If you are thinking of refinishing or even restoring an old hardwood floor you will eventually have to sand them. Sanding hardwood floors is not particularly difficult but operating the machines for the first time can be intimidating. You should also be aware that with the commonly used drum sander you can gouge the floor beyond repair if you leave the sander in one spot for too long. You can obtain instructions and sometimes a video from the rental shop where you get the sander. If you move in even, constant motion you should not have a problem. If you do it yourself you will need to get the right tools and a good supply of different grit sandpaper for the machine.

Many people choose to hire a professional to sand their floors. This is often the quickest and certainly the most convenient method of sanding hardwood floors. Check credentials and you may even want to ask for referrals but most professional hardwood sanders and refinishers do a good job. They have experience and know which sandpaper to use in which spots and have usually done enough of them that they can get the job done quickly.

When sanding hardwood floors (or having them sanded) you need to be aware that there is a lot of dust and noise that goes along with it. If you are doing the sanding be sure to wear a mask. When the sanding is finished you will want to vacuum not only the floor but the walls and the ceiling.

The first process in sanding hardwood floors is using the roughest grit sandpaper to remove old residue, stain, discoloration and finish. You will also be leveling the floor. When using the drum sander never start the machine while it is in contact with the wood. Tilt it back and start it. When it is running at full speed lower it to the floor and once it is flush with the floor start moving. These sand very quickly and can gouge the floor if you leave it in one place too long. Move steadily the length of the floor and then make a backward pass over the same area. When the majority of the area has been sanded you will then need to use an edge sander to get the area where the floor meets the wall. You will also have to deal with any nails that are sticking up.

Once you have sanded the floor you will need to buff it and apply stain. Sanding hardwood floors takes time, work and money but in most instances you end up with a stunning hardwood floor you never knew existed before.

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