunning and lasts for years to come.
Visit our Spokane showroom at 6018 E Broadway Ave Suite #1, or contact us and schedule a consultation.
Let one of our experts help you find the perfect floor!
Spokane - 6018 E Broadway Ave Suite #1
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