average cost to sand and refinish hardwood floors
Average Cost to Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors
Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company, tel 07940 528 315, email enquiries@nhfcompany.co.uk, welcomes you to the definitive guide on the average cost to sand and refinish hardwood floors in London. By the end, you will understand the main pricing drivers, see typical London figures, and learn actionable ways to protect your budget while achieving showroom-level results. Explore our project gallery for real-life transformations.
Why London Prices Vary
From heritage flats in Mayfair to lofts overlooking the Thames, London’s diverse housing stock means no two flooring projects cost the same. Knowing the average cost to sand and refinish hardwood floors lets you set realistic budgets, increase resale value in one of Europe’s most expensive markets, and avoid under-estimating landlord maintenance in boroughs such as Hackney or Greenwich.
Main Cost Factors
- Floor Area: Bulk rates often reduce the per-square-metre price on larger jobs.
- Condition: Deep scratches or water damage add 15–30 % to labour time.
- Wood Species: Oak is baseline; exotic timbers need slower sanding passes and specialist sealers.
- Pattern & Layout: Herringbone layouts take longer, increasing costs by up to 20 %.
- Finish: Fast-drying water-based lacquer saves downtime but costs more per litre.
- Access & Parking: Congestion charges and loading restrictions in Zones 1–2 add logistical fees.
Typical London Pricing
| Zone | Property Type | Average Cost (£/m²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Westminster) | Victorian terrace | 38 |
| 2 (Fulham) | Edwardian semi-detached | 34 |
| 3 (Walthamstow) | 1930s house | 30 |
| 4 (Richmond) | Modern detached | 28 |
Data sourced from more than 70 contractor quotes collected in 2025 and cross-checked with independent research by Which?.
Room-Specific Estimates
Living Rooms
Expect £900 for a 30 m² lounge. Bay windows overlooking Hyde Park often require detailed edging, adding roughly £60.
Bedrooms
Lower traffic keeps costs near £650 for 25 m². Loft conversions in Dulwich exposing pine boards may rise 10 % after knot repairs.
Kitchens
Moisture and appliance relocation push prices to £35–£45 /m², especially in Borough Market apartments where oak meets tile transitions.
DIY or Professional?
Hiring a drum sander and edger averages £60 per day, plus abrasives and varnish at £11–£14 /m². Incorrect grit sequencing can introduce swirl marks, doubling costs when professionals are called to resand. Review the HSE guidelines on wood-dust safety before you commit to DIY.
Our certified teams use industry-leading Bona dust-free systems—recommended by Bona UK—to ensure a clean, low-VOC finish that meets Westminster environmental standards.
Smart Savings
- Bundle Rooms: Minimises setup charges and reduces the per-m² rate.
- Off-Peak Scheduling: Book in January or late August for potential 10 % discounts.
- Site Prep: Remove furniture and doors ahead of time to shave £2–£3 /m².
- Sustainable Species: FSC-certified oak not only protects forests—see FSC guidelines—but often qualifies for eco-rebates from local councils.
Heritage & Added Value
Owners of listed buildings should consult Historic England’s guidance on hardwood floors to avoid conservation pitfalls. Refinished period boards in areas like Islington can add up to 2 % to property value, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Ready for a Quote?
Call Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company on 07940 528 315 or email enquiries@nhfcompany.co.uk for a free, itemised quote detailing the true average cost to sand and refinish hardwood floors in your London home. For inspiration, browse our flooring blog or explore premium products like Loch Morar Multi-Ply to visualise your perfect finish.
