Sanding

Assessment and Preparation

First, we’ll thoroughly inspect the flooring to identify any issues such as loose boards, protruding nails, or significant damage. We’ll secure any loose parts and sink all nails to prevent damage to our sanding equipment. This stage is crucial for ensuring a smooth, safe sanding process. Any repairs to boards required will be an extra charge, and therefore, we try to highlight these during the quote so you can have an estimate of the additional charges. 

Choosing the Right Equipment and Grit

We use professional-grade sanding machines, including a belt sander for the main floor area and an edge sander for the corners and edges where the larger sander can’t reach. We start with coarse-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish, scratches, and stains. This is the most intensive sanding process, and it strips down to the bare wood. Our machines pump the dust from the sanding into extractors, leaving very little in the air and furniture. They are sold as “dust free”, but in truth, there is always a light film left behind, but it is very minor. 

Sanding the Floor

The actual sanding process is done in passes. We begin with coarse sandpaper and progressively move to finer grits. Typically, we start with a 36 grit sandpaper, then move to a 60 grit, then finish with a 100 grit. Each pass removes the scratches left by the previous coarser grit, smoothing the wood progressively.

Detail Sanding and Edges

Detail Sanding and Edges

Using an edge sander, we meticulously sand the areas along baseboards and in any other hard-to-reach spots to ensure these areas are as smooth and clean as the rest of the floor. This particular stage often causes minor damage to skirting, which would need to be touched up by a decorator or yourself.

Final Inspection and Touch-Ups

Post-sanding, we thoroughly vacuum the floor to clean up all the dust created during the sanding process. It’s essential to have a dust-free environment prior to applying any finish.

Cleaning up

Before we consider the job completed, we’ll inspect the floor for any missed spots or uneven areas. If necessary, we’ll perform touch-ups to ensure the floor’s entire surface is evenly smooth.

Applying Finish (Optional)

After sanding, you have the option to choose a finish that will protect your floor and give it a polished look. This could be oil or lacquer, depending on your preference and the type of wood. We can provide recommendations based on durability, appearance, and maintenance needs.