Sanding Hardwood Floors

Get the Basics Right

Many people avoid sanding hardwood floors of their homes because they believe they won’t be able to handle the drum sander. Many again spoil their floors just because they tried sanding hardwood floors without knowing the very basics. Before anyone gets down to sanding hardwood floors, it is advisable that they do care to learn the very fundamentals of the job. Once you are aware of the basic rules, sanding hardwood floors won’t be too difficult a job.

Use the Right Equipment

The very first thing that you would need to know is the thickness of your floor. Remove a floor register and check the thickness with a measuring tape. If you find that the thickness exceeds ¾", then you can go ahead with your job of sanding hardwood floors. But if the thickness is less, then it is better you call a professional and seek his help.

Once you are sure that the floor is thick enough the next thing you need to get is a dust sander. This is the primary tool for sanding hardwood floors, and when you rent it, make sure you are provided with the instruction manual and all the regular accessories, like the dust bags, wrenches, attachments, that come with a dust sander. Before you leave the shop make sure you get a demonstration on how to use the machine while sanding hardwood floors. Give yourself some practice on a ply board. Pick up a dust mask on your way back.

The other thing you would need for sanding hardwood floors is several grits of sandpaper. Get some coarse sheets for the rough sanding and also a few finer grits for the smooth finish. You would need around 10 sheets of each kind for every room. Make sure that you have enough.

Get the Precise Method

When you switch on the sander remember that it is not touching the floor. Once it reaches the maximum speed lower the sander slowly. Now you are off with your job of sanding hardwood floors. Al ways sand in straight lines. It is better to sand along the grain pattern of the flooring. Sanding hardwood floors require you to sand twice, once with the coarse grit sheets and next with the finer grit sheets to get the perfect finish.

For more information about hardwood flooring or related products, choose from one of the following links:

Hardwood Flooring | Wood Flooring | Bamboo Flooring