If you're planning to sand and polish your timber floors, price is usually the first question. Here's a realistic breakdown of what goes into a Sydney floor sanding quote in 2026, and where the cost typically lands.
Typical Price Ranges
As a general guide, floor sanding and polishing in Sydney typically costs between $35 and $65 per square metre. Recoating without a full sand is usually less, often in the $20 to $35 per square metre range. These are broad guides only — the exact number depends on the factors below, which is why we always quote on-site rather than over the phone.
What Affects the Price
- Timber condition. Deep scratches, water staining or uneven boards take more passes and prep work than a lightly worn floor.
- Floor area and layout. Larger open-plan areas are typically more cost-efficient per square metre than several small, cut-up rooms with lots of edging.
- Number of coats. Three coats is standard; high-traffic areas or commercial spaces sometimes warrant a fourth.
- Finish type. Solvent-based polyurethane, water-based finishes and specialty whitewash/limewash treatments are priced differently.
- Staining or colour matching. Custom colour work adds a step (and drying time) compared with a clear finish.
- Access and preparation. Furniture removal, tricky access, or extensive nail-punching and repairs add time.
Sanding vs Recoating: A Cost Comparison
Not every floor needs a full sand-back. If your finish is only dulled and the timber underneath is sound, a recoat achieves a similar visual refresh for meaningfully less than a full sand — see our guide on telling the two apart.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Because so many variables affect price, the only way to get a number you can rely on is an on-site inspection. We provide free, fixed-price quotes across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and the Central Coast — see our floor sanding page or get in touch below.