Wooden floors are the perfect choice for homeowners that are looking to add style, character, and comfort to their homes. Rustic and versatile, this material has high durability, lasting for almost a lifetime with minimal maintenance needed. Wooden floors also add more warmth to the home as it has a higher ability to absorb heat and insulate the house.
In terms of cleaning and upkeep, stains and liquid spills are less likely to stick to it, and it’s less prone to fleas and dust mites infestations. However, to make sure that your wooden floors are always in top condition, it has to undergo regular sanding.
DIY hardwood floor sanding can be challenging as it’s a meticulous job that requires attention to detail and proper techniques. So, before you start your sanding maintenance project, learn about the ins and outs of floor sanding.
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- Properly prep the area
Begin with area prep. This process includes the careful inspection of your hardwood floor for any hazard that may injure you such as protruding nails, glass shards, major splinters, and more.
- Properly prep the area
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These obstructions should be removed and disposed of immediately. HVAC air grilles on the other hand should be blocked and thermostats turned off to decrease air movement and lessen the movement of dust.
Window curtains and coverings should also be taken down unless you’re willing to beat them down after. For uniform sanding, doors and removable partitions between rooms can be unscrewed to make it easier for you to sand continuously.
You may also use a metal detector to find any loose metals beneath the floorboard that may injure you when they’ve been exposed.
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- Use the right sandpaper grit type
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Each hardwood floor requires a specific sandpaper type. The safest way to go is a fine grit type that is capable of removing the top layer of dirt and varnish. You can purchase rougher varieties if you wish to make the process faster.
However, you have to be careful with rougher sandpaper varieties. Using it on the first try may harm the hardwood floor design. The suggested grit type to start with is 16 to 24.
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- Follow the grain
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To ensure the finish on your hardwood flooring is smooth, you have to sand following the grain. Moderately apply pressure along the wood grain, moving up and down to create even motions and achieve a polished look.
Engineered flooring in Toronto, Canada, will have its own distinct look due to the abundance of tree types in the country. Make sure that you’re following the right grain by researching the wood type of your floor.
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- Change the sandpaper frequently
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Having an affordable budget for your hardwood floor sanding project is okay. However, being stingy with the use of sandpaper on your machine can do more harm than good. Continuously using dirty and dissolved grits can make the job longer and increase the chances of uneven sanding. It can even cause splinters that may harm you in the long run. So, change your sandpaper as often as possible to bring about a sleek and shiny finish.
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- Remove dust after each stage
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One of the things that may shock you the first time that you sand your hardwood floors is the amount of dust that it generates. As the sandpaper pulverizes and breaks down the accumulated dirt and varnish, it’s no surprise that particles will be floating everywhere.
Make sure to clean and vacuum all the dust before you proceed to cover with a new layer of lacquer and varnish to prevent bubbles and rough finishes. If you don’t know how to do this, you can always call up experts in sanding hardwood flooring in Toronto.
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- Avoid scarring the floor when turning
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Corner turns are among the trickiest part of hardwood floor sanding. Forgetting to lift the drum part of the machine before you transfer or veer it in another direction can cause scarring to the floor. These sharp turns can damage the grain and you can end up with a splotchy floor. So, make sure to pull the drum when you’re turning.
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- Manually sand the edges
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Edges and corners are simply inaccessible by huge sanding machines. Instead of trying to force the machine to reach it, manually sand it instead and do it by hand. This way you can control the pressure and make sure that every corner of your hardwood floor is properly sanded. You may also use a small sander if you still want to use a machine.
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- Wear safety equipment
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Safety equipment like goggles, gloves, face masks, and overalls are crucial in hardwood floor sanding. Wearing them can protect you from dust and debris going into your eyes, finger splinters, and allergies.
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- You need a partner
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If you’re inexperienced with handling sanding machines, it’s best that you know beforehand that they bring much force, friction, and pressure. Handling the machine on your own can be stressful.
Make sure to have a partner who’s willing to help and lift things. Or, you can call up hardwood experts from Toronto for assistance.
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- Buff with a screen
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Buffing your hardwood floor before recoating it may seem like such a trivial task for you. However, this screening process is crucial in blending the edge and drum-sanded fields of your hardwood floor and helping them become more even.
It also helps in removing sanding scratches so you can have a smoother look. The best sanding screen grit ranges from 120 to 150 so that it’s abrasive enough to remove any splinters while not being too harsh that it strips off another layer.
Sander Rental Tips
Here are some valuable tips if you decide to rent a sander machine:
- Rent from a specialty shop instead of a generic rental store to get more expert advice.
- Measure the area for a better sanding belt estimate.
- Prepare your space before renting the equipment to make sure that it can be used right away.
- Get a drum sander as it’s the most user-friendly for beginners.
- Never rent a flat pad sander as it applies minimal pressure.
Why Hire an Expert for a Floor Sanding Job
To make the job more convenient, you can always entrust it to the experts. Here are more reasons why you should:
- They are better trained and have more experience, making it easier for them to adapt to problems.
- They have the right equipment for your hardwood floor type.
- They have better materials and can work more efficiently.
Going the DIY route for your first-floor sanding project can be a daunting task. Fortunately, you can always call up experts in hardwood floor sanding and refinishing near you. For professional floor sanding in Toronto, turn to Capital Hardwood Flooring. Call us today at 416-536-2200 for an estimate.