Sanding and refinishing is a great way to transform a tired and damaged wood floor. Here’s all you need to know about floor sanding near you – from who to hire to how much it costs.
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Your questions answered about wood floor sanding near you
Can you sand an uneven floor?
Yes! Sanding is a great way to smooth out an uneven floor with gouges or warped areas.
Just bear in mind that these areas may need to be sanded more extensively than the rest of your floor, which can add time to the process.
Are my floors too thin to sand?
Usually, your floors are thick enough to sand if you have at least an eighth of an inch left before you hit the tongue and groove. Any less than this, and it’s safest to get a professional opinion.
The best way to find out how thick or thin your floors are is to gently slip a knife blade down between a gap in the planks, to determine the depth.
That said, most floors can be sanded multiple times. Usually, you’ll be able to sand and refinish your floors between three to five times, depending on the wood.
Can you sand a floor in a day?
That depends on the size of the floor!
As a rough guide, it will take a professional around one day to sand and refinish a room of 20 m2, using fast-drying water-based finishes. It will then take another 12 hours for the varnish to cure fully.
How long does it take to sand a floor?
How long it takes to sand a floor will depend on several factors, including:
- The size of the room
- Number of rooms
- Condition of the floor
- What kind of finish is applied
An experienced professional with access to high-quality machinery will also be able to sand a floor much more quickly than a keen DIYer.
Is it worth sanding your own floors?
Sanding floors yourself can save you money in the short term. But it’s often more hassle than it’s worth.
A professional will be able to complete the job much more quickly. They’ll also have the equipment and expertise needed to obtain a smooth finish that brings out the natural beauty of your floors.
Do I need to wash my floor before sanding?
Yes! Your floor must be clean before it’s sanded as the last thing you want is dust and dirt scratching the bare wood.
We’d recommend sweeping it and then going over it with a damp mop before sanding.
Can you walk on floors after sanding?
When exactly you can walk on your floors after sanding will depend on the type of flooring you have, the extent of the sanding and what finish is applied afterwards.
Always follow the recommendations of your floor sanding company or the manufacturer and try to limit heavy foot traffic on newly sanded floors – especially within the first day or two.
If you do need to walk on your floors directly after sanding, it’s best to wear socks to avoid leaving marks.
Why hire a professional for floor sanding and polishing near me?
Wondering whether it’s worth hiring a professional for floor sanding near you? Here are some of the key benefits.
Professional finish
Floor sanding companies near you will have the tools, knowledge and experience needed to sand and refinish your floor to a high standard – ensuring a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing result.
Save time
DIY floor sanding typically involves a lot of time and energy, as you won’t have the same high-calibre equipment and expertise as a professional.
On the other hand, a floor sanding company will often be able to complete the job in just a day or two (depending on the size of the room).
Avoid costly mistakes
It’s easy to make costly mistakes if you sand your floor yourself, which can reduce your floor’s wear layer and shorten its lifespan.
However, an expert will be sure to get the result you want the first time around.
Expertise
A floor sanding company will be able to advise you on whether your floors are thick enough to sand.
They’ll also be able to let you know what finishes will work best and how to maintain your refreshed flooring. This advice and guidance can be priceless.
How much does it cost for someone to sand a floor?
It typically costs around £42 per m² to get a professional to sand and refinish your floor.
However, your total cost will often depend on factors like:
- The condition of your floor
- The size of your floor
- What material it’s made of
- Whether you also require carpet removal
Head over to our guide on floor restoration costs to learn more.
How do I find reputable specialists in floor sanding and refinishing near me?
Wondering how to find reliable professionals offering floor sanding and refinishing near you? Here are our top tips.
Read reviews
Always check to see what other homeowners have to say about any floor sanding companies near you.
That way, you can make sure to choose someone that others rate.
Get multiple quotes
It’s best to get at least three quotes for wood floor sanding near you.
This will allow you to get a feel for a range of different professionals. Plus, you’ll be able to check that you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.
Ask about insurance
Check that the floor sanding companies you’re considering have the right insurance in place. This will give you confidence that you’re protected in case things go wrong.
You’ll be pleased to hear that all our tradespeople must have up-to-date public liability insurance to get listed on the Checkatrade directory.
Get recommendations
Know someone who’s recently had their floors sanded? Why not ask if they would recommend the specialist they used?
Make sure to cross-reference any recommendations on Checkatrade, so you know they’ve also been checked and vetted by us.
Use Checkatrade!
At Checkatrade, all our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed on everything from punctuality to professionalism. So, you know they’re the real deal!
Contact or pay a trade through Checkatrade and you’re covered by our 12-month guarantee of up to £1,000*
