How much does Floor repair cost?

Floors endure more daily wear and tear than any other part of your home. Gritty shoes, scampering pets, sloshing beverages, skidding toys, and scratching furniture legs all take a toll on flooring surfaces. And serious issues, such as water exposure or a shifting foundation, can cause extensive damage to your floors.

While some DIY homeowners may try repairing flooring materials themselves, this is not a time to skimp—getting a good result requires the right tools, expertise, and hard work. As a result, most people will hire a flooring contractor or skilled handyperson with experience in their particular type of flooring.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical costs of professional flooring repair.

The average cost of floor repair ranges from $120–450, including materials and labor. Your specific cost will depend on the kind of flooring and extent of the problem, which can range from a few small scratches to major structural damage. 

You may have minimum costs, because flooring installers sometimes charge as much as $300–1,250 just to dispatch a truck and a small crew. For simple repairs, it could be worthwhile to hire an experienced handyperson, at a typical rate of $40–80 per hour, plus materials.

Here’s what you’ll pay to fix specific kinds of floors.

Wood floors are susceptible to scratches and scuffs, and can also sustain serious damage when left in contact with water for a long time. This can lead to buckling and warping, which is difficult or impossible to reverse—resulting in the need for replacement.  

Typical hardwood floor repair costs range from $180–550. Low-end repairs by a handyperson, such as fixing scratches or small gaps, can cost as little as $75–200. At the higher end, replacing hardwood flooring due to water damage can cost $1,200–3,000+ for a typical room, or $5–10 per square foot.

Refinishing a hardwood floor, which removes scratches and stains, costs around $3,000–7,000 and takes 3–5 days. 

Vinyl floors have become extremely popular in recent decades, in part because they’re relatively affordable. Vinyl repels water, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. But like most flooring types, it can be damaged by foot traffic, large pets, and furniture. 

The average project cost of vinyl floor repairs is $50–350. If you just need curled-up corners glued down, you may pay as little as $50–170. If you have premium vinyl flooring, replacing multiple planks can cost $300–800+. 

Laminate is popular because it mimics the look of more expensive materials, but with a significantly lower price tag. It’s made of individual layers pressed together, and top layers can begin to curl. Panels can also be damaged by foot traffic.  

The average price of laminate flooring repairs is $60–375, including material costs and labor.

When replacement is needed, installing new flooring will cost $6–15 per square foot for mid-range products and $10–24 per square foot for higher-end choices.

Most ceramic or stone tile floor repairs involve replacing cracked or broken tiles, at a cost of $13–65 per square foot—or $30–100 per hour for labor if you already have replacement tiles. 

If you have crumbling or stained grout, fixing it typically costs $1.75–4.00 per square foot of tile.

These variables can affect your overall floor repair costs. 

Here are some ways to reduce your flooring repair expenses.

How much does it cost to repair a water-damaged wood floor?

Water can wreak havoc on wood floors, and you’ll often need to replace the affected floorboards. If replacement is necessary in multiple rooms, expect to pay $1,500–5,000+, or $5–10 per square foot (sq.ft.), including materials and labor costs.

How much does it cost to fix an uneven floor?

Structural repairs to the subfloor—like repairing damaged joists—can cost $250–1,000+. Replacement costs for severely damaged joists, which can make the entire floor uneven, range from $750–3,000+. 

Can you replace a section of hardwood floors?

Most modern flooring is made using a “tongue and groove” or similar style, which makes individual planks easier and less expensive to replace. The average cost to replace a damaged section of hardwood floor is $180–550, but you’ll pay a pro as much as $5,000+ to replace flooring throughout the house.  

Find a floor repair professional in your area.