sanding floors?

Question

I preparing to sand my two rooms which total 510 sq ft. They are rather even except for a few boards any idea what grits to start and escalate too? and how many sheets i should need of each? and also are the drum sanders at home depot good use? thank you and any tips are greatly appreciated

Answer 1

Sanding Plank or Strip Floors

Floors in good condition - when the floor is in good condition - no uneven edges, cupping or crowning of planks and strips - start sanding in the direction of the planks or strips, with the wood grain. Start with a coarse or medium grit abrasive. Complete the first cut with the drum floor sander then sand up to the baseboards and door thresholds with the edger, using medium grit abrasive, blending the edges in with the main floor area. Sweep the floor. Using a medium grit abrasive sand the main floor area with the drum sander and then complete the floor with the edger using a fine grit abrasive. Sweep the floor. Finish sanding the main floor area with the drum floor sander using a fine grit abrasive.

Uneven floors - when the floor is uneven sand diagonally at 45o across the room in both directions using coarse grit abrasive. Only make one cut on both diagonals, this will achieve a basic level. Now complete the floor as for a level strip or plank floor. Use the same grit abrasive as was used on the 45o cut for the first cut parallel to the planks or strips.

Floors with an existing finish - when refinishing a floor remove as little of the existing surface as possible. If only a light sanding is required to prepare the floor for refinishing use the orbital floor sander. If the floor is badly marked and scratched and has to be sanded back to new wood it may be necessary to use a coarse open coat abrasive to remove the old finish. These abrasives will not clog with the old finish but take care, as they are very aggressive. Always try a medium grit paper first, particularly on a diagonal cut. If 90% of the old finish is removed and the floor is generally levelled, you do not need to use coarse grit abrasive.



Sanding Veneered, Laminated and Thinner Floors

Use the orbital floor sander for veneered and laminated floors or thinner floors that may have been subject to repeated sanding. The orbital sander will remove old surface finishes and prepare the floor for refinishing. Sand the floor using the same method as a strip, plank, or parquet floor. If the floor has deeper scratches or marks these should be sanded out by hand and blended in with the main floor.



Sanding Parquet and Block Floors

The grain of the wood will run in a number of directions so sand the floor in the direction of the main source of natural light in the room. If there is no source of natural light sand in the direction of the longest side of the room or, if the room is square, in the direction the furniture is laid out and how people normally use the room. This technique will help mask any imperfections in the floor. Complete the sanding operation as detailed for plank or strip floors.
Go to this web site it will give you tips you need and how to stain/finish the floor,wish you all the luck.

Answer 2

With all due respect to any others who answer; the LARGER the "footprint" of the FLOOR sander; the better the chance of not dipping into depressions, in the process; adding to that void. Obviously Corners/ 90 degree/ etc. are another issue. Answer 1 makes a valid; if obvious point. DUST happens. Certainly whatever tool you choose should vacuum as it sands, and collect the STUFF in its BAG.

Steven Wolf

Perhaps it's AFTER the fact now; but I think I might have wanted to know the WHY of rises and depressions.

Answer 3

If the floors are even and you are just planning on re-coating, use a drywall sanding block/screen on a stick to scuff the surface of the old finish and recoat.

Answer 4

Where a mask so you won't get sand in your eyes

Answer 5

be sure wear a dust mask