Homeowners and facility managers commonly pay per square foot for stripping old finishes and applying a new wax to hard floors. Costs vary by floor condition, square footage, and finish quality requirements. The following guide provides practical price ranges in USD and actionable cost drivers.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strip and Wax (per sq ft) | $1.50 | $2.50 | $4.50 | Assumes standard vinyl, linoleum, or concrete with mid tier wax |
Assumptions: region, floor type, total area, existing finish, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Typical project ranges for strip and wax are presented as total costs and per sq ft estimates. For a small to mid size area (500–2,000 sq ft) expect $750–$5,000 overall, with per sq ft pricing commonly $1.50–$4.50. Seasonal demand, floor condition, and access to the space strongly influence the final price. Lower end often reflects lighter prep and immediate wax application, while higher end typically includes deep stripping, multiple coats, and thorough floor prep.
Assumptions: region, floor type, total area, existing finish, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Overhead | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.20–$0.60 / sq ft | $0.60–$1.80 / sq ft | $0.15–$0.50 / sq ft | $0–$0.30 / sq ft | $0–$0.25 / sq ft | Included | $0.10–$0.40 / sq ft | $0.10–$0.40 / sq ft | Varies by state |
Niche drivers include floor material and finish thickness and size of the area.
Realistically, smaller spaces may hit the lower end of the range, while large campuses with complex layouts push toward the high end.
What Drives Price
Floor type and condition are major drivers. Vinyl and tile typically cost less to strip than dense finishes on concrete. Existing finish thickness and prior coatings determine prep time. A brisk job in a clean, accessible space runs lower than a multi room project with furniture removal and constraints.
Labor hours and crew size influence cost directly. A standard crew of two to three technicians may complete 1,000–2,500 sq ft per day, depending on terrain and obstructions. Labor hours × hourly rate approximates a major portion of the total.
Ways To Save
Bundle services by scheduling stripping and waxing together with routine maintenance to reduce repeated mobilization. Choose a mid grade wax rather than premium finishes unless gloss is required. Scheduling during off-peak times can yield lower labor rates from contractors with flexible crews.
Consider optimizing access to the space. Late afternoon or weekend work reduces downtime and sometimes costs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets, materials, and permit requirements. In the Northeast, expect higher labor rates and occasional higher disposal costs. The Midwest generally shows moderate pricing with stable materials costs. The Southwest can be influenced by travel charges and humidity effects on finish curing. Across regions, per sq ft ranges typically shift by ±20–35% for similar project scopes.
Labor & Installation Time
Strip and wax projects often run 1–2 days for small spaces and 3–5 days for large, multi room floors. A typical crew size is 2–3 technicians. Time on site directly affects daily labor costs and total project duration. For 1,500 sq ft, a 2-person crew might take 1–2 days; a larger area could require 3–4 days.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic
Specs: 600 sq ft vinyl floor, light wear, standard gloss finish. Labor: 8–12 hours. Materials: basic wax and cleaner. Total: $900–$1,200. Per sq ft: $1.50–$2.00. Notes: Quick refresh with minimal prep.
Mid-Range
Specs: 1,200 sq ft commercial space, multiple rooms, moderate wear, mid tier finish. Labor: 16–22 hours. Materials: strip solution, two wax coats, sealant. Total: $2,000–$3,200. Per sq ft: $1.70–$2.70. Notes: Balanced prep and finish quality.
Premium
Specs: 2,800 sq ft high traffic area, dense finish, concrete substrate, high gloss. Labor: 28–40 hours. Materials: premium stripper, three wax coats, enhanced sealer. Total: $5,000–$7,000. Per sq ft: $1.80–$2.50. Notes: Includes thorough prep and long lasting gloss.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
