How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Hardwood Floor?

Hardwood Floor Repair Cost Guide

Hardwood floors are designed to last for decades, but everyday wear, pet claws, furniture, and water leaks can eventually leave them scratched, stained, or warped. The good news is that most hardwood floors can be repaired instead of fully replaced. Understanding typical hardwood floor repair costs will help you decide whether you should repair, refinish, or replace your floors — and how to budget for each option.

How Much Does Hardwood Floor Repair Cost?

Most homeowners spend between $500 and $1,500 for hardwood floor repairs, with smaller cosmetic fixes near the low end and major structural or water damage at the high end. On a per-square foot basis, hardwood floor repair generally ranges from about $2 to $20 per square foot, depending on the type of repair and how extensive the damage is. Severe water or subfloor damage can cost more because it often involves replacing floorboards and repairing subfloor framing.

For comparison, installing new hardwood floors typically costs more than most repairs. If your floor is badly worn but structurally sound, refinishing is often a more cost-effective option than replacement. You can learn more in our complete hardwood floor refinishing cost guide.

Hardwood Floor Repair Cost Per Square Foot

Many flooring professionals quote repair work on a per-square foot basis, especially when larger sections of the floor are affected. Here are typical ranges for common repair types:

Costs toward the lower end usually involve straightforward repairs in a small area. Costs toward the upper end are more common when repairs are complex, when the wood is an expensive or hard-to-match species, or when labor rates are higher in your area.

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Hardwood Floor Repair Cost By Type Of Damage

The type of damage often determines what kind of repair you need — and what you can expect to pay.

Scratches, Scuffs, And Surface Wear

Minor scratches and scuffs are some of the most common hardwood floor issues. Small areas may be treated with filler sticks, blending pens, or localized sanding and stain touch-ups.

• Typical cost: $25 to $100 per scratch for localized professional repair, or $2 to $6 per sq. ft. when a larger area needs attention.
• Best for: Light to moderate damage where the wood underneath is still solid.

Squeaky Or Loose Boards

Squeaks are usually caused by floorboards rubbing against each other or against fasteners. Fixes may involve adding screws from below, shimming joists, or re-fastening boards from above.

• Typical cost: $200 to $1,000 per room, depending on accessibility from below and how extensive the squeaks are.
• Best for: Floors that move or creak but do not show major structural or water damage.

Gaps, Cupping, And Crowning

Seasonal changes in humidity can cause hardwood boards to shrink, expand, or warp. Cupping happens when the edges of the boards are higher than the center, often from moisture underneath.

• Typical cost: $2 to $6 per sq. ft. for minor cupping and gap filling.
• Best for: Mild to moderate issues that can be addressed with moisture control, re-fastening, sanding, and refinishing.

Water Damage And Staining

Water damage is one of the costliest hardwood floor problems. Leaking appliances, plumbing leaks, or flooding can create dark stains, buckling, and mold.

• Typical cost: $1,000 to $6,000+ depending on how far the water spread, whether the floor can be dried and sanded, and whether the subfloor is damaged.
• Per-square foot range: $10 to $80 per sq. ft. for localized but severe water damage that requires board and subfloor replacement.
• Best for: Significant water exposure where boards are cupped, warped, or stained.

In some cases, the most cost-effective option is to replace damaged areas and then refinish the entire room. For more details on full refinishing, see our hardwood refinishing cost guide.

Pet Stains, Sun Fading, And Discoloration

Pet urine, harsh cleaners, and strong UV exposure can permanently discolor hardwood floors. Shallow discoloration can sometimes be sanded out; deeper stains may require board replacement.

• Typical cost: $200 to $1,000 for small to moderate areas, especially if boards need to be replaced and color-matched.
• Best for: Localized stains where the rest of the floor is in good condition.

Uneven Or Sagging Floors

Uneven or sagging floors may indicate subfloor or structural issues. These repairs are more involved and can be significantly more expensive than simple surface repairs.

• Typical cost: $1,000 to $6,000 or more per room when floor joists or structural elements need repair.
• Best for: Serious safety or structural concerns that go beyond cosmetic damage.

Repair Vs. Refinish Vs. Replace

Not sure whether you should repair, refinish, or replace your hardwood floor? Many homeowners start with spot repairs and then consider whole-floor refinishing if the damage is widespread.

If your floors are an older or difficult-to-match species, your contractor may recommend replacing a larger area and then refinishing the entire space so everything blends. When considering a new floor, explore different types of hardwood flooring and compare the best hardwood floor brands before you choose a replacement.

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Key Factors That Affect Hardwood Floor Repair Cost

Every hardwood repair project is a little different. These are the main factors that influence your price:

• Size Of The Damaged Area: Larger areas cost more, whether you’re replacing boards or refinishing an entire room.
• Type Of Damage: Light scratches and minor squeaks are less expensive to fix than deep dents, pet stains, or water damage that reaches the subfloor.
• Wood Species And Grade: Common domestic species are easier and cheaper to match than rare or imported woods. Learn more about species options in our guide to types of hardwood flooring.
• Floor Construction (Solid Vs. Engineered): Solid hardwood can typically be sanded and refinished multiple times. Engineered hardwood with a thin wear layer may have limited repair options and could require board replacement instead.
• Existing Finish And Color: Matching an existing stain and sheen can take extra time and materials, especially on older floors that have changed color over time.
• Subfloor Condition: If water or structural issues have damaged the subfloor, you’ll pay more for repair or replacement before the new boards go down.
• Accessibility: Floors with access from below (like over a basement) may be easier to repair than those installed over concrete slabs.
• Local Labor Rates: Flooring contractors and handymen typically charge around $50 to $100 per hour, with skilled repair specialists at the higher end.

Ways To Save On Hardwood Floor Repairs

Repair costs can add up, but there are several ways to keep your project on budget:

• Address Small Issues Early: Fixing minor scratches or cupping early is usually far cheaper than waiting until boards or subfloors are severely damaged.
• Combine Repairs With Refinishing: If your floor is already due for refinishing, it may be more cost-effective to repair damaged boards and then refinish the whole space once rather than doing multiple smaller projects.
• Consider Less Expensive Species For Patches: In hidden areas like closets, contractors may be able to harvest boards and use them to patch visible damaged spots, then install new boards in the less visible area.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three estimates from licensed, insured flooring professionals so you understand local pricing and repair options.
• Do Simple Maintenance Yourself: Regular cleaning, using felt pads on furniture, and managing humidity can all help prevent costly repairs later.

When To DIY And When To Hire A Professional

Some minor repairs can be DIY-friendly, but many hardwood floor repairs are best left to a professional — especially when matching stain colors or dealing with water damage.

• DIY-Friendly Tasks: Small surface scratches, applying store-bought touch-up kits, or tightening a single board may be manageable if you’re comfortable with basic tools.
• Hire A Pro For: Deep scratches or gouges, large pet stains, cupping and crowning, squeaks across an entire room, water damage, and anything involving subfloor or structural issues.

A flooring pro will have the right tools and experience to match your existing floor’s color and sheen, which is key to a repair that blends in instead of standing out.

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Hardwood Floor Repair Cost FAQs

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Scratches In Hardwood Floors?

Minor scratches often cost around $25 to $100 per scratch for professional repair, or $2 to $6 per square foot if a larger area needs sanding and spot refinishing. Very light surface scratches may be addressed with DIY touch-up kits.

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Water-Damaged Hardwood Floors?

Water damage repair typically starts around $1,000 and can climb to $6,000 or more when the damage is widespread or the subfloor is affected. Per-square foot pricing often ranges from $10 to $80 per square foot depending on how much material must be removed and replaced.

Is It Cheaper To Repair Or Replace Hardwood Floors?

In many cases, it is cheaper to repair or refinish than to fully replace hardwood floors. Spot repairs and refinishing are usually less expensive than tearing out and installing all-new flooring. However, if your floor has been refinished multiple times, has extensive water damage, or no longer fits your style, replacement may be the better long-term investment. When exploring new flooring options, compare different types of hardwood and research the best hardwood brands.

Will Refinishing Fix All Damage To My Hardwood Floors?

Refinishing can remove many scratches, surface stains, and worn finish, but it cannot fix deep structural issues, severe water damage, or very deep pet stains that have penetrated the wood. In those cases, damaged boards must usually be replaced before the entire floor is sanded and refinished. Learn more about what refinishing can and cannot fix in our refinishing cost guide.

Can Engineered Hardwood Floors Be Repaired?

Yes, engineered hardwood floors can often be repaired, but their repair options depend on the thickness of the wear layer. Products with a thick wear layer may be sanded and refinished once or twice, while those with a very thin top layer may be limited to spot repairs and board replacement rather than full sanding.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Hardwood Floor Repairs?

It depends on the cause of the damage and your policy. Sudden, accidental damage — such as a burst pipe — may be covered, while long-term wear, gradual leaks, or pet damage usually are not. Always check with your insurance company before beginning repairs and document the damage with photos.

How Long Do Hardwood Floor Repairs Take?

Small repairs may be completed in a few hours, while larger projects that involve board replacement and refinishing can take several days, especially when drying time between finish coats is required. Your contractor can give you a more precise timeline based on the size and complexity of your project.

How To Get Quotes For Hardwood Floor Repair

Because hardwood floor repair costs vary by region, damage type, and floor construction, the best way to get an accurate price is to request multiple quotes from local professionals. A flooring contractor can inspect your floors, explain whether repair, refinishing, or replacement is the best option, and provide a detailed estimate for each approach.

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