Floor Sander Rental Cost vs Hiring a Pro in Knoxville, TN
The rental fee is only part of what a DIY floor refinish costs. Here is how the numbers usually work out, so you can compare renting a sander with hiring a professional.
What Denton's Charges to Rent a Floor Sander
Our rental package includes the professional sanding equipment and video training. Current rates for the full package are:
- 4 hours: $899
- 1 day: $1,199
- 48 hours: $1,899
- 1 week: $3,499
Delivery and pickup is available for an additional $150, and extra abrasives can be added to the order. You can see the full package and book online on our floor sander rental page.
Costs That Are Not in the Rental Fee
Renting the machine is not the whole budget. Plan for these as well:
- Abrasives beyond what comes with the package
- Stain, if you are changing the color
- Finish: sealer and two or three coats of polyurethane or hard wax oil
- Applicators, tape, plastic sheeting, and tack cloths
- A respirator, hearing protection, and safety glasses
- Nails, wood filler, and repair materials
- Your time. A first-time refinish often takes several days
What a Professional Refinish Costs
For comparison, professional hardwood floor refinishing in Knoxville typically runs $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the condition of the floor and the finish you choose. That price includes the labor, equipment, dustless sanding, and the finish.
For a 300 square foot room, that works out to roughly $900 to $2,400. For a 1,000 square foot floor, it is roughly $3,000 to $8,000.
Which One Costs Less?
It depends on the size of the job and how much of it you are prepared to do yourself.
- Small room, first-time DIYer: hiring a pro is often close to the same total cost, without the risk of a mistake.
- Large area, experienced DIYer with time: renting can save money, because the machine cost stays the same as the floor area grows.
- Damaged or engineered floors: hire a pro. The cost of a mistake is much higher than the savings.
The most common expense people do not plan for is fixing a sanding mistake. Deep gouges and uneven spots often need a second pass or a professional repair. See our list of common DIY refinishing mistakes.
Get a Free Estimate First
If you are not sure which way to go, ask for a quote before you decide. Denton's offers in-home consultations, and the consultation fee is credited back if you hire us. Book a consultation or read how to rent a floor sander to see what to check first.