Sanding a hardwood floor takes three passes with a drum sander, an edger for the edges and the right grit at each step. This guide covers the steps, which grits to use and what to rent from our floor sanding equipment.
What you need
- A floor drum sander for the main area.
- A floor edger for edges and corners.
- Sanding belts and edger sandpaper in three grits: coarse, medium and fine.
- Eye, hearing and dust protection, and a way to contain dust.
Prepare the room
- Remove furniture, rugs and shoe molding.
- Set protruding nails below the surface. A nail can tear a belt.
- Fill large gaps and fix loose boards.
- Seal doorways, vents and openings to limit dust.
Choose your grits
| Pass | Drum sander belt | Edger paper | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Coarse | 36 grit (40 for lighter wear) | 36 grit | Remove old finish and level boards |
| 2. Medium | 60 to 80 grit | 60 to 80 grit | Remove scratches from the first pass |
| 3. Fine | 100 to 120 grit | 100 to 120 grit | Final smoothing before stain or finish |
If the floor is in good shape, you can start at 60 or 80 grit. Do not skip a grit, or scratches from the coarse paper will show through the finish.
Sand the floor
- Load the belt and make sure the drum is raised before starting the machine.
- Sand with the grain. Lower the drum slowly while moving forward, and raise it before stopping. Never let the drum sit still on the floor.
- Overlap each pass slightly and keep moving at a steady pace.
- Use the edger along the walls and in corners, matching the grit of the drum sander.
- Vacuum thoroughly between grits, then repeat with the next grit.
- After the last pass, vacuum and wipe the floor before applying stain or finish.
Common mistakes
- Stopping the drum with it lowered, which leaves a divot.
- Skipping grits.
- Sanding across the grain.
- Leaving dust that sticks to the finish.
- Not checking for nails.
Renting a sander? Tell us the room size and floor condition and we will help estimate how many belts and edger sheets you need. Call 718-344-1474 or request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sand a floor?
A room can take a day or two with drying and prep. Allow time for each grit, cleanup and the finish.
What grit should I finish with?
100 or 120 grit before stain or finish. Finer grits can keep stain from absorbing evenly.
Can I rent for a weekend?
Yes, daily, weekend and weekly rentals. Call 718-344-1474 for availability.