How Much Does It Cost to Sand Wooden Floors?
£500 – £2,500
depending on area
Floor sanding costs between £500 and £2,500 depending on the floor area, the condition of the floorboards, and the finish applied after sanding. Professional floor sanding removes years of paint, varnish, or staining and reveals the natural wood beneath. The cost per m2 falls significantly for larger floor areas as the set-up cost is spread.
Average cost
£500 – £2,500
depending on area
Prices vary by region, property type and tradesperson. Always get at least two quotes.
What affects the price?
Floor area - floor sanding typically costs £20-£40 per m2 for labour; smaller rooms have a higher per-m2 cost due to fixed set-up and equipment costs
Board condition - floors with deep staining, paint, or significant gaps between boards take longer to sand and prepare
Gap filling - filling gaps between boards with flexible resin filler adds time and cost but gives a better finished result
Finish type - oil finishes cost more than lacquer in materials but are easier to repair locally if damaged in future
Labour vs materials
A professional floor sanding team can sand and finish a 25m2 floor in one to two days. Labour accounts for approximately 60-70% of the total cost; abrasives and finishing products make up the rest.
Repair or replace?
Most solid timber floors can be sanded multiple times over their lifetime. If boards are very thin (less than 15mm) or structurally damaged, sanding may not be viable and board replacement should be considered first.
Questions to ask your tradesperson
Ready to get it sorted?
Find available local joiners near you — see who is free before you call.
Find a Joiner — Free