There is nothing that sets off a room quite so much as a beautifully sanded and finished wooden floor, but the elbow grease required to get that effect manually makes it an onerous task.
However, modern floor sanders are widely available to hire for the day and can make short work of even the largest rooms.
But what is the best sander for the job and how do you get most out of the sander for a perfect finish? The best sander for the job? Floor sanders come in a range of sizes, with corresponding price tags to match.
You need to weigh up the scope of the job in hand and decide whether a more expensive, commercial sander is required, or whether you can manage the task with a handheld disc sander.
What is the ideal technique? Perfect technique often equals perfect results, so if you are sanding a floor as a preparation for varnishing or some other finish, it pays to employ correct technique to ensure a perfectly even finish.
The golden rule of sanding with a floor sanding machine is to let the equipment do the work and not apply too much pressure.
For stand-up sanders, simply push the machine in straight lines.
With a handheld sander, move in circular motions and apply a firm but even pressure.
Safety precautions Floor sanders can be surprisingly powerful, so proceed with caution and keep the machine under control being sure to wear a solid pair of shoes.
Ideally you should wear eye protection, a face mask to minimise inhalation of sawdust, and ear defenders if using a very loud belt sander.
Choose a floor sander with built-in vacuum disposal to minimise sawdust and clean up as you go along.