Refinishing hardwood floors in South Denver and surrounding areas typically costs around $3–$9 per square foot, depending on the level of service and project specifics. Below are cost estimates for low, mid, and high levels of refinishing service (all include full sanding, staining, and a water-based polyurethane finish), along with what each service level includes and key factors that can affect pricing.

Low-Level (Basic) Refinishing ServicePrice Range:

Approximately $2 – $4 per sq. ft. for basic refinishing in the Denver area. This is the budget option, often at the lower end of national refinishing costs (which can start around $2 per sq. ft with staining included).What’s Included (Basic Package):

• Sanding: Usually 1–2 sanding passes to remove the old finish (enough to smooth out surface wear). This is a traditional sanding (likely not dustless), so expect more dust generation during the process.
• Staining: One standard coat of stain (optional – some basic services might even skip stain for a clear/natural finish). Color choices may be limited to common stain options.
• Polyurethane Finish: 1–2 coats of oil-based/water-based polyurethane are applied for protection. Basic packages often use a standard-grade water-based/water-based poly; typically two coats total (or one sealer + one topcoat) for a minimal but functional finish. (Additional coats beyond the basic two may cost extra.)
• Minor Touch-Ups: Light floor prep and basic cleanup after refinishing are included. The crew will vacuum or wipe up dust and leave the floor ready for use. Minor surface repairs (filling small nail holes or gaps, simple buffing between coats) are usually included in the base price.Notes: A basic refinish is economical but no-frills. It generally does not include extensive repairs or extra services. For example, fixing deep gouges, replacing boards, or applying a third coat of finish typically costs extra with a budget service. Contractors offering very low rates might use fewer coats or cheaper materials, and they may not use advanced dust containment. Ensure the provider is licensed/insured even at this tier (some “low-cost” offers may come from less experienced or uninsured refinishers ).

Mid-Level (Standard) Refinishing ServicePrice Range:

About $4 – $6 per sq. ft. for a standard refinishing job on common hardwoods in the Denver area. For example, refinishing an oak floor – a common, durable wood – typically costs around $3–$5 per sq. ft, and other typical jobs fall in the mid-single digits per foot. This is the range you can expect from most licensed, well-reviewed contractors for an average project.What’s Included (Standard Package):

• Sanding: Full sanding with multiple passes (generally 2–3 passes: coarse, medium, and fine grit) to ensure the floor is completely smooth and old finish is removed. Standard services often use better dust collection on sanders (while not “dustless,” they will reduce dust) and will sand edges and corners thoroughly.
• Staining: Stain color of your choice is applied (from a wide range of standard colors). The contractor will typically do one coat of stain evenly across the floor. At this level, you can usually choose any stock stain color (e.g. popular shades from Minwax or Duraseal lines) without extra charge.
• Polyurethane Finish: 2 (often 3) coats of oil-based/water-based polyurethane are applied for durability. Many standard refinishing jobs include a first coat (or sealer) and a second coat of oil-based/water-based poly, with a light buff/screen in between for smoothness. Some contractors may apply a third coat for extra durability, especially with fast-drying water-based products. (Each additional coat typically adds cost, roughly $0.50–$1.75 per sq. ft. per extra coat, if not included upfront.)
• Repairs & Prep: Minor repairs and prep work are typically included. This can include filling cracks or gaps, repairing a few small boards or nail pops, and smoothing out small dents. The floor will be cleaned and prepped before finishing – any wax or residue removal needed might be addressed (note: if an old wax finish needs stripping, that could incur a small extra fee).
• Cleanup: A thorough cleanup is done after refinishing. Contractors will vacuum and wipe down surfaces; while some dust may still settle, a mid-tier service strives to leave the home reasonably clean. They may also include basic tasks like re-installing removed vent covers or door thresholds.Notes: This “standard” service is what most homeowners opt for. It balances cost and quality – professional equipment and finishes are used, and the crew is typically experienced. The result is a fully refinished floor with a new stain color and a durable water-based topcoat. You can expect fair pricing and proper licensing/insurance in this range. However, certain extras might still increase the price: for example, requesting a premium finish upgrade, extensive repair work, or adding a dustless sanding system could push a mid-level quote toward the higher end of the range or into the premium tier.

High-Level (Premium) Refinishing ServicePrice Range:

Approximately $6 – $8+ per sq. ft. for premium refinishing services. High-end jobs with special treatments can even exceed this range in some cases (for instance, complex projects, attention to pet damage repair, or exotic wood floors might go above $8). In most situations, $5–$9 per sq. ft covers top-quality refinishing, with the upper end reflecting deluxe options like dustless sanding and high-grade finishes.What’s Included (Premium Package):

• Dustless Sanding: Premium refinishers often use dustless sanding systems, which greatly reduce airborne dust. The sanding process will involve the full sequence (coarse through fine grit, and sometimes an extra fine buffing pass) to achieve an ultra-smooth surface. A commercial-grade vacuum system is attached to the sanders, containing most dust (dustless refinishing typically costs more, around $5–$9 per sq. ft due to the specialized equipment).
• Advanced Staining Options: You’ll typically get custom stain options. This can include detailed color matching, sampling multiple stain colors on your floor to choose the perfect shade, or using specialty stains (e.g. gray, whitewash, or ebony tones that require extra steps). Premium services will know how to handle tricky stains (like water-popping the wood for dark or white stains) and may even offer multi-tonal or reactive staining techniques at additional cost. Any stain work is usually one coat, but high-end pros ensure even, rich color.
• High-Quality Finish & Multiple Coats: High-level service uses top-tier water-based polyurethane (often commercial or high-traffic grade) and generally applies 3 coats for maximum durability. They may use a two-component water-based finish (catalyzed polyurethane) which is more expensive but very durable. Each coat is usually buffed between applications for a flawless result. The final finish can be satin, semi-gloss, or gloss per your preference, and premium products will have better longevity. (If a fourth coat or a specialized topcoat is requested, it will add to the cost.)
• Included Repairs and Extras: Premium packages often include more extensive repairs or extra services in the price. For example, the contractor might replace a limited number of damaged boards as part of the job, expertly patching them in, and fix subfloor squeaks or minor leveling issues. They will also address details like transition molding or trim touch-ups as needed.
• Additional Services: Many high-end refinishers handle convenience touches: they might move furniture (sometimes for an added fee), remove and reset baseboards or shoe molding for a cleaner finish line, and coordinate any carpet removal if part of the project. Full cleanup is provided – not only will they vacuum dust, but often wipe down surfaces and use plastic sheeting to protect other areas of your home during work. The goal is a refinishing result that looks “like new,” with minimal hassle for the homeowner.

Notes:

A premium refinishing service is ideal for homeowners who want the best finish quality and least disruption. It’s often chosen for high-value homes or historic floors, sensitive environments (where dust containment is important), or difficult wood species. For example, refinishing a wood like maple or mahogany might fall into this tier because it requires slow, careful sanding and finishing – these woods typically cost about $6–$9 per sq. ft to refinish due to the extra labor and care involved. Likewise, if you opt for a high-tech dustless process, expect the price to be on the higher side (dustless methods add cost but keep your home much cleaner during the work). Overall, the high-tier pricing covers skilled craftsmanship, premium materials, and often a longer warranty or guarantee on the work.

Factors That Affect PricingSeveral key factors can influence where your refinishing cost falls within the ranges above:

• Floor Condition & Prep Required: The condition of your hardwood floors is a major factor. Heavily worn or damaged floors may need extra sanding passes or additional repair work, increasing costs. For example, deep scratches or old pet stains might require sanding more of the wood surface or filling with wood filler, taking more time. If sections of the floor are water-damaged or warped, those boards might need to be replaced (floorboard replacement typically costs similar to installing new wood, about $6–$12 per sq. ft for materials and install for hardwood). Removing old wax or adhesive build-up before sanding can also add a small fee (some contractors charge a flat rate, say $100–$200 per room, to strip old wax before refinishing). In short, the more prep and repair needed to get the floor ready for refinishing, the higher the price.
• Wood Species: The type of wood flooring you have will affect the refinishing difficulty and cost. Hardwood species that are soft or hard-to-refinish demand more care. For instance, pine floors (a softer wood) can dent and sand unevenly, often costing a bit more (commonly towards the higher end of the range, around $4–$7 per sq. ft) due to the careful technique required. On the other end, very hard floors with tough factory finishes (like some pre-finished oak with aluminum oxide coatings) also cost more because sanding off the hard finish is labor-intensive. Maple and mahogany are examples of woods that are tricky to stain evenly or sand without blotches, so pros may charge premium rates (around $6–$9 per sq. ft as noted) for those species. Common oak or cherry hardwoods are easier and sit in the mid-range of cost. Essentially, if your wood type makes the job more challenging, expect a higher price per square foot.
• Finish Products & Number of Coats: The quality of the polyurethane finish and how many coats are applied will impact cost. Upgrading from a standard water-based poly to a premium commercial-grade water-based finish (such as Bona Traffic HD) will raise material costs – these high-end finishes can cost significantly more per gallon, which translates to a higher bid for the job. Likewise, requesting extra coats of finish beyond the usual 2–3 will add to labor and materials. As mentioned, an additional coat might add roughly $0.50–$1.75 per sq. ft to the cost. Most refinishing jobs include what’s needed for a durable finish (two coats is common, three for water-based in many cases), but if you want an extra layer for supreme durability or a specific sheen, it affects the price. The stain itself is a minor cost factor (staining is usually included if you want a color change), but opting for a special stain color (e.g. gray or whitewash) can sometimes incur a small upcharge due to additional steps or products.
• Additional Services (Extras): Any services beyond the core sanding/staining/finishing will increase the overall cost. For example:
• Board Replacement: If some boards are too damaged to refinish, replacing them costs extra. New hardwood boards plus installation can range from about $6–$12 per sq. ft for materials and labor (though if it’s just a few boards, contractors might charge per board replaced rather than by square foot). This also adds time to the project (the new wood must be blended in and sanded).
• Flooring Removal or Carpet Tear-Out: If your hardwood was under carpet or another flooring that needs removal first, there will be charges for tearing out and disposing of that material. Carpet removal in Denver typically costs about $1 per sq. ft (or $120–$720 total depending on room size). Removing tack strips, staples or glue and prepping the wood underneath will add to the labor.
• Moving Furniture and Appliances: Most refinishers will require rooms to be clear. If you need the contractors to move furniture, they may charge a fee (often $20–$50 per room for moving heavy items). Similarly, moving appliances or toilets (for bathroom hardwood) would add cost. You can save money by doing this prep yourself.
• Trim Work and Extras: If you decide to replace or install new baseboards/shoe molding as part of the project, that is an extra service (typically quoted separately per linear foot of trim). Also, stairs are usually priced per step rather than by floor square foot – refinishing hardwood stairs might run $25–$85 per step in addition to the floor cost, since each step must be hand-sanded and finished.
• Project Size & Layout: The total square footage and layout of the project affect the unit price. Larger projects may get a slightly lower cost per sq. ft (economy of scale), while very small jobs tend to have a higher effective price per foot due to minimum job fees. For example, a single small room might still cost a minimum of $300–$500, which could be $7+ per sq. ft for a 40 sq. ft entryway. In Denver, many contractors have a minimum charge (often around $500–$1,000) regardless of size. The room layout matters too: if you have lots of nooks, closets, or an irregular floor plan, it can require extra hand-sanding and time. Herringbone or parquet floors are more labor-intensive to sand evenly (the grain runs in different directions), so those patterns will push costs higher than a plain strip floor. Accessibility is also noted as a factor – if your space is difficult to reach (e.g. an upper-level condo with no elevator for equipment, or tight corners), that could marginally increase labor costs.
• Location and Labor Rates: Since we’re focusing on South Denver, it’s worth noting that local labor rates and demand play a role. The Denver metro area has a fairly average-to-high cost of living, and skilled flooring contractors charge rates in line with national averages. As noted, typical Denver refinishing prices reported ~ $3.50–$4.00 per sq. ft on average (as of a few years ago), and those have trended upward with material costs and inflation. South Denver (including areas like Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Englewood, and Centennial) generally falls in the same range, though getting multiple quotes is wise. Timing can affect cost as well – if you need a rushed timeline or if you schedule during a very busy season, you might not get discounted rates.In summary, refinishing hardwood floors in South Denver will usually cost between $3 and $6 per square foot for most standard jobs, with basic services slightly below that and premium services reaching the upper end (around $7–$9). Low-tier services include the essential steps (sanding, one stain, a couple of poly coats) at minimal cost, mid-tier services offer the best value with quality workmanship and standard 2-3 coats of water-based finish, and high-end packages provide dustless sanding, top-grade finishes, and extra touches or repairs. Always consider the specific needs of your floor – its condition, wood type, and any custom requests – as these will influence the final price. Obtaining a detailed estimate from a local refinishing professional is the best way to get an accurate price for your particular project, but the ranges and inclusions above serve as a practical guideline for what to expect in the South Denver area.

Sources:

• HomeGuide – Hardwood Floor Refinishing Cost (2023)ProMatcher Denver Report – Average Wood Floor Refinishing Cost in Denver
• HomeAdvisor/Angi – 2025 Hardwood Floor Refinishing Costs and Factors
• BobVila – “How Much Does It Cost to Refinish Hardwood Floors?” (2025)Calabrese Flooring (Denver contractor) – Pricing for Dustless Sanding & Refinishing
• Reddit r/HardwoodFloors – Professional insights on refinishing prices (Comment from Colorado pro on cost per sq. ft and finishes) (indicative of local market rates)
• HomeYou Cost Guide (Denver) – Factors Affecting Hardwood Refinishing Cost