How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors in Palm Beach County? (2026 Price Breakdown)
In Florida, hardwood floor refinishing generally costs about $3.50 to $7 per square foot. If you choose a custom stain, plan for roughly $1 to $2 more per square foot. The final amount depends on the floor’s condition, the finish you choose, and details such as stairs, repairs, and furniture moving.
These figures are a starting point, not a quote. A contractor needs to see the floor and confirm what work it needs before pricing it accurately.
A quick cost estimate
The table shows what the general range could look like for common floor areas. Custom stain is shown as an additional amount; it is not required for every project.
| Floor area | Refinishing estimate | Custom stain, if selected | Estimate with custom stain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 sq. ft. | $1,750–$3,500 | Add $500–$1,000 | $2,250–$4,500 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $3,500–$7,000 | Add $1,000–$2,000 | $4,500–$9,000 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $5,250–$10,500 | Add $1,500–$3,000 | $6,750–$13,500 |
These are simple estimates based on square footage and the ranges above. They don’t account for repairs, stairs, furniture moving, or other job-specific work. Ask whether the price is based on the measured floor area and exactly what the estimate includes.
What changes the price?
Two floors with the same square footage can need very different work. Here are the details that commonly affect the estimate.
- Floor size and layout: More square footage usually means more material and labor. Small or divided spaces can take extra setup and edging.
- Condition of the wood: Scratches in the finish may be routine. Deep wear, water marks, damaged boards, or other issues may need extra preparation or repairs.
- Natural color or stain: Keeping a natural look avoids the added cost of custom stain. A new color can add roughly $1 to $2 per square foot.
- Finish type and number of coats: Water-based and oil-based finishes have different characteristics and application requirements. The product and number of coats affect the scope and price.
- Stairs, borders, and edges: Stair treads, rail details, borders, and tight edges take careful handwork. Ask whether these are included or priced separately.
- Furniture moving: Find out whether the rooms need to be empty before work begins and whether moving furniture is included.
- Repairs: Replacing damaged boards or addressing other floor problems can add work beyond sanding and finishing.
A written estimate should explain how these factors apply to your particular floor rather than relying on a broad per-square-foot figure alone.
Choosing a finish for Florida
Florida’s humidity is part of the planning. The finish needs to be applied under suitable conditions and given the right time to dry and cure.
Palm Beach Floors favors water-based polyurethane in Florida. It keeps the wood’s color clearer and cures faster, which matters in a humid climate. Oil-based polyurethane brings warmth and hardness but can amber the floor over time and takes longer to dry. Hardwax oil gives a natural matte look that can be spot-repaired later. Sheen runs from matte to high gloss.
The right choice depends on your priorities, the floor itself, and the finish system being used. Ask what product is proposed and what to expect for drying, foot traffic, furniture, and rugs. Water-based finishes have low odor and usually suit an occupied home. Oil-based finishes smell stronger for a day or two.
The work schedule matters too. As the company explains in its refinishing information, humidity can slow drying, so application and scheduling should take local conditions into account.
Is a custom stain worth it?
A stain changes the floor’s color; it doesn’t hide the wood’s grain or guarantee a perfectly uniform result. Different boards can absorb stain differently, and the same stain can look different on different wood.
That’s why Palm Beach Floors samples stain directly on the actual floor after sanding. Seeing a sample in your home’s light gives you a better basis for choosing than a small color chip. You can also choose to keep a natural wood tone instead of staining.
If you’re comparing estimates, ask whether stain sampling is included, which colors are being tested, and when you’ll approve the final color. For more on the choice, see the company’s staining service.
When refinishing isn’t the answer
Refinishing is often a practical alternative to replacement. It costs less than half of a full replacement in many cases, and roughly three in four homeowners now lean toward restoring rather than replacing. But a floor should be assessed honestly: sanding can’t fix every problem.
Replacement may make more sense if boards are severely damaged, the floor has significant water-related problems, or the wood cannot safely be sanded again. Some engineered floors have only a limited layer of real wood above the core, which can restrict how much sanding is possible. A qualified assessment can help determine what the floor can handle.
If the finish is simply dull but the wood is sound, a lighter treatment such as polishing may be enough. If the finish is worn through and the wood is scratched or stained, full sanding and refinishing may be the better fit. Palm Beach Floors describes its approach in its FAQ: recommend the lighter option when it will hold up, and be clear when it won’t.
What should a real quote include?
A useful quote makes it possible to compare the work, not just the bottom-line number. Look for:
- The floor area and rooms included.
- The sanding, preparation, and repair work planned.
- Whether stain is included, plus the sample and approval process.
- The finish type and number of coats.
- Whether stairs, borders, furniture moving, and cleanup are included.
- A project schedule and guidance on when you can walk on the floor and move furniture back.
If one bid is much lower than another, check whether it leaves out prep, repairs, stain, or finish coats. A clear scope can prevent surprises and make it easier to compare bids fairly.
A transparent process from estimate to finished floor
Palm Beach Floors was founded in Wellington in 2014 by Cristian Sandoval, and he is still on every job. The process is meant to make the choices and the work itself clear. A typical three-room project runs three to five working days including drying time, longer for larger homes, dark stains, or oil-based finishes.
- Assess the floor: Review its condition and discuss whether refinishing, polishing, or another solution makes sense.
- Set the scope: Confirm the areas, repairs, finish options, and schedule in a written estimate.
- Choose the color: If you want stain, review samples on the actual floor before deciding.
- Prepare and refinish: Protect the work area, sand the floor, complete agreed repairs, and apply the selected finish.
- Review care and timing: Walk through the work and get instructions for foot traffic and furniture.
The company holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a 4.6-star rating on Google, and 4.8 on HomeAdvisor across 150 reviews. Its about page explains the refinishing-first approach behind all of this, and why it recommends the lightest treatment that will last.
Get a quote for your floors
If you’re searching for floor refinishing near me in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, or anywhere between, the next step is an in-home assessment. The floor’s condition and the work it needs will give you a more useful number than a general online estimate.
Contact Palm Beach Floors to request a quote, or call 561-628-8309. You can discuss your floors, compare finish options, and get a written estimate without committing to more work than the floor needs.