How Much To Stain Wood Floors

Staining wood floors is a great way to change the look of your home without having to replace the entire floor. It's a relatively simple project that can be done in a weekend, and it can save you a lot of money compared to hiring a professional. But how much does it cost to stain wood floors? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the size of your floor, the type of stain you use, and whether or not you hire a professional.

### Cost of Stain

The cost of stain will vary depending on the type of stain you choose. Oil-based stains are less expensive than water-based stains, but they can be more difficult to apply and take longer to dry. Water-based stains are easier to apply and dry faster, but they can be more expensive. The average cost of stain is between $20 and $40 per gallon.

### Cost of Labor

If you hire a professional to stain your wood floors, the cost of labor will vary depending on the size of your floor and the complexity of the job. The average cost of labor to stain wood floors is between $3 and $6 per square foot. So, for a 1,000-square-foot floor, the cost of labor would be between $3,000 and $6,000.

### DIY vs. Professional

If you're handy and have some experience with home improvement projects, you may be able to stain your wood floors yourself. This will save you the cost of labor, but it will also take more time and effort. If you're not sure if you're up to the task, it's best to hire a professional.

### Other Costs

In addition to the cost of stain and labor, there are a few other costs to consider when staining wood floors. These costs include:

Sanding the floor: If your floor is not already sanded, you will need to sand it before you can stain it. The cost of sanding a floor will vary depending on the size of the floor and the condition of the floor.

Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a clear finish that is applied to wood floors to protect them from wear and tear. The cost of polyurethane will vary depending on the type of polyurethane you choose and the size of your floor.

Tools: If you don't already have the tools you need to stain wood floors, you will need to purchase them. The cost of tools will vary depending on the type of tools you need and the quality of the tools you choose.

### Total Cost

The total cost to stain wood floors will vary depending on the factors discussed above. However, you can expect to pay between $3 and $10 per square foot for a professional to stain your wood floors. If you do the job yourself, you can expect to pay between $1 and $3 per square foot.

### Factors that Affect Cost

The following factors will affect the cost to stain wood floors:

The size of your floor

The type of stain you use

Whether or not you hire a professional

The condition of your floor

The type of tools you use

The quality of the tools you use

### How to Save Money

If you're on a budget, there are a few ways to save money on staining wood floors. Here are a few tips:

Do the job yourself. This will save you the cost of labor.

Use a less expensive stain. Oil-based stains are less expensive than water-based stains.