How to Sand the Edges of Hardwood Floors

Sanding is a key part of refinishing hardwood floors.

Sanding hardwood floors is a dirty job. Thankfully, large power sander-like drum sanders are available for such jobs. While these large drum sanders can quickly sand the floor, they do not reach into the edges and corners of the room. A power edge sander can be used to sand the edges of the room quickly and efficiently.

Things You'll Need

• Power edge sander
• Sandpaper (varying grits)
• Vacuum
• Paint scraper
• Wood putty
• Sanding block

Instructions

1. Fit the power edge sander with the appropriate sandpaper and sand the floor. The sandpaper should be the same grit you are using with the drum sander. Typically, when sanding a hardwood floor, you begin with 60-grit sandpaper, then 80-grit, and finally 100- or 120-grit.

2. Vacuum the edges of the hardwood floor between each sandpaper application.

3. Scrape the corners of the floor, using a paint scraper. The edge sander will not reach into the very corner.

4. Fill any cracks or holes along the edges of the hardwood floor with wood putty, using a putty knife. Allow the putty to dry and then lightly sand the putty smooth with a sanding block and 120-grit sandpaper.

5. Vacuum again before staining and applying polyurethane.

References

• Hammer Zone: Sanding a New Hardwood Floor With a Rental Drum Sander
• This Old House: Refinishing School