While a DIY enthusiast might dedicate a week or more to sanding and finishing a standard-sized room, professionals can often complete the same task in a day or two. When planning a
An average-sized room (bedroom, lounge or hallway for instance) should take a day to sand and a further day to hand finish and varnish/wax or oil. However unforeseen circumstances such as repairs to the main body of the floor or the replacement of some boards may mean the job will take longer.
In about three to four hours, your floor will be ready for a second coat of polyurethane. This dry time is 25% faster than other products on the market and, unlike other finishes; you don't have to sand that first topcoat. By the end of the day, you will have all coats applied and drying.
Professional Sanding Process & Timeline
Most flooring professionals can sand around 1000 sq ft per day with a rough pass, edge pass, and trim pass. Therefore, larger floor areas may add extra days for completion. If you have pine or hard maple floors they can require more time and attention.
It's important to note that over-sanding can result in a significant loss of wood, so it's crucial to be mindful of the depth and duration of refinishing in any given area. If the issue persists or you're concerned about potential damage, it's best to consult a professional flooring contractor for further guidance.
Using the wrong sandpaper grit can result in either an insufficiently sanded floor or a floor that's been sanded too aggressively. What Not to Do: Do not start with fine-grit sandpaper, and do not use excessively coarse sandpaper unless necessary.
Isolated sanding marks can be addressed by repairing/resanding individual areas. Resanding the affected areas may require the first cut with the big machine to be on a steep angle, followed up with straight cuts. Use of a hard plate, multi-disc or planetary sander also will help alleviate some sanding marks.
Smooth Large Areas Fast
The first commandment of sanding: Sand with the grain. But when you have a lot of wood to grind off, break that rule and run your belt sander diagonally across the grain (at about 45 degrees). Instead of scratching away at the wood fibers, the belt will rip them out.
When can I walk across the floors again? A floor finish will be more susceptible to scuffing and scratching until it is fully cured. Your floor can be walked on with stocking feet in 3-4 hours and furniture can be placed back on the floor (not dragged) in 48 hours.
Sand accounts for up to 12% of total material costs. About 1.8 cubic feet per square foot, totaling 1800 cubic feet or 1000 square feet. Coarse aggregate is commonly used to mix sand, cement, and water to make concrete.
Common Questions About Room-by-Room Refinishing
Refinishing hardwood floors one room at a time is a common concern for many homeowners. Yes, you can refinish hardwood flooring one room at a time by isolating each area during the process using plastic sheeting or drop cloths.
When you have deep scratches and dents on the floor which have to be removed, the drum sander is the best choice. For light sanding when you do not have any major and visible problem area, the orbital sander is a good choice.
Average Cost to Rent a Floor Sander
Whether you're renting an orbital sander or a drum sander, the average cost is $55 per day or between $160 and $268 per week.
Sanding your hardwood floors is not a project for the faint-hearted, but it's certainly doable if you're prepared to dedicate some time, patience, and elbow grease.
Begin pushing the sander in front of you while gently lowering the drum to the floor. As you approach the wall, you'll want to raise the drum before stopping. Once the drum has been raised and the device is at the end of its path, you'll sand the same surface again, but this time by moving backwards.
A bedroom of around 12 square metres might take around 4 to 6 hours from start to finish, including all the prep work and fine sanding needed to get that smooth finish. When you move to medium-sized spaces like living rooms or dining areas, things get a little more time-consuming.
Allow Floors to Dry Completely
Check for any last remnants of dust along baseboards once dry. Wipe these up with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Thorough vacuuming and mopping should leave your freshly sanded floors free of dust and ready for new finish.
⏳ Quick Answer: After floor refinishing, you should stay out of your house for at least 3-4 days if oil-based finishes are used, due to longer drying times and stronger fumes. For water-based finishes, it's advisable to wait at least 2 days.
Sanding with the grain is the golden rule of woodworking, which means moving the sandpaper in the same direction as the wood grain. It helps to minimize visible scratches and results in a smoother, more professional-looking finish.
Skip a Grit
When sanding from coarse to fine you don't need to use every grit. For a faster result, we recommend using every other grit. For example, if you are using sandpaper we recommend 80-120-180 or 100-150-220.
One common mistake is not replacing the sandpaper frequently enough, especially when it becomes clogged. This often happens due to a lack of experience or the desire to save money by using fewer sandpaper sheets. However, continuing to sand with worn or clogged sandpaper is a big mistake.
The cost of sanding typically falls between $1.50 and $3 per square foot.
Sand Strategically: Start with a coarse grit, around 24 or 36, which can help level out the floor by removing high spots. Then work your way up to finer grits for a smoother finish, usually ending with something between 80 and 120, depending on your preferences.