What Is the Average Cost of Wood Floor Refinishing in Farragut, TN?

The typical cost of hardwood floor refinishing in Farragut ranges from $1,103 to $2,672, with $1,887 being the national average. But as I learned, your final price depends on square footage, wood type, floor condition, and the level of customization you want.

I paid $2,100 to refinish the hardwood floors in my Farragut home. I’ll tell you exactly why, and how you can avoid paying more than you need to.

Let me walk you through it, not from a contractor’s perspective, but from mine: a homeowner who just wanted their floors to look alive again.

What Drives the Cost of Refinishing Wood Floors?

When I started collecting quotes, I realized the numbers were all over the place. One contractor quoted $1,300 for the job. Another said it would run closer to $3,000. Eventually, I learned what each number really meant.

1. Size Matters, Literally

Every contractor asked the same thing first: “How many square feet are we talking about?” In my case, the refinished area was 500 square feet.

Here’s how size affects price:

• 100 sq. ft.: $200 to $800
• 250 sq. ft.: $900 to $1,800
• 400 sq. ft.: $1,000 to $2,500
• 1,000 sq. ft.: $2,000 to $5,000

The bigger the job, the higher the total, but some contractors offer lower rates per square foot if the job is large enough to be efficient.

2. The Species of Wood Beneath Your Feet

The cost per square foot varies by wood type. Oak, which I had, fell in the midrange. But if your home has maple or mahogany, get ready to pay more.

Here’s what I found out:

• Oak, Cherry, Parquet, Engineered: $3 to $5 per sq. ft.
• Pine: $4 to $7 per sq. ft.
• Maple, Mahogany: $6 to $8 per sq. ft.

If you’re not sure what wood you have, your contractor will likely identify it during the initial inspection.

3. Traditional vs. Dustless Refinishing

This was a big decision. I had the option of traditional sanding, which creates dust and requires more cleanup, or dustless refinishing, which uses a vacuum system to trap particles as they go.

• Traditional Refinishing: $3 to $8 per sq. ft.
• Dustless Refinishing: $5 to $8 per sq. ft.

I chose traditional because I was on a tighter budget and didn’t have asthma or allergy issues. That choice alone saved me over $400.

4. Floor Damage: The Price of Wear and Tear

My floors had two warped planks near the entryway and a long gouge by the fireplace from a heavy chair leg. That required extra sanding and a couple of replacements. Those fixes added $300 to my total.

Here’s what to expect:

• Minor Repairs: $200 to $600
• Subfloor Replacement: $3 to $10 per sq. ft.
• Board Replacement: $6 to $12 per sq. ft.

If your floors are mostly intact, refinishing will do the job. But if you’re seeing signs of deep water damage or soft spots, prepare for a steeper bill.

5. Labor and Layout: The Unseen Variables

Labor costs ranged from $2 to $8 per sq. ft., and the layout of your home plays a role. My open-concept living room made the work straightforward. But if you have lots of corners, hallways, or stairs, your price per square foot could increase.

In some cases, contractors charge hourly: $60 to $160 per hour. That can add up quickly if the crew has to maneuver around obstacles or remove trim.

Add-On Costs That Surprised Me

I went in thinking it would be simple, but refinishing is never just about sanding and staining. These extras can add a few hundred dollars to your project:

Furniture Moving

I thought the crew would help move the furniture. Turns out, that’s not standard. Expect to pay $20 to $50 per room if you don’t do it yourself.

Carpet Removal

We had carpet covering a section of old hardwood. Removing it cost $1 to $5 per square foot, or $200 total for my job. That included hauling it away.

Buffing Instead of Sanding?

Buffing (or “screening”) is less invasive and only costs $1 to $2.50 per square foot, but it’s only useful if your floors are lightly worn. Mine needed full sanding.

Stain, Seal, and Finish

Here’s where it adds up:

• Sanding: $0.50 to $3 per sq. ft.
• Staining: $1 to $3 per sq. ft.
• Finishing: $1 to $2 per sq. ft.

Water-based polyurethane costs more than oil-based, but it dries faster and has less odor. I went with a water-based topcoat to avoid lingering smells.

Tips I Wish I Knew Before Starting

Having been through the process, here are the best lessons I learned:

• Book During the Off-Season: Late winter and early spring saw fewer projects booked, and contractors were more flexible with pricing.
• Ask for a Breakdown: Don’t settle for a single quote. Ask for itemized costs to understand exactly what you’re paying for.
• Check Local References: I called a few past clients listed in the contractor’s portfolio and checked their results. That gave me peace of mind before signing anything.
• Ventilate Your Space: Drying takes time. Keep windows open, fans running, and avoid walking on floors for at least 24 hours after the final coat.
• Stick With One Stain Decision: Changing your mind mid-job about color can lead to additional charges for re-sanding or re-application.

Why I Chose Certified Clean Care Knoxville

After getting three quotes and two home visits, I chose Certified Clean Care Knoxville. They were transparent, patient, and explained every step without upselling me.

The team showed up on time, covered nearby furniture with plastic, and finished the job in three days, without any surprises on the invoice. More than anything, they treated my home with respect.

If you’re refinishing hardwood floors in Farragut, you don’t want just a contractor; you want someone who does the job right, with no shortcuts. That’s what I found with them.

Book your wood floor refinishing service with Certified Clean Care Knoxville and give your floors the expert attention they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Floor Refinishing

How Long Should I Wait Before Moving Furniture Back?

Wait at least 24 hours after the final coat for light items and 48 to 72 hours for heavier furniture. For rugs, wait up to one week to avoid imprinting.

Will the Smell of Stain and Finish Linger?

Yes, especially with oil-based finishes. Water-based alternatives have lower odor and dry faster. Ventilation helps reduce lingering smells.

Can Refinishing Be Done in Stages?

Yes, but expect some overlap where the new and old sections meet. It’s more cost-effective to refinish large connected areas all at once.