How to Sand a Hardwood Floor

After you have installed hardwood floors, or hired someone to do so, you will need to make sure that they are sanded before you can seal the floors. The process takes some physical maneuvering, but it is a straightforward process that only takes a few tools, most of which can be rented. Follow the steps below to sand your hardwood floor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Belt or drum sander
• Sandpaper
• Edge sander

1. Inspect the floor carefully and remove any nails, cleats or staples that may be stuck in the floorboards. While you are doing this, sweep away any debris that is on top of the wood floor.

2. Cover anything with drop cloths, bed sheets or tarps that you don't want to get dust all over. This may include windows and ceiling fans.

3. Rent, borrow or buy a belt or drum sander that you can use to sand the hardwood floors. You will also need sandpaper in various grits.

4. Begin sanding the floor with coarse sandpaper, such as 20 grit. Carefully use the sander to sand the floors, working your way across the floor in diagonal rows.

5. Switch to a less coarse grit of sandpaper to finish sanding the floor, making sure that no bumps or scratches remain where you have sanded.

6. Use an edge sander to go along the perimeter of the wood floor, sanding wherever the drum or belt sander couldn't reach.

7. Check over the hardwood floor to make sure that all areas have been sanded and are ready to be filled and sealed. Go over any areas that are still rough with the edge sander.

[DrHagstrom]

on 3/26/2008 Never use a drum or belt sander. They make a mess and do a terrible job. Find a Varathane ezV sander. http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/flooring/hardwood/refinish_1/tips/ezv_sander.htm. It's a great machine and pretty fool proof.