Polyurethane is a popular choice for sealing and protecting wood surfaces, whether it’s for hardwood floors, furniture, or outdoor decks. But how much does it actually cost? That depends on a variety of factors—type of polyurethane, brand, coverage, labor costs, and even regional price variations.
This guide will give you a comprehensive breakdown of polyurethane costs, how it compares to oil-based stains, and the price of hiring professionals for application. Let’s dive in!
🏷️ How Much Does Polyurethane Cost Per Gallon?
Polyurethane comes in two primary types: water-based and oil-based. The cost depends on factors like brand, durability, and finish type.
Type of Polyurethane |
Price Per Quart |
Price Per Gallon |
Coverage Per Gallon |
|---|---|---|---|
Water-Based (Basic) |
$15 – $35 |
$40 – $90 |
300 – 500 sq. ft. |
Water-Based (High Durability) |
$35 – $60 |
$80 – $120 |
300 – 500 sq. ft. |
Oil-Based (Standard) |
$12 – $30 |
$35 – $80 |
300 – 500 sq. ft. |
Oil-Based (Professional Grade) |
$40 – $70 |
$100 – $150 |
300 – 500 sq. ft. |
Polyurethane Spray (Aerosol) |
$8 – $20 per can |
N/A |
Varies (Small Projects) |
🔹 Key Takeaways:
- Water-based polyurethane is typically more expensive but dries faster and has lower fumes.
- Oil-based polyurethane is cheaper but takes longer to dry and emits strong odors.
- Higher durability polyurethane (like professional-grade brands) costs significantly more but offers superior protection.
💦 Water-Based vs. Oil-Based Polyurethane: Cost & Performance Comparison
Many homeowners struggle to decide between water-based and oil-based polyurethane. Here’s how they compare in cost and performance:
Factor |
Water-Based Polyurethane |
Oil-Based Polyurethane |
|---|---|---|
Price |
$40 – $120 per gallon |
$35 – $100 per gallon |
Durability |
Good (but needs more coats) |
Excellent (fewer coats needed) |
Drying Time |
2 – 4 hours per coat |
6 – 24 hours per coat |
Odor & VOCs |
Low odor, low VOCs |
Strong odor, high VOCs |
Appearance |
Clear finish, no ambering |
Rich, warm amber tone |
Lifespan |
5 – 10 years |
7 – 15 years |
💡 Which One Should You Choose?
- Water-Based ✅ Best for indoor use, quick refinishing, and areas with ventilation concerns.
- Oil-Based ✅ Best for high-traffic floors, deep wood tones, and longer-lasting protection.
🏡 How Much Does It Cost to Hire Someone for Polyurethane Application?
Applying polyurethane is time-consuming and requires multiple coats. Hiring a professional can save time but adds to the cost.
💰 Cost of Hiring a Contractor for Polyurethane Application
Project Type |
DIY Cost (Materials Only) |
Professional Cost |
|---|---|---|
Hardwood Floor (200 sq. ft.) |
$80 – $250 |
$500 – $1,200 |
Hardwood Floor (500 sq. ft.) |
$200 – $600 |
$1,200 – $2,800 |
Furniture Refinishing (Table, Chairs) |
$40 – $150 |
$150 – $600 |
Outdoor Deck (300 sq. ft.) |
$120 – $400 |
$800 – $2,000 |
🔨 Factors Affecting Labor Costs
✅ Floor Condition – Sanding old floors adds $1 – $3 per sq. ft.
✅ Number of Coats – More coats = higher cost.
✅ Location – Major cities charge more for labor.
✅ Type of Finish – High-gloss finishes may require extra buffing.
💡 DIY vs. Hiring a Pro:
- DIY saves money, but prep work is tedious (sanding, dust removal, multiple coats).
- Hiring a professional guarantees a smooth, even finish, but adds 2-5x the cost.
🏗️ Polyurethane vs. Oil-Based Wood Stain: Which Costs More?
Many homeowners also use oil-based stains to enhance wood color before applying polyurethane. But how do their costs compare?
💰 Cost of Oil-Based Stains vs. Polyurethane
Type |
Price Per Quart |
Price Per Gallon |
Average Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
Oil-Based Wood Stain |
$10 – $30 |
$25 – $60 |
150 – 300 sq. ft. |
Polyurethane (Water-Based) |
$15 – $35 |
$40 – $120 |
300 – 500 sq. ft. |
Polyurethane (Oil-Based) |
$12 – $30 |
$35 – $100 |
300 – 500 sq. ft. |
💡 Which One Do You Need?
- If you want color enhancement, you’ll need both stain + polyurethane.
- If you only need protection, polyurethane alone is enough.
- Cost-wise, staining + polyurethane adds about 20-50% more to the project.
🏠 Total Cost Breakdown for DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY: Full Refinishing Cost (500 sq. ft. hardwood floor)
Item |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Sandpaper / Floor Sander Rental |
$50 – $250 |
Wood Stain (Optional) |
$30 – $80 |
Polyurethane (3-4 gallons) |
$120 – $400 |
Brushes / Applicators |
$20 – $50 |
Respirator & Gloves |
$15 – $40 |
Total DIY Cost |
$235 – $820 |
Hiring a Pro: Full Refinishing Cost (500 sq. ft. hardwood floor)
Expense |
Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Labor & Materials |
$1,200 – $2,800 |
Extra Prep Work (Sanding) |
$500 – $1,500 |
Total Cost with Contractor |
$1,700 – $4,300 |
🚀 DIY saves up to 80%, but requires 3+ days of work. Hiring a pro costs more but delivers better results.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Polyurethane Worth the Cost?
Polyurethane is an essential investment for protecting wood from scratches, moisture, and wear. Whether you choose water-based or oil-based polyurethane, costs depend on the brand, project size, and labor costs.
💡 Key Takeaways:
✅ Polyurethane Costs: $35 – $120 per gallon, covering 300-500 sq. ft.
✅ Water-Based vs. Oil-Based: Water-based costs more but dries faster; oil-based is cheaper but more durable.
✅ DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: DIY costs $250 – $800, while professional refinishing can be $1,500 – $4,000.
✅ Adding Stain Increases Cost: Staining first adds 20-50% to project costs.
💬 Planning a polyurethane project? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments below! 👇
🚀 For real-world price insights, bookmark CostHowMuch.com!
