Refinish, or replace
A structurally sound solid hardwood floor can typically be sanded and refinished several times over its life for a fraction of the cost of replacement. If boards are cracked, badly water-stained, or the crawlspace subfloor beneath shows rot, refinishing hides a bigger problem.
Material types and installed cost
Most replacements are engineered hardwood or LVP designed to look like wood, both handle Piedmont humidity swings better than solid hardwood.
- Sand and refinish existing hardwood: $3 – $8 per sq. ft.
- Engineered hardwood, new install: $6 – $12 per sq. ft. installed
- Solid hardwood, new install: $8 – $15 per sq. ft. installed
- Wood-look LVP, new install: $4 – $9 per sq. ft. installed
Source: Reference ranges for professionally installed flooring projects across Central Pennsylvania, aggregated from full-service installer quote data ((HomeGuide, 2024), (Angi, 2024)) and adjusted for the local market using regional construction-cost indices ((RSMeans CCI, 2024)). ROI benchmarks cross-checked against (Cost vs. Value, 2024). Not a quote; actual bids depend on your specific rooms and subfloor condition.
Timeline and disruption
A standard refinish takes 3–5 days including dry time between coats. A full replacement runs 2–4 days depending on square footage and subfloor condition.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does hardwood refinishing take?+
3–5 days for a standard refinish including dry time between coats. Full replacement typically runs 2–4 days.
Is refinishing a good fit for older Triangle homes?+
Often yes, older solid hardwood floors were milled thicker than most engineered products and can usually take several more refinishing cycles if the crawlspace subfloor underneath is sound.
Will new flooring help or hurt resale value?+
Updated flooring is generally neutral to positive for resale, and buyers usually respond well to consistent flooring throughout main living areas.
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