Wood Floor Refinishing Contractors in Memphis, TN

Memphis Wood Floor Refinishing

Rich history, vibrant nightlife, and a diverse cultural heritage collide in the Mississippi River city of Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis is the largest city in the state, and it's home to more than 650,000 people. A low cost of living and variety of cultural interests add to the appeal of this delicious metropolitan area, known for its soulful music and zippy barbecue.

Wood floors are a popular choice among Memphis homeowners, although they require periodic maintenance and refinishing. While this is a doable do-it-yourself (DIY) project, it’s important that homeowners understand the risks of taking this project on without a professional before deciding whether to hire someone or do the work on their own.

Local Costs for Refinishing Wood Floors

Buffing out scratches, repairing cracks and gouges, refreshing the stain’s color, and adding a new topcoat go a long way to making even old wood floors look new for a fraction of the cost of replacing wood floors. Memphis homeowners typically spend between $759 and $1,694 on this project. For a quick look at how local costs compare to the national average, consider the following table:

As the above table shows, local costs are considerably lower than the national average. Although hiring a contractor adds to the overall cost of this project, homeowners may be better off having a professional do the work than performing it themselves. Homeowners interested in trying their hand at refinishing their floors may save some money on the project, but they also run the risk of making costly mistakes.

DIY Floor Refinishing

Refinishing wood floors generally involves sanding the wood to remove the finish, applying a new stain, and adding a topcoat to protect the wood. Homeowners who choose to DIY their floor refinishing need to buy or rent supplies and heavy equipment, including a large floor sander, which can be unwieldy to operate without prior experience. If sticking to a straight budget is important, homeowners can remove furniture from the room themselves, which can eliminate some labor costs.

Refinishing floors can be straightforward, or it can be challenging. This is particularly true for floors that have undergone numerous refinishes because the process can ultimately leave the wood too thin to refinish again, and contractors are better equipped to repair or replace damaged floorboards. Homeowners without this kind of experience may inadvertently leave uneven sanding patterns in the wood. Other potential problems include failing to remove the old finish completely and forgetting to fill cracks and scratches before applying stain.

Necessary Licensing and Qualifications

Tennessee only requires its contractors get a license if they work on projects that cost more than $3,000, and most floor refinishing projects cost less than this around the city. Homeowners who hire unlicensed professionals should still do their homework by checking references, talking to prior customers, and verifying the contractor’s insurance. In Tennessee, contractors are required to carry a general liability insurance policy worth a minimum of $100,000 for any job costing $500,000 or less. Choosing an uninsured contractor leaves the homeowner liable for the costs of any accidents that occur during the project.

Other Projects to Consider

In addition to performing any necessary repairs on their wood floors, many Memphis homeowners choose to piggyback on their momentum to give the whole room a fresh look. Popular projects include replacing baseboards, upgrading molding, painting the walls, and buying new furniture.

Prominent Memphis Neighborhoods

Memphis is a city with deep roots and a variety of eclectic neighborhoods, each with its own charm. It feels lively just about everywhere you turn, but there are plenty of pockets throughout the city where it’s easy to find some quiet reprieve from all the cultural happenings that make Memphis so vibrant. Some of the city’s most sought-after neighborhoods include the following:

Central Gardens

Residents who appreciate historied homes love the Central Gardens neighborhood in Midtown. The historic single-family homes in Central Gardens were built in the early part of the 20th century, which appeals to a diverse population of residents, including young families and business tycoons. Wood floors here are a common feature, and maintaining older or original wood flooring is a priority when it comes to preserving historic charm.

Cooper-Young

Hipsters, artists and residents who want to live near some of the city's best restaurants often turn to the Cooper-Young neighborhood. With its eclectic look and bevy of boutiques, bars, and community events, Cooper-Young appeals to Memphis residents with a desire for adventure and living near the action of Midtown. This walkable area is brimming with older apartment buildings and conversions that have turned some of the neighborhood’s finest houses into community living spaces.

Germantown

The Germantown neighborhood located in the area east of the city offers an affluent setting with stellar schools, large homes, and a family-friendly vibe. Germantown is one of the city's most desirable neighborhoods for families. Installing and maintaining a wood floor here is a surefire way to elevate property values.

Harbor Town on Mud Island

Water views and walkable streets make Harbor Town on Mud Island one of the city's most favored downtown neighborhoods. Popular among retirees and families alike, this neighborhood provides a small-town feel within minutes of some of the city's best amenities.