Bona Traffic HD typically costs about $250-$350 per gallon, while hiring a flooring pro to sand and finish wood floors with this commercial-grade waterborne finish can bring the total to roughly $4-$8 per square foot. The final price depends on how many coats the floor needs, existing-floor preparation, local labor rates, and whether the quote includes sanding and cleanup.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bona Traffic HD, 1-gallon kit | $250 | $300 | $350 | Finish and hardener; retailer and sheen affect price |
| Product coverage | $0.65 per sq ft | $0.85 per sq ft | $1.00 per sq ft | One coat at about 350-400 sq ft per gallon |
| Professional floor refinishing | $4 per sq ft | $6 per sq ft | $8 per sq ft | Typical sanding and finishing project |
| 500-sq-ft professional job | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | Varies with floor condition and job scope |
What a gallon of Bona Traffic HD costs
A one-gallon Bona Traffic HD kit generally sells for $250-$350 before tax and shipping. The product is a two-component, waterborne finish supplied with hardener; confirm kit contents and current price when comparing sellers. At roughly 350-400 square feet of coverage per coat, finish alone works out to about $0.65-$1.00 per square foot per coat.
For a standard two-coat application, budget about $1.25-$2.00 per square foot for finish alone. A typical estimate assumes an even, properly prepared wood floor and the product’s published coverage range; rough or absorbent wood can use more finish. Assumptions: U.S. retail pricing, one-gallon kit, standard application conditions.
How sanding and finish materials appear in a floor quote
Contractors usually price a refinishing project as a complete job rather than as separate gallons of finish. A quote may bundle labor, sanding abrasives, stain, finish, equipment, and cleanup. Ask whether Bona Traffic HD is specifically included, how many coats are priced, and whether the estimate covers furniture moving or repairs.
| Quote component | Typical price | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bona Traffic HD finish | $1.25-$2.00 | Per sq ft for two coats | Coverage, coat count, and product price |
| Sanding labor | $2-$4 | Per sq ft | Floor condition and edge work |
| Stain or color work | $0.50-$2 | Per sq ft | Color choice and test samples |
| Equipment and abrasives | $0.50-$1.50 | Per sq ft | Rental, consumables, and access |
| Repairs and disposal | $100-$600 | Per project | Board replacement and debris volume |
Product cost is only one part of a professionally refinished floor. Labor and preparation commonly make up the larger share of the bill.
Coverage, coat count, and floor condition change the estimate
A 1,000-square-foot floor typically needs about 2.5-3 gallons for one coat at 350-400 square feet per gallon. Two coats can therefore require roughly 5-6 gallons, or about $1,250-$2,100 in finish at the price range above. Actual use depends on the floor’s porosity, applicator technique, and whether the job specification calls for additional coats.
Square footage is not the only variable. A floor with deep scratches, worn finish, stains, or uneven boards may need more sanding and repair before the finish goes down. Stairs, tight closets, and detailed edges also take more time per square foot than a clear, open room.
Coat count and floor preparation can move the total more than a modest change in the price per gallon. Confirm the proposed number of coats and coverage assumptions in writing, and ask whether the contractor has inspected the actual floor. Assumptions: 350-400 sq ft per gallon per coat; two-coat example excludes sanding and labor.
Professional labor adds time as well as cost
A typical crew may spend one to two days sanding and preparing a 500-1,000-square-foot area, then return or remain on site to apply coats. Labor rates differ by market and crew, and project quotes often use a per-square-foot rate rather than listing an hourly charge. For comparison, flooring labor may equate to about $50-$100 per worker-hour, depending on crew size and local rates.
Drying and recoat intervals affect scheduling, but they do not necessarily mean continuous labor. Furniture moving, extensive edging, and repairs can add billable hours. Ask when the floor can be walked on and when rugs or furniture can be returned; follow the product instructions and contractor’s cure guidance.
Regional refinishing rates vary across the United States
As a broad budgeting guide, labor and project totals in high-cost metropolitan markets may run 15%-30% above a national midrange estimate. Smaller cities and rural areas can be 10%-20% below it, although limited contractor availability or travel distance can erase that difference. These are directional comparisons, not fixed regional price lists.
A quote near $7-$8 per square foot may be reasonable for a high-cost city, complicated layout, or substantial preparation. A straightforward open floor near $4-$5 per square foot may be possible in a lower-cost market. Compare bids with the same square footage, sanding scope, coat count, and named finish.
Three example Bona Traffic HD project estimates
These examples show how scope affects a contractor’s total; local bids may differ. The finish allowance uses approximately $1.25-$2.00 per square foot for two coats, while the total includes typical labor and preparation.
| Project | Finish estimate | Labor and prep | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 sq ft, open room, light prep | $375-$600 | $825-$1,200 | $1,200-$1,800 |
| 600 sq ft, standard sanding | $750-$1,200 | $1,650-$2,400 | $2,400-$3,600 |
| 1,000 sq ft, repairs and detailed edges | $1,250-$2,000 | $2,750-$6,000 | $4,000-$8,000 |
For the 600-square-foot example, two coats use roughly 3-4 gallons based on coverage, costing about $750-$1,400 at $250-$350 per kit. The table’s finish allowance is a rounded per-square-foot estimate, not a guaranteed materials invoice.
Where preparation and add-ons raise the final bill
Moving furniture, replacing damaged boards, removing an old coating, staining, or working around built-ins can add charges. Repairs may cost $100-$600 or more depending on the number of boards and whether matching wood is available. Some contractors also have minimum project charges for small rooms, which can make a 150-square-foot job cost more per square foot than a larger installation.
Verify whether tax, disposal, travel, and furniture handling are included. A product-only online purchase may also incur shipping or local sales tax, and store availability can affect the quoted price. Request an itemized scope so added charges are clear before work begins.
How to lower the Bona Traffic HD project price
Keep the work area accessible and empty before the crew arrives if the contractor allows it; moving furniture yourself can avoid a separate handling fee. Combine adjacent rooms in one visit when practical, since a larger continuous job may reduce setup cost per square foot. Get at least three written bids using the same finish, coat count, and prep requirements.
A lower-cost finish is not automatically a like-for-like substitute for Bona Traffic HD. Ask the contractor to price alternatives separately and explain differences in durability, appearance, and maintenance. Avoid paying for stain or repairs that the floor does not need, but do not cut essential sanding or follow-up coats to meet a low bid. The clearest savings usually come from controlling scope and comparing equivalent quotes.