Wooden Floor Sanding

Wooden Floor Sanding: Types, Techniques, Benefits and Tips

Wood floors can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they need to be taken care of properly in order to maintain their beauty and lifespan. That’s where sanding comes in. There are many benefits to using wooden floor sanding to keep your floors looking their best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you everything you need to know about wooden floor sanding.

What Is Wooden Floor Sanding?

Wooden floor sanding is a required step in refinishing wooden floors. It can be done using hand or power tools, and there are several types of sandpaper to choose from. The type of wood floor being sanded, the grit of the sandpaper, and the amount of pressure used will determine how smoothly the wood is finished.

The Different Types of Wooden Floor Sanding Techniques

Here are four types of floor sanding techniques and their uses:

• Circle Sanding: This is the most common type of floor sanding, and it's used to smooth out scratches and other irregularities on the surface of the wood.
• Triangle Sanding: This technique is often used to remove larger pieces of wood that have been damaged or removed by other methods. It works by moving the sandpaper in a triangular pattern across the wood.
• Cross-Hatch Sanding: This is similar to triangle sanding, but it uses different sized “cross” marks on the paper to create a smoother finish.
• Rough-in Sanding: This is used to prepare a new surface for finishing by removing any bumps, dents, or other irregularities.

The Tools You'll Need for Wooden Floor Sanding

If you're looking to refinish your wooden floor, you'll need a few tools. Here are the essentials:

• Sandpaper. Minimum grit is 120, but 220 or higher is recommended for a more durable finish.
• The appropriate wood polish or wood sealer.
• Safety goggles.
• Dust mask.
• Work gloves.
• Tape measure or ruler.
• Ruler or chop saw.
• Circular saw with a miter gauge (or handsaw with a miter guide).
• Plywood or other rigid surface to work on (i.e., not the floor).
• In addition, you'll need the following supplies:
• Ladders and scaffolding if necessary to access high areas of the floor; these can also be used for sanding down to lower areas where furniture or rugs will later be placed.
• Drop cloths (to protect your floors while they're being sanded).
• Masking tape measure (for measuring intervals between coats of sealer/polish).

What Are The Benefits Of Wooden Floor Sanding?

There are many benefits to wooden floor sanding. Here are five of the most common:

1. Improved Appearance and Texture.
   Wooden floor sanding can improve the appearance and texture of your flooring. By removing scratches and blemishes, wooden floor sanding can make your floors look newer and brighter.
2. Reduced Risk of Damage from Moisture.
   Wooden floors are susceptible to moisture damage, which can happen if they're not properly maintained. Wooden floor sanding can help protect your floors from moisture damage by removing dried spots and grits that can lead to rotting.
3. Protection Against Dust Mites.
   Dust mites thrive in areas where there's a lot of dust or dirt, like on carpets and wood floors. They eat organic material and produce allergens in concentrations that can be harmful to humans. Wooden floor sanding can reduce the amount of dust mites on your floor, preventing them from causing allergy symptoms in people who live in the same home.
4. Protection Against Scratches.
   Scratches on wood floors are a common problem that can be difficult to repair. By sanding down scratches, you can restore the surface of your floor to its original condition without having to use additional products or techniques.
5. Increased Durability.
   Sanded wood is more durable than untreated wood, which means it will hold up better.

The Process Of Wooden Floor Sanding

• Before beginning any type of floor sanding, it is important to prepare the surface by removing any debris or excess oil or paint. This can be done with a vacuum cleaner and a bucket. After the surface is clean, use a tack cloth to remove any dust particles.
• Next, use a floor Sander in a back-and-forth motion to level the surface. Use very light pressure when sanding so that you do not damage the wood floors' finish. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear when sanding as wood dust is extremely abrasive.
• After leveling the surface, use 220-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or scratches. Finally, use 300-grit sandpaper to finish the job and achieve a smooth finish.

Finishing Touches For A Perfect Wood Floor Finish

There are a few finishing touches you can add to your wood floor before it’s ready to be walked on. 

• First, use a shop vacuum to remove any dust or dirt from the floors. 
• Second, apply a coat of finish of your choice. This will protect the floor and give it a nice look. 
• Third, spot-treat any areas that seem to be prone to scratches or dings. 
• Finally, wax the floor to seal in the finish and protect it from damage.

The Best Way To Hire A Professional Wooden Floor Sander

A good wood floor sanding contractor can remove any scratches or dents, leaving your floors looking brand new again.

When choosing a contractor, make sure you ask about their experience with wooden floors. Some contractors only know how to work with other types of wood flooring, so be sure to inquire about their experience with oak, birch, maple, etc.

Be prepared to give the contractor some basic information about the type of wood flooring you have. This will help them know what type of equipment they need and how much time they'll need to finish the job.

Be sure to allow enough time for the contractor to arrive and complete the job. A good rule of thumb is to allow two hours for each room that needs work done on the wooden floor.

Some professionals also offer a warranty on their work, so it's worth considering if something goes wrong.

Cost Of Sanding Wooden Floor

A lot of people ask about the cost of sanding wooden floor. In general, sanding wood is more expensive than using other materials for floors.

The type of wood you are sanding will determine the cost of sanding. Laminate, MDF and particle board typically have a higher cost to sand than solid wood. Solid hardwood can also be more expensive to sand due to its grain pattern and absorption of oils and waxes.

When estimating the cost of a project like this, take into account the number of surfaces that need to be sanded as well as the time it will take to complete the job. Also factor in any special equipment or materials that may be needed such as a belt sander or an orbital sander.

How To Protect Your Wood Floors After Sanding

There are a few things that you can do to protect your wood floors after sanding them. 

• First, make sure to use a sealer or Finish of your choice. This will help to protect the wood from moisture and dust. 
• Second, make sure you clean up all of the dust and debris that was created while sanding. 
• Finally, apply a coat of wax or coating to the floor before walking on it.

If you're looking to refinish or restore a wooden floor, there are several types of sanding techniques you can use to achieve the desired results. There are many professional sanders who can professionally sand your wooden floor. If you have a high-traffic area or if the wood is particularly sensitive, it may be best to seek out a professional. In all cases, using the right sanding technique is essential for avoiding damage to the floor.