Floor Sanding Cost in Newcastle: 2026 Pricing Guide
Pricing is the first thing people want to know, and too many floor sanders are vague about it. I prefer to be upfront. Here is what floor sanding costs in the Newcastle and Hunter region as of 2026.
Full Sand and Polish
A full sand and three-coat polyurethane finish typically costs between $40 and $55 per square metre. The exact price depends on:
- Condition of the floor: A floor with old paint, heavy scratches, or water damage takes longer to prepare.
- Type of timber: Harder species like spotted gum take longer to sand than softer species like Tassie oak.
- Number of rooms and layout: Open-plan areas are faster per square metre than multiple small rooms with tight edges.
- Access: Ground floor is straightforward. Stairs add time and cost.
- Finish choice: Standard Bona Traffic HD is included in the base price. Staining or speciality finishes cost extra.
Recoat (Screen and Coat)
A recoat runs between $22 and $30 per square metre. This is where the existing finish is still intact but looking tired. I lightly abrade the surface and apply one or two fresh coats of polyurethane. No heavy sanding, no dust drama, usually done in a day.
A recoat is the best value maintenance you can do. It extends the life of your floor by years and costs a fraction of a full sand.
Staining
If you want to change the colour of your floor, add $8 to $15 per square metre for staining. This covers the stain product, the extra preparation, and the additional drying time required. I use Bona Rich Tone for most stain jobs.
Stairs
Stairs are priced per step rather than per square metre because they are labour-intensive. Expect $35 to $50 per step including finish. A typical staircase of 14 steps costs between $490 and $700.
Deck Sanding and Oiling
Outdoor decks cost between $35 and $50 per square metre for sanding and two coats of decking oil. Condition matters -- a deck that has been neglected for ten years with grey, weathered timber takes more work than one that has been maintained. See the deck sanding guide for more detail.
Minimum Job Charge
I have a minimum charge of $900 for any sanding job. Setting up and packing down equipment takes the same time whether the floor is 10 square metres or 50. For very small areas, the minimum charge applies.
What Is Included
Every quote includes:
- All sanding and preparation
- Gap filling with matching timber filler
- Three coats of Bona polyurethane
- Dust containment measures
- Final clean-up
No hidden extras. If something unexpected comes up during the job -- like termite damage under the old finish -- I will show you and discuss options before doing any additional work.
Getting a Quote
I provide free, no-obligation quotes for anywhere in the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Hunter region. I need to see the floor in person to give an accurate price. Photos help for an initial estimate, but the final quote always comes after an on-site inspection.
You can request a quote through the contact page or call me directly. I service all suburbs including Merewether, Hamilton, Charlestown, and beyond.
Read the process walkthrough to understand what happens on the job, or check the FAQ for common questions.