Floor Sanding & finishing services

How much does it cost to get your floors sanded & finished?

The cost of sanding and finishing floors depends on various factors including the type of flooring, the floor’s condition, the area’s size, and the specific treatments or finishes chosen. Below is a detailed breakdown of potential costs involved in floor sanding and finishing projects:

Cost Components

1. Carpet Removal: Removing old carpeting is typically the first step if applicable. The cost ranges from £6 to £13 per square metre, depending on the complexity and disposal requirements. If removing carpet from an entire room, costs can range from £85 to £200.
2. Floor Sanding and Refinishing: This is the core of the project. Sanding removes the old finish and smooths the wood surface, preparing it for finishing. Costs for sanding and refinishing are typically between £40 and £65 per square metre. This price can vary based on the type of wood, the amount of wear and tear, and the desired finish quality.
3. Stair Sanding: Stairs require detailed, often hand-done work, making them more expensive to sand and refinish than flat areas. Per step, the cost is about £40 to £65.
4. Floor Staining: Staining the floor to achieve a particular colour or tone typically costs between £11 and £20 per square metre. The cost can vary based on the type of stain, number of coats, and the floor’s absorbency.
5. Restoration Labour: Labor costs for general restoration work range from £30 to £50 per hour. This includes repairs to damaged floorboards, filling gaps, and other preparatory work before sanding and finishing.

Additional Considerations

• Type of Finish: The choice of finish (e.g., oil-based vs. water-based polyurethane) can affect both the cost and the drying time. Some finishes, like UV-cured coatings, may cost more upfront but offer quicker drying times and longer durability.
• Size and Layout of the Area: Larger areas generally reduce the cost per square metre due to economies of scale, whereas smaller spaces or those with complex layouts might incur higher costs per unit area due to more intricate labour requirements.
• Geographical Location: Labour and material costs can vary significantly depending on where you live. Urban areas typically have higher rates than rural areas.
• Condition of the Floor: Floors that require extensive repair work or have significant damage will cost more to sand and finish. The initial state of the floor can add considerable time and materials to the project.

How do experts finish a floor?

Experts in floor finishing employ a variety of methods and materials to achieve a durable and visually appealing surface. The specific techniques used can vary depending on the type of flooring material and the desired outcome. Here’s a closer look at how professionals handle different types of floor finishes:

Wood Floor Finishing

1. Sanding: The first step in finishing a wood floor is thorough sanding to remove old finishes and smooth out the surface. This is done using progressively finer grits of sandpaper to ensure a uniformly smooth base.
2. Staining: If a colour change is desired, staining is the next step. Wood stains penetrate the surface, providing rich colours that enhance the natural wood grain. Stains are available in a wide range of shades, allowing customization according to decor preferences.
3. Sealing: Sealing the wood is crucial to protect it from moisture and wear. Sealers such as polyurethane, varnish, or oil are applied. These can be either water-based or oil-based, each offering different benefits in terms of durability, drying time, and aesthetic.
4. Finishing Touches: Experts may apply multiple coats of finish, with light sanding in between, to build a hard-wearing surface. They may also use techniques like buffing and polishing to achieve a high-gloss finish, or they might choose a matte or satin finish for a subtler look.

Concrete Floor Finishing

1. Cleaning and Repairing: Concrete floors must be thoroughly cleaned and any cracks or irregularities repaired before finishing can begin.
2. Polishing: Concrete polishing is a popular finishing method that involves grinding the concrete with progressively finer grinding tools to achieve a smooth, glass-like finish.
3. Sealing: Like wood, concrete also needs to be sealed to protect against moisture and stains. Epoxy, acrylic, and polyurethane sealers are commonly used for their durability and moisture resistance.
4. Staining or Dyeing: Concrete floors can also be stained or dyed to introduce colour and depth. This can be particularly effective in commercial settings or modern homes looking for a unique or artistic effect.

Other Floor Types

• Vinyl and Linoleum: These materials often require sealing and may benefit from polishing to maintain their look and feel. Specialised products are used to ensure compatibility with the material.
• Tile: Finishing tiled floors typically involves applying grout between the tiles, sealing the grout to prevent staining and moisture penetration, and applying a tile sealer to enhance durability and appearance.
• Terrazzo: This composite material is polished in a manner similar to concrete to reveal the beauty of the chips embedded in the matrix. Sealing is also a critical step to protect the porous material from stains and wear.

How do I know if the job has been done well?

• Uniformity: The floor should have a uniform appearance without patchy areas, especially in the finish or stain. The colour should be consistent across the entire floor.
• Smoothness: Run your hand over the surface; it should feel smooth with no rough patches or ridges. Sanding should be thorough, leaving no signs of old finishes or uneven textures.
• Clean Edges: Check along the edges and corners of the room. These areas should be as neatly finished as the centre of the floor, indicating careful and comprehensive work.

• No Creaking or Movement: Walk over the floor and listen for any noises. A well-finished floor should not creak excessively, which can indicate improperly secured floorboards or insufficient sanding.
• Stability: The floor should feel stable underfoot. Any movement or buckling might suggest issues with the subfloor that weren’t addressed during the preparation or finishing stages.

• No Immediate Signs of Wear: In the weeks following the job, the finish should hold up under normal use. High-quality finishes are durable and should protect the wood without peeling, cracking, or scratching easily.
• Correct Finish Application: The type of finish and the method of application should match what was agreed upon. For example, if a water-based polyurethane was requested due to its quick drying time and less toxic nature, the characteristics should align with those expectations.

At Rated People, we encourage previous homeowners to always review any finished job, which means you can check through and find the perfect tradesperson for you. Plus, if you’re still wondering what kinds of questions to ask, you can read through our local floor fitter page.

Other floor sanding & finishing FAQs

Can you walk on floors after sanding?

It is generally advised to wait until the finish has fully dried, which can take several hours to a couple of days depending on the type of finish used.

Can you sand a floor in a day?

Smaller floor areas can be sanded in a day, but larger projects or multiple rooms might require more time.

How long does floor finish last?

With proper care and maintenance, a good quality floor finish can last several years. The lifespan varies widely based on traffic, usage, and the type of finish applied.

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