The average cost of repairing flooring is about $375 on average, or between $6,500 and $10,500 for a small room, depending on the materials, square footage and more. If the damage extends below the flooring, the surface may need to be ripped up and replaced, which can cost you significantly more.
If you recently learned you have flooring damage, the first question that probably came to mind was whether you should repair or replace your flooring. The answer depends on a number of factors, from the type of flooring you have to the extent of the damage, as well as whether you want to bring in a flooring installation company to help repair the issues. Here, we’ll help you figure out how much money you may have to shell out to repair or replace your flooring, as well as what you should know before you buy flooring.
| Average Cost to Repair Flooring* | |
|---|---|
| Surface Repairs | $100 - $500 |
| Structural/Subflooring Repairs | $500 - $1,000 |
| Structural/Floor Joist Repairs | $6,000 - $10,000+ |
Cost to Repair Floors: Surface, Subfloors and Joists
Surface Repair Cost
If your floor is only damaged on the surface, you’ll be better off repairing your flooring rather than replacing it. A simple floorboard repair that includes refinishing the surface (which can be necessary with issues like scratches, sun fading and minor water damage) can cost between $3 and $5 per square foot, while replacing a few boards costs, on average, around $200 depending on how many boards need to be replaced.
| Surface Repair Cost Comparison* | |
|---|---|
| Surface refinishing, small area | $300 - $500 |
| Surface refinishing, entire room | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| Floorboard replacement, small area | $600 - $1,000 |
| Floorboard replacement, entire room | $3,000 - $5,000 |
Subfloor Repair Cost
If there’s damage to the subflooring, you can expect your costs to increase quite a bit.
What is subflooring? It’s the flooring, often made of PCB or plywood, that the builder installs underneath your actual flooring to give it support and create an even surface. Damage to the subflooring typically involves water in some form and can often occur as a result of leaks (think appliances or plumbing), cracks in the flooring or your home’s exterior, and high humidity.
The cost to repair subfloor runs between $500 and $700 per room. Replacement costs closer to $2,500.
| Cost to Repair Subfloor* | |
|---|---|
| Subfloor repair, small area | $100 - $200 |
| Subfloor repair, entire room | $300 - $400 |
| Subfloor replacement, small area | $400 - $500 |
| Subfloor replacement, entire room | $570 - $720 |
Joist Repair Cost
If your home flooded or otherwise sustained major damage from water or pests like termites, you may be looking at joist replacements.
What Are Joists?
Joists are boards that run horizontally below the subflooring. They were installed at the time your home was built.
These strong boards are bolted into a piece of wood called a sill that runs along the walls, and they serve to support all the weight of the room above them. They’re critical to a structurally sound home, so a damaged joist is a repair that should occur immediately after the problem is identified.
Floor joist repair cost varies widely, and there are two main reasons why, First and foremost, if a contractor is able to access your damaged floor joists from below (such as from a basement or crawl space, or from a lower level of your home), you’ll be spared having to replace the flooring above the joists.
Secondly, the costs to sister floor joists is dramatically less than replacing them. Sistering involves placing a second joist next to the damaged one and bolting them together for additional support. This repair, which can run $100 to $300 per joist, is significantly cheaper than having to replace original joists.
Joist replacement that requires the use of jacks sits at the high end of the cost scale. This procedure, which uses steel jacks to lift your home off the damaged joists, is exceptionally difficult and dangerous, and it should never be attempted as a DIY project.
| Floor Joist Repair Cost for a 500-Square-Foot Room | |
|---|---|
| Cost to sister floor joists | $100 - $300 per joist |
| Cost to replace floor joists | $6,000 - $10,000+ |
| Cost to replace floor joists, jack required | $20,000+ |
Hardwood Floor Repair Cost
Surface damage to a hardwood floor, like stains and scratches, is typical in high-traffic areas over the years. The repair costs range from $5 to $25 per square foot, depending on the size and extent of the damage. Some issues affecting hardwood floors are water damage, rot and swelling due to humidity levels. These issues may require the replacement of an entire section of your floor or just one piece.
Floor Leveling Cost
It’s common for hard surface flooring like hardwood and tile to need leveling. When a floor isn’t properly leveled, it can cause gaps and uneven surfaces in your flooring.
Sometimes, the problem can be corrected by applying a liquid, self-leveling product similar to concrete. You can complete this relatively simple DIY project without spending a lot of money ($0.50 to $1.50 per pound). However, you will still need to replace the floor that rests above it.
For more significant issues, it’s best to contact a structural engineer since any problem that involves floor joists can spell major trouble. Leveling floor joists usually means the repair could be as simple as sistering the joists. As mentioned above, the cost to sister floor joists runs approximately $100 to $300 per joist.
In other cases, the shims may need replacing, or the supporting structure could be rotting, which is a much bigger job. The cost for this kind of repair is similar or equal to the cost to replace floor joists, which can run $6,000 to $10,000 per room.
Sagging Floor Repair Cost
The cost of repairing a sagging floor is similar to leveling, because sagging is one of the common reasons why a floor is no longer level.
Sagging can occur as a result of water damage, rotting and destruction of the subfloor and/or floor joists, or even an issue with the foundation of the home. For minor issues involving just the subflooring, sagging can be an inexpensive DIY project.
Bigger problems mean a heftier price tag, depending on the source of the issue. If your floor is sagging and you’re wondering about the sagging floor repair cost, speak to a trusted contractor or structural engineer to first determine the source and extent of the issue.
When to Replace Wooden Floors
Wooden floors are one of the most long-lasting types of flooring materials. However, an excellent tell as to when you should consider replacing your wooden floors is if you notice that the floor is starting to look faded or worn. A definite sign of needing to replace your wooden flooring is if it has become soft to the touch, has developed gaps between the boards or is chipping or cracking. In these cases, it is recommended that you get in touch with your flooring contractor sooner rather than later. They can help you choose an appropriate replacement flooring solution.
Who Should You Hire to Replace Subfloors and Joists?
Problems with your floors can often make your house feel unsafe, but you don’t have to live with damaged floors. Therefore, depending on the cause of your floor damage and the type of repair needed, there may be variations in the professional you should hire. A licensed general contractor can help you fix basic issues. Contacting a foundation specialist or structural engineer is the best option if there are bigger issues with your subfloors, joists or foundations.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed a range of providers and cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sagging floors dangerous?
Is your floor sagging? Don’t fret! Although sagging isn’t usually a sign of immediate danger, it could indicate underlying problems such as uneven subflooring or rotting joists. Have the floor inspected by a local carpenter, general contractor or even a foundation specialist to find the root of the problem.
Should I repair my floor on my own or hire a professional?
If you only have surface floor damage, there’s a good chance you can tackle this job yourself if you feel confident in your skills and have experience with this type of project. But keep in mind that even minor jobs must be done correctly to avoid awkward-looking flooring.
For peace of mind, it may be wise to hire a contractor, especially if the floor damage is in a very obvious and high-traffic spot. For any issue involving subflooring or deeper levels like floor joists, a professional is absolutely the right choice, as these jobs can impact the structural integrity of your home.
How much does it cost to fix squeaky floors?
First, determine why your floors are squeaking. Most often, squeaky floors result from uneven subflooring, poor craftsmanship and water damage, such as from a flood, large spill or even humidity.
Another major contributing factor can be the settling of the foundation, which can occur as the home ages. Depending on the cause, the average cost to fix a squeaky floor is between $200 and $1,000.
Should I refinish or replace my hardwood floors?
The decision of whether to refinish or replace your floors is a tough one that goes beyond the cost of the job. While refinishing can work wonders on a badly scuffed surface, deep gashes and bowing or separating boards can’t be fixed by refinishing the surface. In these cases, repair or replacement is likely the best option.
It’s also worth considering whether you’re happy with the flooring itself. If you have a house full of oak flooring but you’re pining after a sleek, dark and ultra-modern look, your money will be better spent replacing the floor and enjoying it for years to come.
How do you protect hardwood floors from water damage?
You can protect your hardwood floors from water damage in several ways, such as:
- Apply a sealant that protects your floor from water and provides a barrier between polyurethane, wood glue and scratches.
- Clean up spills immediately by blotting them with a dry rag.
- Place mats near entrances to dry off wet shoes.
- Keep damp items off the floor to prevent damage from moisture.
