Sanding and varnishing parquet: what does it cost?

How much does sanding and varnishing cost per square metre

For a straightforward job, sanding and applying two to three coats of varnish typically runs to somewhere around 12–20 € per square metre. That covers a floor in reasonable condition, with no major gaps, no deep staining, and access that does not slow the work down.

A larger flat with a simple, open floor plan usually comes in nearer the lower end of that range per square metre, since the machine can run in longer passes and there is less time lost taping off skirting and fiddling in corners. A flat cut into many small rooms costs more per square metre for the same total floor area.

These figures cover labour and standard varnish. For anything beyond a single average room, we give a fixed quote after seeing the floor or photos, valid for 30 days, so you know the final figure before work starts.

What affects the final price

The starting condition of the boards matters more than anything else. A floor with old varnish worn through in the walking paths, some staining, and a few loose boards needs more passes and more filler than one that has simply gone dull. Gaps between boards, if you want them filled rather than left, add material and time.

The number of coats changes both cost and durability. Two coats is the practical minimum; three is more common where the floor gets heavy use, such as a hallway or a living room that opens onto a kitchen. Each extra coat adds drying time between passes, which adds to the job even though the work itself is quick.

Dust-free sanding, where the machine is connected to an extraction unit, costs a bit more than a conventional sander but leaves far less mess in the rest of the flat. It is worth asking for if you are living in the flat during the work or if neighbours share a stairwell and ventilation.

• Condition of the existing boards and finish
• Total floor area and how broken up it is into rooms
• Number of coats of varnish
• Dust-free sanding versus standard sanding
• Gap filling and repair of loose or damaged boards
• Access: furniture removal, stair carrying, parking near the building

What is usually included and what costs extra

A quote for sanding and varnishing normally covers machine sanding of the whole floor, edge sanding along skirting boards, dust removal between passes, and the agreed number of varnish coats. Taping off doorways and protecting fixed fittings is part of the job too.

Extras usually include replacing individual damaged boards, filling wide gaps with a matching filler, and moving heavy furniture that cannot simply be pushed to one side. Skirting boards themselves are not sanded or repainted as part of a floor job; if they need attention, that is separate painting and decorating work, which we also do, from 12 € per job.

Materials bought by us carry a 10 % handling fee on top of their cost, or you are welcome to supply the varnish yourself if you have a preference for a particular finish. Either way it is agreed and itemised before the invoice is issued.

When sanding is worth it and when it is not

Sanding is almost always worth it when the boards themselves are sound: solid wood, reasonable thickness remaining, no rot or water damage underneath. Even a floor that looks tired, scratched, or badly discoloured usually comes back well, since sanding removes the surface layer where the damage sits.

It stops being worth it when the boards have already been sanded several times over the decades and there is not enough wood left to take another pass without exposing nail heads or the tongue-and-groove joint. It is also not worth it if boards are cupped, springy underfoot, or damp from a leak, since that points to a problem beneath the floor rather than on its surface.

In those cases, fitting a new floor is the more honest option, and it also gives you a chance to fix subfloor issues at the same time. Our flooring service, from 15 € per job, covers both new floors and the assessment of whether an old one is still worth saving.

How the quote works and what to do beforehand

A call-out to look at the floor costs 25 € within Tallinn, deducted from the bill if the job goes ahead, though photos of the floor and its problem areas are often enough for a first estimate. Photos taken in daylight, including any gaps, stains, or loose boards, help most.

Before the crew arrives, clear the room of furniture and rugs as far as you can, and check that other residents in the building are aware sanding is noisy and will happen during the day. We are on call around the clock for urgent jobs, but a floor refinish is usually scheduled rather than emergency work.

Our own work carries a 24-month guarantee covering workmanship, not wear from everyday use or furniture you supply yourself. An appointment can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours ahead, and the final invoice is itemised by hours and materials, payable within seven days.