Giving your timber floors a fresh new look can instantly transform the style and feel of your home. Whether you’re restoring an old wooden floor or reviving one that’s lost its shine, a floor sander is the tool that makes it possible. Hiring a floor sander is a cost-effective way to achieve professional results without the big price tag of buying one outright.
But here’s the catch: using a floor sander isn’t as simple as plugging it in and getting started. Without the right know-how, it’s easy to damage your floors or waste hours fixing mistakes.
That’s why we’ve pulled together five essential tips for floor sander hire success. From choosing the right machine and prepping your space to safe handling and smooth finishing, this guide will help you avoid costly errors and get the flawless floors you’re after.
1. Choose the Right Floor Sander for Your Project
Not every floor sander is one and the same. The first step to success is to select the appropriate one to suit your kind of floor and the size of any given project.
- Drum Sanders: These consist of large sanding machines which are powerful. They strip old paint and smooth out rough floors in a short time. Drum sander should also be handled carefully since it might leave deep marks when placed in a single position over a long period of time.
- Edge Sanders: Edge Sanders are also used to get into tight spots where the larger drum sanders cannot maneuver, as the centre of the floor is covered with sanders.
- Orbital Sanders: This is gentler than the drum sanders and is suitable for finishing. Orbital sanders are also suit beginners as they are easy to control.
Consider the space you have, as well as the nature of the wood you are dealing with, before hiring. In the case of most home projects, you will require not only a drum sander of the working surface, but also an edge sander. Some hire companies, like Quick Hire Group, offer package deals that let you hire both together and save money in the process.
2. Prepare Your Floor and Room Before Starting
Preparation is key when it comes to sanding floors. If you skip this step, you may damage your sander or end up with poor results. Here are some important things to do before switching on the machine:
- Clear the Room: Remove all furniture, rugs and curtains. Dust from sanding can travel everywhere, so keep your space as clear as possible.
- Check for Nails and Staples: Old floors often have nails or staples sticking out. If not removed or hammered flat, these can rip the sandpaper and damage the machine.
- Clean the Floor: Sweep and vacuum the area to get rid of dust and small debris. Even tiny stones can leave scratches during sanding.
- Seal the Room: Use plastic sheets to cover doors and vents. Sanding creates a lot of fine dust, and this will help prevent it from spreading to other areas of your home.
Spending extra time on preparation will make the sanding process faster and give you a smoother finish.
3. Learn How to Handle the Machine Safely
Floor sanders are heavy and powerful machines. If you have never used one before, take time to learn the basics before starting.
- Read the Instructions: Each machine has specific guidelines. Make sure you understand how to turn it on, adjust it and change the sandpaper.
- Practice on a Scrap Area: If possible, test the machine on a hidden section of the floor or on spare wood. This will help you get a feel for how it moves.
- Keep the Sander Moving: Never let the sander sit in one spot while it is running. Doing so can leave deep marks that are hard to fix.
- Work in Straight Lines: Move steadily across the floor in the direction of the wood grain. Overlap slightly on each pass to avoid missing areas.
- Use Protective Gear: Always wear safety goggles, a dust mask and ear protection. Floor sanders are loud and create a lot of dust.
Safety is just as important as the quality of your work. Taking these precautions will keep you and your equipment in good condition.
4. Choose the Right Sandpaper Grit
Sandpaper grit makes a big difference in the final result. Using the wrong grit can either damage your floor or leave it looking unfinished.
- Start with Coarse Grit (24–36): Rough floors, painted floors or floors with old varnish, use coarse grit. This will get rid of the top layers very swiftly.
- Medium Grit (40–60): After the general surface is smooth, change to medium grit for a finer finish.
- Fine Grit (80–120): Finish with fine grit for a smooth and polished surface, ready for staining or sealing.
Go through the grits step by step always. Jumping between the coarse and the fine can cause scratches. Request your hire company to recommend the grit sizes suitable for to your form of wood.
Also Read: 5 Benefits of Lawn Aerator Hire for Your Garden
5. Finish and Maintain Your Floors Properly
Sanding alone isn’t enough. You should apply the appropriate finish to have your floors look gorgeous and endure longer.
- Vacuum Thoroughly: Thorough vacuuming of the floor is essential after sanding. Any remaining dust can ruin the finish.
- Apply Stain or Sealant: Use a stain to add colour, or protect the floor with a clear sealant of your choice. Durable polyurethane is a popular option.
- Allow Proper Drying Time: Do not move furniture back too soon. Use the instructions on the product and allow the floor to be cured completely.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean your floors on a regular basis using a soft mop, and stay away from harsh chemicals to maintain the fresh look of your floors. Scratches will also be avoided by adding felt pads to the furniture legs.
A finished floor not only looks good but also adds value to your house.
Wrapping Up
Hiring a floor sander is a smart and cost-effective way to breathe new life into your wooden floors. Using the proper machine, proper preparation, sanitary handling, a good selection of sandpaper and an adequate finish can give you professional quality results on your own.
Following these five essential tips will help you save money and enjoy the satisfaction of transforming your space with your own hands. Contact Quick Hire Group today for affordable and reliable floor sander hire. With the right tools and expert support, your floors will shine like new.