Per square metre rates by service
| Service | Typical range (per sqm) |
|---|---|
| Recoat only (clean + one coat) | $18 – $28 |
| Full sand + 2 coats solvent | $25 – $35 |
| Full sand + 3 coats Bona Mega | $30 – $45 |
| Full sand + 3 coats Bona Traffic HD | $40 – $55 |
| Natural oil finish (Bona Craft Oil 2K) | $35 – $50 |
| Stain + 3 coats | $40 – $60 |
| Stairs (per tread + riser) | $40 – $80 each |
| Parquetry full restoration | $50 – $75 |
Most contractors have a minimum callout of $600 to $900, so very small jobs (under 15 sqm) cost more per sqm.
What drives the price?
Floor condition. Deep cupping, water damage, wide gap-filling, and board replacement add $5 to $15 per sqm.
Finish choice. Bona Traffic HD costs more than solvent poly but lasts 2 to 3 times longer, yellows less, and has near-zero VOC.
Size. Per-sqm rates drop above 60 sqm because setup, sanding, and drying time is fixed.
Access. Stairs, narrow halls, heavy furniture, and upper floors add cost. Dust containment systems (Bona DCS) are usually standard now.
Region. Sydney and Melbourne metro run 10 to 20 percent above regional NSW. The Hunter / Central Coast sits in between.
Sanding vs replacing — the numbers
For a typical 80 sqm timber floor, sanding and refinishing costs roughly $2,400 to $4,000 all-in. Replacing with new engineered timber starts around $8,800 and climbs past $17,000 with install, underlay and subfloor prep. Sanding also keeps the original character of the floor — something you cannot recover once boards are lifted.