One of the first questions every homeowner asks is "how much does floor sanding cost?" It is a fair question, and unfortunately the answer is rarely a simple number. Pricing depends on floor condition, timber species, room layout, finish choice, and whether staining is involved. That said, I want to give you a realistic guide to what floor sanding costs on the Central Coast in 2026 so you can budget with confidence before contacting us for a formal quote.

For a standard sand-and-polish of an existing timber floor in reasonable condition -- meaning boards are flat, nails are secure, and there is no major damage -- expect to pay between $40 and $55 per square metre on the Central Coast. This includes coarse-through-fine sanding, gap filling, two coats of Bona Traffic HD polyurethane, and a primer coat. For a typical three-bedroom home with 80 to 100 square metres of timber flooring, that puts the total job between roughly $3,200 and $5,500 depending on specifics.

Several factors push the price toward the higher end. Stairs add significant labour time because every tread, riser, and stringer must be sanded by hand or with a small detail sander. Expect to add $35 to $50 per step. Staining adds $8 to $15 per square metre because it requires an extra application stage and increases drying time by a full day. Floors in poor condition -- heavy old paint, deep scratches, cupped or bowed boards, or previous DIY finishes that have gone wrong -- may require extra sanding passes and board-level repairs that add to the labour cost.

The finish product also affects price. Bona Traffic HD, our standard recommendation, is a premium two-component polyurethane that costs more in materials than single-component alternatives. We use it because it lasts significantly longer and looks better, which means you spend less on maintenance recoats over the life of the floor. If budget is tight, Bona Mega is a quality single-component option that still outperforms most competitors and costs a few dollars less per square metre in materials.

Be cautious with quotes that seem unusually cheap. The Central Coast floor sanding market includes operators at every skill level, and a low headline price often means corners are being cut -- fewer sanding passes, cheap finishes, no dustless equipment, or skipping the primer coat. These shortcuts show up within months as peeling, scratching, or uneven wear. At Select Timber Flooring every quote includes a full scope of work so you can compare like-for-like, and we are happy to explain exactly what is included and why.

The best way to get an accurate price is to book a free on-site inspection. We measure the area, assess the floor condition, discuss your finish preferences, and provide a written quote -- usually on the spot. There is no obligation and no pressure. Give Select Timber Flooring a call or fill out the contact form on our website, and we will arrange a time that suits you. Investing in your timber floors is one of the highest-return improvements you can make to a Central Coast home, and we want to make sure you get outstanding value for every dollar.