Sanding hardwood floors may appear to be a job for professionals exclusively. It’s an enormous task that will cause a lot of disruption in your home. Then there’s that huge, terrifying sanding machine… But it isn’t all that tough. Hundreds of homeowners, some of whom were complete DIY beginners, have successfully prepped their floors for a new finish, thanks to my assistance.
Remove any old floor coverings, nails, and anything else that is stuck to the floor after totally emptying the room, and then vacuum and clean everything thoroughly. To begin, you’ll need an empty and clean area to work on. Check out Drum or orbital for floor sanding to learn more.
Does the room have to be empty?
Yes, in an ideal world. The large drum sander you’ll be using is very hefty, so you’ll need plenty of areas to walkabout. We did keep our blue sofa and sideboard in the dining room when we sanded the floor since we didn’t have somewhere else to put them.
We ended up sanding one-half of the room and then moving the sofa to the other side to sand the other half. It wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t terrible either.
What tools will I need to sand my floors?
A drum sander and an edging sander are required. A professional rental business will provide you with everything you want as well as demonstrate how to operate the devices. There’s no need to be concerned because the tools are shockingly simple to use!
Things to remember before sanding floors
To keep sanding dust out, tape plastic over ducting.
Some of the preparation work is self-evident, such as removing all furniture and covering all doorways with plastic. Here are several stages that many DIYers overlook:
- To keep dust out of ducts, cover or block air grilles. Reduce the amount of air circulation in your home by turning off the HVAC system at the thermostat.
- Remove any window treatments and artwork from the walls (unless you want to clean them later).
- Remove any doors that lead into space. Even by opening and shutting doors, you won’t be able to fully sand beneath them.
- Raising low-hanging light fixtures is as simple as tying two chain links together with wire. Otherwise, you’re almost sure to hit your skull.
Always seek a professional if you are unclear how to sand your floor or if you are not confident in your ability to do so. This will save you time, guarantee that the task is completed correctly, and ensure that your floor maintains its attractive appearance and quality.
Floor sanding machines, what are the choices?
Buffer sanders sand in a circular motion and are commonly used to polish and clean industrial and commercial floors. You could attempt it if you’ve used one before in another application, but sanding floors might not be the ideal place to learn. If you don’t have the magic touch, they’ll take off across the floor, whirling madly and winding the cable around your legs as they go.
How much will a professional charge to refinish my hardwood floors?
For preparation, sanding, and other processes required to refinish hardwood floors, a professional contractor would typically charge between $3 and $4 per square foot.
What You Need to Know Before Refinishing Old Hardwood Floors?
Margot Cavin / The Spruce It may be easier and less expensive than you think to refinish an old hardwood floor. That’s because, especially if your floor isn’t damaged, bringing out the hidden beauty of a sad floor doesn’t necessarily require a lot of sanding and staining. Here are seven things to consider before replacing or refinishing ancient hardwood floors to find the best solution for your house.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace hardwood floors?
Refinishing hardwood floors is nearly usually less expensive than replacing them. You’d be paying not just for the new wood, but also for the work of taking out the old wood and hauling it away with the latter option.