How much does it cost to refinish 1000 square feet of hardwood in New Brunswick?

Refinishing 1,000 square feet of hardwood flooring in New Brunswick typically costs $3,000-$6,000, with most NB homeowners paying in the $3,500-$5,000 range for a standard sand-and-refinish job with three coats of polyurethane. NB labour rates for hardwood refinishing run approximately 10-15% below the national Canadian average, which helps keep costs manageable for this transformative project.

The total cost breaks down into several components. Sanding and preparation — the most labour-intensive phase — accounts for the bulk of the cost. The crew will sand the entire floor in three progressively finer passes (coarse, medium, fine grit) to remove the old finish and create a smooth, level surface. Stain application is optional but adds $0.50-$1.50/sq ft if you want to change or deepen the floor's colour. Finish coats — typically three coats of polyurethane with light sanding between coats — complete the job.

Several factors push the price toward the higher end of the range. Floor condition matters significantly — floors with deep scratches, pet stains, water damage, or previous poor-quality refinishing jobs require more aggressive sanding and potentially board replacement, adding $500-$1,500 to a 1,000 sq ft job. Staircase treads add complexity and cost — expect $20-$40 per tread for sanding and finishing, as stairs require hand sanding and detailed work. Furniture moving adds $50-$200 per room if the crew handles it, though you'll save by moving furniture yourself before they arrive. Old finish removal can add cost if the existing finish is heavily built up or if the floor has been painted or coated with incompatible products.

The type of finish you choose affects both cost and performance. Oil-based polyurethane is the traditional choice — slightly less expensive, with a warm amber tone that deepens over time. Water-based polyurethane costs $0.50-$1.00/sq ft more but dries faster (reducing project timeline from 5-7 days to 3-4 days), has lower odour and VOC levels, and maintains the wood's natural colour without yellowing. Both options perform well in NB conditions when maintained properly.

NB climate considerations for refinishing timing are important. The best time to refinish hardwood in New Brunswick is late spring through early fall (May through September) when you can open windows for ventilation during the curing process. Humidity should ideally be between 35-55% during finishing — NB's summer humidity can push higher, so running a dehumidifier during the curing period helps ensure a smooth, even finish. Avoid refinishing during winter when opening windows isn't practical and the forced-air heating creates very dry conditions that can affect how the finish cures.

The project timeline for 1,000 sq ft is typically 3-5 days of active work plus 2-3 additional days of curing time before you can move furniture back and resume normal traffic. You'll need to vacate the area completely during sanding and finishing — the dust and fumes make the space uninhabitable.

This is firmly a hire-a-professional project. Drum sanders are powerful and unforgiving — a moment's hesitation creates visible gouges and swirl marks that cannot be corrected without re-sanding. Professional refinishers in NB have the equipment, experience, and technique to deliver smooth, even results. Renting a sander and attempting 1,000 sq ft of DIY refinishing almost always leads to a result that looks obviously amateur. Get three quotes from local flooring professionals to compare pricing — NB refinishing costs vary 25-40% between contractors.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• FRS Flooring Solutions
• Arctic Fox Construction Inc.
• 3Tone Construction Ltd
• M&L Commercial and residential services
• Gionetterenovations