If you’ve got tired-looking floorboards or an old wood floor, you’ve probably wondered:
“Is it worth sanding… and how much does it cost?”
We get asked this all the time around Taunton and across Somerset, so here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect.
The short answer
As a rough guide:
- Floor sanding & finishing
Around £30, £45 per m² - With repairs (board replacement, fixing movement, gap filling)
Around £40, £70+ per m²
That’s a general idea, the actual cost depends on the condition of the floor and how much prep work is needed.
What effects the cost of floor sanding?
Condition of the floor
This is the biggest factor.
- Good condition floors
Just need sanding and finishing, quicker and cheaper - Worn or damaged floors
Need repairs, more sanding passes, more time - Very uneven or heavily treated floors
Take longer to sand and get back to a clean finish - Adding a colour
Stains and colours are harder to apply and take up more time
The more work involved, the higher the cost.
Repairs and prep work
A lot of floors need a bit of extra work before sanding.
Common jobs include:
- Replacing damaged boards
- Securing loose or squeaky boards
- Filling gaps
- Removing old adhesives or coatings
This adds time but makes a big difference to the result.
Size of the area
- Larger areas
Usually cheaper per m² - Small rooms
Can work out slightly higher per m² due to setup time
Type of finish
After sanding, the floor needs protecting.
Common options:
- Lacquer (most popular)
Durable, low maintenance - Hardwax oil
More natural look, but needs more upkeep
- Applying a colour
Can alter the natural colour of the wood
Different finishes can affect the overall cost.
Access and layout
Things like:
- Stairs
- Tight spaces
- Multiple small rooms
Can all add time compared to a simple open area.
Typical sanding quotes for customers in Somerset
From what we see locally:
- Single room
Around £400, £1,200 depending on condition - Typical downstairs area
Around £1,500, £3,500+ - Full house projects
Vary quite a bit depending on size and work needed, especially if a staircase is involved.
Sanding vs replacing your wood flooring.
There are a variety of factors which has been summarised in, is floor sanding worth it or should you replace your wood floor? In many cases sanding is the preferred option but if the damage is too great or the required change is to big, replacing may be the better option.
How long does floor sanding take?
Most jobs take:
- 1 to 2 days for a single room
- 3 to 5 days for larger areas
Ultimately it depends on type of finish and how much prep is needed. Our article How long does floor sanding take? summaries all the factors you need to consider.
Our advice to homeowners
If you’re thinking about sanding, don’t wait until the floor is completely worn out.
Catching it earlier can:
- Reduce the amount of work needed
- Keep costs lower
- Give a better finish overall
We’ve been helping homeowners by restoring wood flooring in the South West for over 15 years.
If you are wondering how long your project might take, send us a few clear photos of the rooms and the floor condition, and we will happily give you honest advice.
Contact us today for a free quote or to pose us a question.
You can learn more about dust-free floor sanding and read about a recent oak floor restoration in Weston-super-Mare where we revived a heavily worn floor back to life.