How much does floor polishing cost?

Floor resurfacing and polishing can make your home look and feel like new. If you are selling your home, it can add value because it gives the impression that the house is well-maintained. The typical cost to refinish hardwood floors can be anywhere from $25 to $50 per m2. 

The price per square metre takes into account labour. That is the most significant expense in the process and has the biggest impact on the final cost of the project. Labour rates differ by state. Here are a few examples of the average labour costs per hour in various Australian states. 

State	Average cost per m2
NSW	$30 – $35
VIC	$20 – $25
QLD	$25 – $30
WA	$25 – $30
SA	$20 – $25

Hardwood floors add character and personality to any home. Whether you have a new home or an older one, the grain and texture of hardwood floors add charm and character. Hardwood floors need to be maintained to keep them looking their best. Here are a few of the advantages of having the hardwood floors in your home refinished. 

Renews scratched and worn out floors

If you have pets or children, the floors are likely to take some damage. Repolishing them can make your home look like new again. 

Brightens dull and stained floors

Many people are amazed at how much beautifully polished floors brighten the room. The floor reflects the light and can make the room look more open and airy. 

Removes odours

If you have pet accidents or spills on the floor that cause odours, resurfacing the floors might be the only way to remove them for good. In this case, sanding and resealing might be needed. 

Adds value to the home

If you are selling your home, polishing or resurfacing the hardwood floors helps to bring out the best features of the home. It also makes it look like the home has been loved and cared for over the years.

Several factors affect the cost of restoring your hardwood floors. Here are a few of them. 

Floor polishing cost

On the low end, the cost to buff hardwood floors is around $25 per square metre, but it might cost up to $30 per square metre in an older, historic home. 

Floor sanding cost

The cost of hiring a floor sander can add $8 to $12 to the cost of just polishing the floor. The same goes for using a 909 thicknesser to ensure consistent floorboard thickness.

Services needed

The cut and buff cost, sanding, staining, and refinishing beyond polishing also add to the base price of resurfacing your floors. 

Type of floor/wood

The type of wood will also affect the cost of floor resurfacing. Harder woods, like Jarrah, will cost more to refinish than softer woods like cypress because of the extra work involved in sanding. 

Size of area

Floor refinishing is charged by the square metre, so this is a significant factor in the cost. 

Type of finish

The type of stain or varnish that you choose will also affect the cost. Some common options are Polycure coatings and Feast Watson Liming White stains.

You have several options when it comes to the final product you use to refinish the floor. Varnishes like Estapol have advantages and disadvantages, and they will affect the final wooden floor polish price.

Solvent-based polyurethane

This option forms a tough coating that is resistant to scratches and spills in the future. These are often the most expensive option per square metre of coverage, but they will last the longest, with most lasting up to 10 to 15 years. 

Water-based polyurethane

Many people choose this option because it does not emit odours and potentially toxic fumes. This is the moderately priced option, but it will need redoing about every 7 to 8 years. 

Oil-based varnishes

Oils take longer to dry, but many people choose them because they have a traditional look. Older oils are not as durable as modern products. Generally, they need redoing every 2 to 3 years in high-traffic areas.

Timber oil is an effective way to restore and preserve wooden surfaces, such as furniture, decks, and floors. With products like Feast Watson traditional timber oil receiving rave reviews, timber oil has become a popular choice for homeowners looking to enhance the natural beauty of their wooden surfaces.

Enriching timber oil penetrates the wood, rejuvenating it, and protecting it from the elements. It can be used to restore older, weathered, or damaged pieces or to fortify new wood against weathering. Timber oil helps improve the quality of the wood, giving it a vibrant finish, and increasing its longevity. Timber oil is an excellent solution for anyone looking to preserve and beautify their wooden surfaces for years to come.

How to create an accurate estimate 

There are several things that you can do to help your floor polisher give you an accurate estimate. 

• Know the size of the area to be polished or resurfaced 
• Know the type of wood
• Know the condition of the floor 

Licencing and qualifications

Floor polishers and refinishers do not need to have any additional licences, other than those needed to operate a business. However, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that you hire the best person for the job. 

• Check reviews. 
• Call around and get at least three estimates. 
• Ask for before and after pictures. 

The cost of having hardwood floors refinished can be expensive, but it can add beauty and value to your home. Here are a few tips to help you save on the cost. 

• Compare estimates for different installers. 
• Compare the costs of your chosen sealers. 
• Remove any nails or other items that might tear the belts before they arrive. 

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources