There’s something deeply satisfying about restoring wooden floors to their former glory, but floorboard sanding is one of those jobs where a little knowledge can be dangerous. At Floor Sanding Services NW, we’ve seen it all—from DIY disasters that cost more to fix than the original job, to homeowners who’ve successfully tackled smaller projects with the right guidance.
Whether you’re a confident DIYer or considering hiring professionals for your North West property, knowing the do’s and don’ts of floorboard sanding can save you time, money, and frustration. Let’s walk through the essential points that separate successful floor restoration from costly mistakes.
What Should You Do Before Starting?
Preparation is absolutely crucial when it comes to floorboard sanding. Rush this stage, and you’ll regret it throughout the entire project.
Inspect Your Floors Thoroughly
Before you hire a sanding machine, examine every inch of your floorboards. Look for protruding nails, screws, or staples—these can tear the sandpaper and damage the machine. Check for loose boards that need securing and any signs of rot. These issues need addressing before you start sanding.
Clear the Room Properly
Remove absolutely everything from the room—furniture, curtains, pictures, everything. Seal doorways with plastic sheeting and tape. Floorboard sanding creates an astonishing amount of fine dust that gets everywhere, even with modern dust extraction systems.
What Are the Biggest Mistakes to Avoid?
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the correct approach. These are the mistakes we see most often.
Don’t Skip Grit Grades
One of the most common errors in floorboard sanding is rushing through the grit progression. You need to start with coarse grit paper, move through medium grades, and finish with fine grit. Skipping grades won’t save time—it’ll leave visible scratches that become obvious once you apply finish.
Never Sand Across the Grain
Always sand in the direction of the wood grain, never across it. Sanding perpendicular to the grain creates scratches that are incredibly difficult to remove and will show through any finish. When you’re tired and the machine is heavy, it’s easy to let it drift off course.
Don’t Over-Sand in One Spot
Keeping the sanding machine moving is essential. If you leave it running in one spot, you’ll create a depression that’s nearly impossible to fix. The machine should always be in motion when engaged with the floor.
How Do You Know When to Call Professionals?
Being honest about your skill level and the project scope isn’t admitting defeat—it’s being sensible about achieving results.
Consider the Floor’s Condition
If your floorboards are severely damaged, uneven, or have significant wear patterns, professional intervention makes sense. We have the experience to assess whether boards need replacing and techniques for dealing with problem areas.
Think About the Space and Access
Large areas benefit from professional equipment and expertise. We can work more efficiently and achieve consistent results. If you’re dealing with stairs, edges, or corners—areas requiring specialist tools—professional help often proves worthwhile.
What About the Finishing Stage?
Getting the sanding right is only part of the job. The finish you apply determines how your floor looks and lasts.
Choose the Right Finish
Oil, lacquer, or varnish—each has advantages depending on your floor’s use and the look you want. Don’t rush this decision. The finish protects all your hard work in floorboard sanding.
Ready to Restore Your Floors?
Whether you’re confident about tackling a small floorboard sanding project yourself or you’d rather leave it to the professionals, the most important thing is making an informed decision. At Floor Sanding Services NW, we’ve been restoring wooden floors across the North West for years.
Get in touch with our team today. We can assess your floors, explain your options, and provide a quote. Let’s bring your wooden floors back to life.