How much does timber floor sanding cost? [2024]

If your timber floors are looking a little dull, timber floor sanding can dramatically lift their look and improve their longevity and durability.

The first question most of us are likely to ask, is how much does it cost to sand and polish a floor? Here we cover the basics to help you calculate the cost of timber floor sanding job.

Floor sanding cost considerations

The cost of your timber floor sanding job will be based on a number of factors, specifically:

• The size, in square metres, of your floor
• How much preparation work is required
• The condition of your timber flooring
• The type of timber to be sanded
• What sealer or coating you want

If your timber floors have raised nails and splinters, your floor sander will need to spend time navigating around these. With more time being spent to complete the floor sanding and polishing, the rate is likely to increase.

How much does timber floor sanding cost?

Timber floor sanding is usually quoted per square metre.

Prices range from around $30 to $60 per square metre. This doesn’t include the stain and polyurethane sealer, which adds another $8 to $15 per square metre to the cost. 

If your floor is in poor condition then expect a higher quote, as more prep work will be required before they can start sanding. This is especially true for timber floors that have nails protruding, as these have to be punched. Deck sanding can also be done as an added project.

Types of timber flooring

There are a number of different types of timber flooring, including:

• Floating timber flooring is typically laid over your existing floor, and consists of a layer of real timber, with a backing and foam acoustic underlay.
• Structural timber flooring is laid on bearers and joists and is what you will find in older properties such as workers cottages or Victorian terraces. Another term for it is tongue and groove flooring, which describes how they interlock when laid. This type of timber flooring is typically nailed down.
• Parquetry or block parquetry is a patterned collection of timber dowels that are glued to your floor and then is coated. It is hard wearing and is laid in a variety of patterns including basketweave, herringbone and square-on-square.

Can I sand my timber floor?

Most solid timber floors can be sanded, sealed and polished though care instructions do vary slightly depending on the type of timber.

Floating timber floors that have a real timber veneer can also be sanded, as can come bamboo floors depending on what they are manufactured from. If you have a timber parquetry floor this can also be sanded and sealed. If you have a laminate, vinyl or other photorealistic flooring then you are out of luck - these cannot be sanded or resurfaced.

Unsure what type of floor you have? Ask your local timber flooring service for advice.

Timber floor sanding steps

Want to know what to expect when your job starts? The first thing to know is that you may have limited access to your property for the duration of the sanding and sealing process and may include:

• Removal of all your furniture
• Cleaning and vacuuming your floor
• Repairing damaged floors, replacing boards and scratch removal
• Preparation and rough-sanding of your existing floor
• Second and third round of sanding using finer grade paper
• Applying 3 x coats of polyurethane with sanding between each coat

Questions to ask your floor sanding service?

Make sure your timber floor sanding provider is right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• How long have you been operating?
• Do you have references I can follow up?
• Are you a member of an association?
• Are you able to provide a written quote?
• How long will my job take?

Getting quotes for timber floor sanding

To calculate the total cost of sanding your timber floors, it’s best to ask the experts. Ensure you get quotes from several providers, so you can compare their services and rates. They may wish to see the floors first, to compile an accurate quote. Just ensure you understand what’s included and what any extras – such as finishes – are likely to cost.