If your wooden floors have seen better days, you don’t necessarily need to replace them. In fact, you’d be surprised how amazing your floorboards can look with a little TLC. Sanding is a great method for reviving old floorboards, creating a beautiful rustic finish throughout your home.
Read on for a mini guide on how to sand our floors.
Floor preparation
The first thing you need to do is prepare your floors for sanding. Remove all furniture from the room so you have a clear workspace and begin to pull out any nails or anything else that’s attached to the floor. Next, give the floor a good vacuum to remove all the dust and create a clean surface.
Safety
It’s important that you have the right safety gear before you start sanding, as this will reduce the chance of any sanding-related incidents. You may need:
- Goggles – wood dust can be dangerous, especially if it gets in your eyes so always wear eye protection such as goggles.
- Dust mask – while sanding, you may end up stripping old chemicals, such as old floor varnish which can affect your lungs if you breathe it in.
- Protective suit – due to the high solvent content, your skin may become irritated if it is no covered. A protective suit and gloves will keep your skin safe as you work.
- Knee pads – as you’ll be kneeling throughout the majority of the job, you may experience joint pain after a while. Knee pads will support your knees and make working more comfortable.
Sanding
Once you’re ready to start sanding you’ll need to use the edging sander around the perimeter of the room followed by a large drum sander for everything else. Follow the direction of the wood grain as you sand or the end result could look unprofessional and the floorboards could end up scratched. Gradually increase the grit of the sandpaper you’re using as this will help finish the job without over-sanding the floor.
Here at Basically Tool Hire, we have a range of tools and equipment suitable for DIY enthusiasts or those who require plant hire. From sanders and nails guns to cleaning equipment and decorating tools. We have everything you need! Get in touch today for more information.