DIY Sanding Wood Flooring

The prospect of sanding floors can be daunting for many due to the perceived mess or complexity of the task. However, with modern sanding equipment and some guidance, undertaking a DIY floor sanding project can be relatively stress-free and mess-free. There are, of course, valid reasons to call in the professionals for such tasks, but DIY floor sanding need not be feared.

Here are the crucial steps you should follow:

1. Rent a drum and an edge sander from a reputable hire company, along with a variety of coarse and fine sandpapers.
2. Remove all furniture, wall hangings, and soft furnishings from the room. Ensure to lift and not drag your furniture as dragging can damage the floor.
3. Secure any loose floorboards.
4. Inspect the entire floor for protruding nails or staples and either remove or tap them into the floor.
5. Remove doors that open into the room to achieve a neat sanding finish. Leave outward-opening doors open.
6. Start sanding from one wall using the drum sander fitted with a coarse sandpaper. This will remove most of the finish in one or two passes. Gradually switch to a fine sandpaper for a smoother finish. Each time you change the paper on your drum sander, ensure you do the edges with the same grit paper.
7. Use the edge sander to sand right up to the skirting board. Be careful not to damage the skirting during this process.
8. Keep the sander moving to avoid gouging the floor.
9. Once you’ve finished, shine a flashlight over the floor to detect any leftover sander swirls or marks. These can be smoothed away with a hand sander.
10. Thoroughly vacuum the dust several times to ensure a clean finish.

Commonly asked floor sanding questions:

i. How often can I sand my floor?

The frequency of sanding depends on the type of wood flooring you have. Solid wood flooring can withstand numerous sandings in its lifetime. For engineered wood flooring, the frequency of sanding depends on the thickness of the lamella or top layer. The thicker the top layer, the more frequent the sanding can be. However, when in doubt, consult your flooring supplier.

ii. Will it make a mess?

While wood floor sanding is an invasive process, it is far less messy now than it was in the past. Modern sanders are much better at dust collection. Keeping windows open and thorough vacuuming after the job can also help mitigate the mess.

iii. How long will it be before I can walk on it?

The delay between sanding and resuming regular use of your room depends on the finish you apply to the floor after sanding. Always adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended waiting time before replacing furnishings or walking on the floor to avoid undoing your hard work.