Timber Floor Sanding & Polishing Prices Melbourne
Transparent Pricing for Professional Timber Floor Restoration
One of the first questions homeowners ask is, “How much does timber floor sanding and polishing cost?”
The answer depends on several factors, including the size of the floor, the condition of the timber, the type of finish you choose, and whether repairs, staining or additional preparation are required.
At Melbourne Deck & Floor Restoration, we’ve been restoring timber floors across Melbourne for more than 25 years. With over 5,000 timber floor restoration projects completed, we believe in honest advice, transparent pricing and no hidden surprises.
The guide below provides an indication of our pricing. Every floor is different, so we’ll always inspect your timber flooring or review photos before providing a fixed quotation.
Minimum Timber Floor Sanding Price
Our minimum charge starts from $1,500 + GST.
This covers timber floor sanding and polishing for areas up to 20m², including a premium water-based clear coating system.
Even small rooms require the same professional preparation as larger projects, including:
✔ Dust-controlled floor sanding
✔ Edge and corner sanding
✔ Nail punching where required
✔ Puttying minor nail holes
✔ Vacuuming and surface preparation
✔ Premium water-based clear coating
✔ Drying time between coats
✔ Light buffing between coats where required
✔ Final protective coat
Because every project requires multiple visits and drying time between coats, a minimum charge applies regardless of floor size.
Timber Floor Sanding Price Guide
| Service | Indicative Price |
|---|---|
| Timber floor sanding & polishing (up to 20m²) | From $1,500 + GST |
| Additional floor area (over 20m²) | $40 per m² + GST |
| Staining, re-staining, lime wash or white wash | Add $20 per m² + GST |
| Timber floor repairs | Quoted separately |
| Stair sanding & polishing | Quoted separately |
Please note: These prices are intended as a guide only. The final price depends on the condition of the timber, the amount of preparation required and your chosen finish.
Pricing Examples
Example 1 – 20m² Timber Floor Sanding & Polishing
Floor size: 20m²
Guide Price
From $1,500 + GST
Includes professional floor sanding and a premium water-based clear coating system.
Pricing Examples
The examples below show how our pricing works for different floor sizes and finishing options.
Example 2 – 25m² Timber Floor Sanding & Polishing
Our minimum charge covers the first 20m².
The remaining 5m² is charged at $40 per m².
Calculation
- Minimum charge (up to 20m²): $1,500 + GST
- Additional 5m²: 5 × $40 = $200 + GST
Guide Price
$1,700 + GST
Example 3 – 25m² Timber Floor Sanding, Polishing & White Wash
This example includes professional floor sanding, a premium water-based clear coating and a white wash finish.
Calculation
- Minimum charge (up to 20m²): $1,500 + GST
- Additional 5m²: 5 × $40 = $200 + GST
- White wash finish: 25m² × $20 = $500 + GST
Guide Price
$2,200 + GST
Example 4 – 50m² Timber Floor Sanding & Polishing
For larger floors, only the area above 20m² is charged at the additional square metre rate.
Calculation
- Minimum charge (up to 20m²): $1,500 + GST
- Additional 30m²: 30 × $40 = $1,200 + GST
Guide Price
$2,700 + GST
Example 5 – 50m² Timber Floor Sanding, Polishing & White Wash
This example includes a premium white wash finish across the entire floor.
Calculation
- Minimum charge (up to 20m²): $1,500 + GST
- Additional 30m²: 30 × $40 = $1,200 + GST
- White wash finish: 50m² × $20 = $1,000 + GST
Guide Price
$3,700 + GST
This version is cleaner, removes the duplicate introduction, and makes the pricing calculations much easier for visitors to follow.
What Affects the Cost?
Although two homes may have the same floor area, the amount of work required can vary significantly. Several factors influence the final price.
1. Floor Condition
Floors with deep scratches, heavy wear, pet stains, water damage, old coatings or uneven boards often require additional preparation and extra sanding passes.
Some stains improve dramatically after sanding, while deep water stains, burns or pet urine marks may not disappear completely.
2. Floor Size
Larger areas generally offer better value per square metre.
Smaller rooms often involve proportionally more edging, detailed sanding, preparation and coating work, which is why a minimum charge applies.
3. Timber Species
Different timber species require different sanding techniques and finishing systems.
We regularly restore:
- Tasmanian Oak
- Baltic Pine
- Blackbutt
- Spotted Gum
- Jarrah
- Brushbox
- Cypress Pine
- Messmate
Each timber responds differently to stains and protective coatings.
4. Your Choice of Finish
Our standard pricing includes a premium water-based clear coating.
If you’d like to change the appearance of your floor, we also offer:
- Timber staining
- Re-staining
- Lime wash finishes
- White wash finishes
- Colour changes
These options require additional preparation and product application.
5. Repairs
Minor nail punching and puttying are generally included.
However, damaged boards, loose flooring, large gaps, water damage or timber replacement are quoted separately following inspection.
6. Stairs
Stairs require considerably more detailed hand sanding than flat flooring and are always quoted separately.
What's Included?
A typical timber floor sanding and polishing project includes:
✔ Professional dust-controlled sanding
✔ Multiple sanding grades
✔ Edge and detail sanding
✔ Nail punching where required
✔ Puttying minor nail holes
✔ Thorough vacuuming
✔ Surface preparation
✔ Premium water-based clear coating
✔ Light buffing between coats
✔ Final protective coat
✔ Choice of Matte, Satin or Gloss finish
Floor Sanding vs Replacing Your Timber Floors
Many homeowners assume worn timber flooring needs replacing.
In many cases, professional sanding and polishing restores the original timber for a fraction of the cost.
| Timber Floor Sanding | New Timber Flooring |
|---|---|
| From $1,500 + GST | Often $8,000 to $20,000+ |
| Keeps existing timber | Complete replacement |
| Usually completed within a few days | Major renovation |
| Much lower cost | Significantly higher investment |
If your existing timber floor is structurally sound, restoration is often the most economical option.
Related Timber Floor Services
Depending on the condition of your floor, we may also recommend:
If you’re considering changing the colour of your floor, we also provide professional timber staining, lime washing and white wash finishes.
We’ll always recommend the solution that’s best for your timber, not the most expensive option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GST included in your pricing?
No. All prices shown are plus GST unless stated otherwise.
Can you provide a quote from photos?
Yes. In many cases we can provide an accurate estimate from clear photos and approximate measurements before arranging a site inspection.
Do I need to move my furniture?
We’ll explain exactly what needs to be moved before work begins and discuss the best option for your project.
Is staining included?
No. Timber staining, re-staining, lime washing and white wash finishes are optional upgrades charged separately.
Request Your Free Timber Floor Sanding Quote
Every timber floor is different, which is why we recommend inspecting the floor or reviewing a few clear photos before providing a fixed quote.
To help us prepare an accurate estimate, simply send us:
- Photos of your timber floor
- Approximate measurements or a floor plan
- Your Melbourne suburb
- Your preferred finish (clear, stain, lime wash or white wash)
- Photos of any damaged boards, stairs or problem areas
We'll assess your floor, explain your options clearly and provide an honest, no-obligation quote with transparent pricing and no hidden surprises.
Call Melbourne Deck & Floor Restoration today or request your free quote online.