How to Sand Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home. They add class and elegance to your space. They also need to be regularly maintained for optimal finish and shine. Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors is a process that requires patience and technique, and you must first learn the difference between solid and engineered hardwoods.

Solid hardwood is made from a slab of hardwood that is 3/4-inch thick. The wood’s thickness makes it easier to sand and refinish, but engineered hardwood is a bit different. Typically, engineered wood has a plywood center and a hardwood topcoat or veneer. Due to its many layers, it is recommended that you hire a professional to sand the engineered hardwood floors.

ServiceWhale can always connect you with contractors in your area that specialize in hardwood flooring maintenance. That said, if you’re interested in sanding the floor yourself, read on as we provide you with some tips.

What Type of Sandpaper do you use?

Sandpaper is an abrasive that comes in varying levels of intensity or grit. Each grit is used for a certain phase of the sanding process. Coarse grit sandpaper removes the floor’s old coating; it is also the first step in the process. Medium grit sandpaper is used to erase the deep scratches made by the coarse paper. The last grit needed is the fine-grit sandpaper – it fills in the scratches left by the medium grit paper and leaves a smooth finish.

It is important to use all three grits in the proper order, as failure to do so will leave you with an uneven floor. Sanding machines can be used to expedite the process and comes in many different forms, including orbital, sheet and spindle sanders.

Sanding and Refinishing Hardwood Floors

Always be sure to thoroughly clean the floor before starting the sanding process. Inspect the floor for any staples or any other residue left by carpeting and be sure to sweep and mop the floor. Refinishing a hardwood floor is an intense process and the entire area should be free of debris.

It is also important to clean the floor in-between each sanding coat. When preparing to sand, cover all vents and light fixtures. Line the edges of the floor with tape to protect the crown molding. You must sand the floorboard at a 45-degree angle to prevent damage. Uneven floors have to be sanded against the grain. Even floors can be sanded regularly.

The Cost to Sand and Refinish Hardwood Floors

As mentioned before, engineered hardwood floors are very sensitive and a professional is required to get the job done right. In fact, any hardwood refinishing project requires someone with adequate skill. At ServiceWhale, we specialize in bringing quality contractors to your doorstep.

Our contractors have the expertise you need to complete your home improvement projects. These contractors will give you a quote that fits the scope of your project. Instead of researching different contractors or doing the project yourself, visit ServiceWhale. Our guarantee ensures that you get compensated for any quote discrepancies. Log on to ServiceWhale today and get started on your home improvement project!