01
Moisture
We read moisture before sanding. Boards cupped from humidity need the cause fixed and time to dry; sand them too soon and they crown later.
No. 06 · Sample board
Floor refinishing
Sand, repair and refinish the hardwood you already have, often for about a third of the price of new floors.
$4–$7 per sq ft, installed
What the price is made of
Material and labour per square foot of floor, the same split you'll see on our written quote. Waste is added to the material you order, not to the labour.
- Material
- $0.75–$1.25
- per sq ft ordered
- Labour
- $3.25–$5.75
- per sq ft of floor
- Installed
- $4–$7
- per sq ft, before prep
Worked example: a 12 x 15 ft room
- Floor area: 12 ft x 15 ft 180 sq ft
- Material to order: none, we finish your floor 180 sq ft
- Material: 180 x $0.75 to $1.25 $140–$230
- Labour: 180 x $3.25 to $5.75 $590–$1,040
- Before prep and removal $730–$1,270
Line totals rounded to the nearest $10. HST extra.
About waste No waste: we finish the floor you have. Finish and stain are the material line.
Stairs $50 to $90 per step, depending on nosing, open sides and landings.
What's not in the number yet Removing the old floor, levelling and any subfloor repairs. They're separate lines, and the estimate tool adds them.
Run your own roomsHow we install it
Our approach to refinishing
Many Kingston homes have good oak or pine under a tired finish, and sometimes under old carpet. A full refinish sands the floor back to bare wood, repairs damaged boards, and builds a new finish in three coats. If the floor is only dull and not worn through, a screen-and-recoat is a much cheaper fix, and we will suggest it first.
A good choice for
- Solid hardwood with enough wood left above the tongue (we check at a floor vent)
- Engineered floors with a 3 mm or thicker wear layer (one light sanding)
- Changing colour: stain samples go on your own floor first
Think twice for
- Engineered floors with a thin veneer, which can't be sanded
- Boards with deep black pet stains (they usually need replacing)
- If you can't stay off the floor for two to four days
Honest prep notes
The three things that decide whether refinishing lasts. We check each one at the free measure and write what we find on your quote.
Read the full prep guide02
Subfloor
Loose and squeaky boards are fastened before sanding. Gaps are filled where filler will hold, and left alone where it would only crack out by spring.
03
Acclimation
The floor doesn't need to acclimate, but finish needs the house between 18 and 24°C with windows closed. It keeps curing for weeks: rugs go back after two to three.
Every refinishing quote includes
- Dust-contained sanding with HEPA vacuums attached to the sanders
- Up to 10 damaged boards replaced or woven in
- Stain samples laid on your floor before you choose
- Three coats of finish, buffed between coats
- Care kit and a written care sheet
What we carry
- Screen and recoat
- From $1.75 to $2.50 per sq ft. Scuffs off the top coat and adds a fresh one; no colour change.
- Full sand, water-based finish
- Clear, low odour, dries fast. Our default.
- Full sand, stain colour change
- From natural to dark walnut, or back again.
- Hardwax oil
- A matte, natural look that is easy to spot-repair. Needs re-oiling.
Install day, step by step
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01
Repairs
Loose boards fastened, damaged boards replaced, nail heads set.
-
02
Sand
Three grits with the drum sander, edges and corners by hand, HEPA vacuums attached.
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03
Stain (if chosen)
Samples on your floor first, then stain applied by hand and left to dry.
-
04
Finish
Three coats, buffed between each. Socks after 24 hours, furniture after 48 to 72.
Questions about refinishing
All questionsIs the sanding really dust-free?
Not 100%, but close. Our sanders run into HEPA vacuums, which catch most of the dust. We still seal doorways with plastic and ask you to cover open shelves in nearby rooms.
Can we stay home during a refinish?
Usually, if the floors being done aren't the only way to the kitchen or bathroom. Water-based finish has a mild smell for a day. Pets and anyone sensitive to smells are happier elsewhere for the finish days.
How do I know if my floor can be sanded?
Lift a floor vent and look at the board edge. Solid hardwood with at least 1/8 in. of wood above the tongue can be sanded. We check this at the free measure and tell you plainly if it can't.
Other floors
Free within 45 km of Kingston
Ready to price your refinishing?
We bring samples to your home, measure every room with a laser, take moisture readings, check how flat the floor is, and send a written quote within two business days.
Rather talk it through? Call (613) 555-0146. Priya answers weekdays, 8 to 5.