Hey everyone, I need some advice on a quote I received for sanding and refinishing my hardwood floors before I decide to go ahead. Here are the details: My house has about 1,200 sq ft of hardwood; half of it is old factory-finished while the other half seems to have been refinished in the past. The current finish is oil-based, but I want to switch to a water-based finish for a more natural look. The contractor said the water-based option will be pricier and mentioned using Bona and Loba products, claiming Loba is superior since it's German, although he didn't specify which exact product he plans to use. He typically applies 2 coats. There are noticeable gaps between some boards; when I asked about filling them, he advised against it, saying the filler wouldn't match with the natural finish and would ultimately crack due to seasonal movement. I'm located in Massachusetts. The initial quote was $2,400, but he settled on $2,300. I have several questions about this quote: 1. Is the price of $2,300 reasonable? 2. What are your thoughts on water-based vs oil-based finishes regarding durability and maintenance? 3. Between Bona and Loba, which specific products do you recommend for a natural look? 4. Should I fill the gaps, or is the contractor right that it would look bad? 5. Is 2 coats the right amount, or should I consider doing more? Any red flags in this quote or things I should ensure are included in the contract?
3 Answers
I'm also from New England and had my floors redone a few years back. The whole process was around $3,000 for about the same amount of space. The contractor used Bona products and did a great job with 2 coats. My floor has held up really well! I think you're on the right track, but make sure he’s reliable since you want good results. Don't skimp too much on quality!
That quote feels really low for refinishing work. I'd definitely question it, especially if the contractor isn't fully reputable. Around here, I've seen quotes between $4k and $5k for similar square footage from trusted companies, so be careful!
Not filling the gaps could actually be a good call if you want a natural look. It’s a common approach to avoid the filler looking mismatched over time. As for the coatings, 2 is typical, but don't hesitate to ask whether you can add another later if you're not happy with the look. Just make sure the contract specifies exactly what products will be used!
Totally! And if you’re leaning towards natural, a little gap is probably better than a mismatched filler.
Yeah, I agree. It's important to see some of their past work to make sure they do a good job before you jump in.