Years after installing your timber floors, you might notice that they don’t look as good as they once did. The good news is that floor sanding can restore the brand-new quality of your timber flooring. If your timber floors are starting to look old and scratched, and you’re looking to restore their condition in Sydney, here’s how much it costs and the factors that affect your contractor’s floor sanding quote.
How Much Does Floor Sanding Cost?
You can expect to spend around $20 to $90 +GST per square meter for floor sanding services in Sydney. The cost of floor sanding depends on a number of factors such as:
- The size of the area
- The prep work and clearing needed
- The current condition of your flooring
- The type of timber you have
- The type of sealer and coating that you want
Let’s break down how these factors affect the cost of floor sanding.
1. Size of the Area
The cost of floor sanding depends on the total floor area of your timber flooring. The larger the surface area, the lower the cost per square meter. However, if you have several small rooms and partitions, the job becomes more complex, and thus more expensive. Here’s a rough breakdown of the cost for different floor sizes:
| Floor Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 25 square meters | $1,100 – $2,250 +GST |
| 50 square meters | $1,100 – $4,500 +GST |
| 100 square meters | $2,000 – $9,000 +GST |
| 200 square meters | $4,000 – $18,000 +GST |
2. Preparation Work and Clearing
One way to save on costs is to do the prep work yourself. Preparation work generally takes 1 to 2 hours and is typically charged as labor. If you don’t mind moving furniture, clearing the area, and cleaning, you can cut this cost from your total bill. You should also remove carpets and other flooring materials, as well as any art pieces hanging on walls to avoid dust damage.
3. Condition of Your Flooring
Expect the price to be higher if your floors are in poor condition and require more intensive preparation. Floors with heavy wear will need more passes to remove the damage completely. For heavily worn floors, expect sanding to start at around $40 per square meter. In some cases, floorboards may need to be completely removed and replaced, which will incur extra costs.
4. The Type of Timber
The type of timber you have also influences the cost. Solid hardwood is easier to sand, while engineered hardwood requires more care. Engineered hardwood consists of a thin veneer laminated over a less expensive material, so we need to avoid sanding through the core of your flooring.
- Solid hardwood typically costs $20 to $30 per square meter for sanding, excluding sealer or finish.
- Engineered hardwood ranges from $25 to $35 per square meter, also excluding sealer or finish.
5. Sealer Type and Coating
The type of sealer you choose can also affect the pricing. There are various finishing options to choose from, including water-based polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane, wax, acid-cured finishes, and more. Here’s a quick look at some typical options:
- Polyurethane finish ($40 to $50 per square meter): The most common option, offering durability, moisture resistance, and easy maintenance. Water-based polyurethane is more expensive than oil-based but dries faster and emits fewer fumes.
- Acid-cured finish ($50 to $60 per square meter): A high-quality, durable finish that highlights the beauty of exotic hardwood floors.
Can I Leave My Hardwood Floors Unfinished to Save Costs?
Technically, you could, but we highly advise against it. Unfinished floors are not practical—they’re difficult to clean and maintain, and they lack protection from the elements. Stains can penetrate the timber, leading to irreversible damage. Leaving your floors unfinished will significantly reduce their lifespan.
Average Costs of Floor Sanding
So, how much should you expect to pay for sanding your timber floors? Here’s a rough estimate for various floor sizes:
| Size of Floor | Finish | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq.m | Wax | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| 50 sq.m | Polyurethane | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| 50 sq.m | Acid-Cured | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| 100 sq.m | Wax | $5,000 – $6,000 |
| 100 sq.m | Polyurethane | $5,000 – $6,000 |
| 100 sq.m | Acid-Cured | $5,000 – $6,000 |
These are basic estimates for sanding floors in good condition. The price will be higher if your floors are heavily damaged.
Is the Cost of Floor Sanding Worth It?
Think of floor sanding not as a sunk cost but as an investment. The benefits of floor sanding are significant and last for years.
The greatest benefit is that it restores the aesthetic of your floors, bringing back the look of brand-new timber. It removes scratches, stains, and other marks and helps even out uneven surfaces. The type of finish you choose can also add warmth and brightness to your home.
Floor sanding also helps reduce allergens in your home, as it removes dust, pollen, and other debris trapped in the wood. Sanded and finished floors are also easier to clean and maintain.
If you’re considering selling your property, floor sanding can boost your home’s value without costing a fortune.
How Long Does the Effect of Floor Sanding Last?
On average, you only need to sand your hardwood every 5 to 10 years. With good maintenance, you can extend the life of your timber floors significantly. While floor sanding may cost you around $3,000 to $6,000, or more, it’s a wise investment when you consider how long the results will last.
How Do I Save on Floor Sanding Costs?
To save on costs, take good care of your floors. A little maintenance goes a long way:
- Avoid water exposure and clean up spills quickly.
- Sweep or dust daily and mop at least weekly.
- Use furniture pads and rugs to protect your floors from scratches.
- Contact timber experts every few years to service, recoat, and restore your floors when necessary.
Sanding vs. Recoating – What’s the Difference?
Recoating is the process of refreshing the top layer of your floor finish to restore its shine. Recoating is quick, affordable (starting at $20 to $35 per square meter), and improves the appearance of the floor, but it won’t address deeper damage like sanding can.
If your floors have deeper damage such as scratches, nicks, or dents, sanding is the better choice.
Is Floor Sanding Right for Me?
Floor sanding is a great solution for restoring old floors, but it has its limits. If your floors are severely damaged, warped, or rotten, sanding might not help much. Additionally, there’s a limit to how many times you can sand a floor before it becomes too thin to work with.
If you’re unsure, talk to a professional to determine if your floors are candidates for sanding or if it’s time to replace them with new flooring. Keep in mind that installing new floors can be more expensive, ranging from $250 to $600 per square meter, depending on the type of flooring and the extent of the work needed.
How Long Does It Take to Sand a Floor?
It generally takes 3 to 5 days to professionally sand a floor, depending on the total area. If you’re doing it yourself, expect it to take 1 to 2 weeks. Other factors that can affect the timing include:
- Uneven floors
- The number of rooms
- The type of wood
- The existing finish to be removed
Can I Stay at My Home While You Work?
Whether you can stay at home during floor sanding depends on the type of finish used and whether the work area can be isolated. Water-based polyurethane finishes have low VOCs and odors, so you can stay in other areas of your home while the work is being done. For oil-based finishes, you may need to stay in a separate, well-ventilated area.
How Soon Can I Move Back After Sanding?
It’s best to wait a couple of days before moving furniture back into a newly sanded area, allowing the finish to fully dry and the fumes to dissipate. We’ll provide you with aftercare tips to help preserve your newly sanded floors.
What Can I Expect After a Professional Sanding?
After a professional sanding, you can expect a top-notch job that will improve the look, feel, and value of your timber floors. Sydney Floor Sanders is an accredited member of the Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), ensuring you get the highest quality results.