Flooring Specialists in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Wood Floor Refinishing

From the hills to the bay, San Francisco, California, combines the beauty of northern California with a distinct vibe that's all its own, attracting hipsters, artists, outdoor enthusiasts, tech pros, startup visionaries, and growing families. With its landmark Golden Gate Bridge, hip boutiques, trend-setting restaurants, vibrant entertainment scene, temperate climate, and diverse population, it's safe to say that San Francisco has something to offer each of its 800,000+ residents as a city that welcomes innovation and flat-out fun.

Wood floors make a big statement in any home, and they’re quite a common feature in the older historic homes that dot San Francisco’s streets. This elegant flooring requires some maintenance and periodic refinishing to change the stain or buff out scratches. Many homeowners opt to refinish wood floors instead of replacing them. Although this can be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project, it’s important to understand the risks of taking this project on without a professional.

Local Costs for Refinishing Wood Floors

Wear and tear causes dullness and scratches that affect the look of wood floors and make them less appealing over time. Refinishing them restores their appearance and allows homeowners to change the color of the stain for a fraction of the cost of replacing them. Plus, having original wood floors in an older historic San Francisco home is a great way to set it apart from those that have been renovated to incorporate newer finishes.

San Francisco homeowners typically spend between $1,248 and $2,477 on refinishing 300 square feet of their flooring. For a quick look at how local costs compare to the national average, consider the following table:

As the above table shows, San Francisco’s prices run slightly higher than the national average, although many different factors affect the bottom line, and this is to be expected in a city that has one of the highest costs of living in the country. In general, the larger the square footage, the larger the price tag. San Francisco homeowners thinking of refinishing their floors on their own should consider the materials they need to get the job done in addition to the potential risks of a DIY project.

DIY Floor Refinishing

Refinishing floors can be straightforward, or it can be tricky. This is particularly true for floors that have undergone numerous refinishes because the process can ultimately leave the wood too thin to refinish again, especially in older homes around the city. Other risks of a DIY job include leaving an uneven sanding pattern in the wood, failing to remove the old finish completely, and forgetting to fill cracks and scratches, which can open the wood up to further damage even after the refinishing is done.

Additionally, homeowners will need to rent or buy the materials, tools, and supplies needed for the job. While it’s not a project that can be tackled overnight, it still has DIY potential. Keep in mind that you may need to wait a week or longer to use the room again, even after the final coat of stain has been applied, to leave the finishes enough time to dry.

Necessary Licensing and Qualifications

The state requires contractors who work on projects costing $500 or more to have a valid license from California's Contractors State Licensing Board. Additionally, homeowners should verify that their flooring professional is fully insured to avoid being held liable for costs associated with an accident that occurs during the project. California requires its contractors to have general liability insurance policies worth a minimum of $2,000,000 aggregate in addition to workers’ compensation insurance worth a minimum of $1,000,000.

Other Projects to Consider 

Additional enhancements complement the look of the refinished floors. Some examples include installing new molding and baseboards or refinishing the old ones, putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and upgrading the light fixtures.

Prominent San Francisco Neighborhoods

In a city that prides itself on being socially and economically diverse, it isn’t surprising that its neighborhoods offer an eclectic blend of living environments, each with its own distinct charm and appeal. Some of San Francisco’s prominent neighborhoods include the following:

Nob Hill

As one of the city's signature neighborhoods, Nob Hill offers a combination of famous landmarks, green spaces, and swanky homes. Mansions, luxury condos, row homes, and townhouses make up the bulk of Nob Hill's pricey housing market. Residents here are within walking distance of Union Square's boutiques, the eclectic shops in the Tenderloin, and the nightclubs at the Polk Street boundary.

Mission District

Once largely a neighborhood of immigrants, the Mission District has become a haven for hipsters and artists. Residents love the tree-lined appeal of 24th Street, the colorful street murals, and lively collection of shops and restaurants. Lavish condominiums, townhomes and apartments contrast with single-family homes, many of which cost $1 million or more.

The Haight

Renowned for its role in the hippie culture of the 1960s, the Haight combines its flower-power past with a hip present filled with vintage shops, boutiques, and trend-setting restaurants. Home styles include trendy co-ops, row homes, condos, and multi-family homes. Residents have convenient access to metered parking, public transportation, and area nightlife in the Lower Haight.