Refinishing Hardwood vs. Replacing: The Decision Tree
When sanding old floors is the right move — and the signs that mean it's time for full replacement.
Refinishing hardwood costs $3.50-$6/sq ft and gives floors another 15-25 years of life. Full replacement runs $7-$13/sq ft. The decision usually isn't about cost — it's about whether the existing floor has enough material left to sand.
When refinishing wins
Solid 3/4" hardwood can typically be sanded 4-6 times in its life. If the existing finish is worn, scratched, or stained but the boards are intact and have at least 1/16" of wood above the tongue, refinishing is the right call.
On 800 sq ft of floor, refinishing runs $2,800-$4,800 vs. $5,600-$10,400 to replace. The refinished floor often looks identical to new.
When to replace
Engineered hardwood with a thin wear layer (under 2mm) usually can't be sanded at all. Solid floors that have already been refinished 3+ times may not have enough material left for another pass. Cupping, buckling, and large gaps signal moisture damage that refinishing won't fix.
Pet stains that have penetrated the wood, deep gouges below sanding depth, and any structural floor issues (sagging, soft spots) push the math toward replacement.