Updated 6 November 2026
The short answer
Refinishing cost is driven by how much floor there is, how much work it takes to get it to clean wood, whether colour is involved, how many coats of finish go down, and how easy the space is to work in. Floor condition may need assessment to confirm scope and pricing.
Factors that change the scope
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Floor area and layout | More square footage means more time, but many small rooms, closets and hallways add edge work. |
| Existing finish | Thick old coatings, wax or previous recoats take longer to remove. |
| Condition | Deep scratches, dents and uneven boards need more aggressive sanding and more passes. |
| Species and board type | Dense woods and engineered floors with thin wear layers need a more careful approach. |
| Stain | Adds sample testing, application, drying time and finer sanding beforehand. |
| Finish system and coats | Different finishes and more coats change material and labour time. |
| Preparation and access | Furniture still in rooms, stairs to carry equipment, parking and condo rules affect the day. |
| Repairs | Loose boards or protruding fasteners need assessment before sanding and may affect the scope. |
Refinish, recoat or replace?
| Option | Best when | Relative cost and disruption |
|---|---|---|
| Full refinishing | Wear goes through the finish into the wood, or you want a colour change. | Moderate; several days with rooms out of use. |
| Recoating | The finish is dull or lightly scuffed but intact, with no bare wood showing. | Often lower with shorter disruption; colour options depend on a compatible coating system. |
| Replacement | Boards are too thin to sand, structurally damaged, or water-damaged. | Highest; removal and new material. |
Recoating is explained in our refinishing vs recoating guide for comparison; HFR Ottawa's services are refinishing, sanding and staining.
Estimate checklist
A useful written estimate should tell you:
- Which rooms and areas are included, and which aren't (closets, landings, under built-ins).
- Whether the floor will be sanded to bare wood.
- Whether stain is included, and how samples are handled.
- The type of finish and the number of coats.
- Who moves furniture, and what preparation you're expected to do.
- What happens if hidden problems appear once sanding starts.
- Guidance on light use versus full cure, so you can plan furniture and rugs.
Ways to keep the project efficient
- Empty the rooms before the start date.
- Group connected rooms into one project so finish lines fall at sensible thresholds.
- Decide on colour ahead of time, then confirm with samples on the day.
- Lift rugs beforehand so hidden areas can be assessed honestly.
Next step
Send the rooms, approximate size and any concerns through the estimate form. Floor condition may need assessment to confirm scope and pricing. Our preparation guide explains what to sort out in the meantime.