Sanding your floors can dramatically improve their appearance—if you avoid the common pitfalls that can ruin the result. A floor sander is a powerful tool, and while it’s incredibly effective, it can also do serious damage if used improperly.
Whether you're renting a drum sander, belt sander, or orbital sander, here's what to not do when handling your next floor refinishing project.
1. Starting the Sander While It’s Stationary
The mistake: Turning on the machine while it’s sitting still on the floor.
The result: Instant gouge in the wood, and a patch you’ll now have to sand even more.
The fix: Always start the sander while it's slightly tilted and in motion. Once the drum or belt is running, gently lower it onto the floor while moving forward.
2. Skipping Grit Levels
The mistake: Jumping from coarse (like 36 grit) straight to fine (like 100 grit).
The result: Uneven sanding, visible scratches, and a surface that doesn't take stain evenly.
The fix: Always work through the correct grit progression—typically 36 → 60 → 80 → 100. Each stage removes scratches from the previous one.
3. Not Changing Sandpaper When It’s Worn
The mistake: Using the same sheet or belt for too long to “save money.”
The result: Burn marks, inconsistent results, and wasted time doing multiple passes with dull sandpaper.
The fix: Watch for signs like less dust output or slower performance. Replace sandpaper as soon as it stops cutting efficiently.
4. Forgetting to Edge the Room
The mistake: Only sanding with the main machine and ignoring edges and corners.
The result: A clear, unsightly contrast between the center and perimeter of your floor.
The fix: Use an edge sander to smooth areas around walls, baseboards, and in corners. These smaller machines ensure an even, professional finish across the whole surface.
5. Failing to Clean Between Passes
The mistake: Skipping vacuuming between sanding grits.
The result: Fine dust gets embedded in the wood and can cause imperfections in the final finish.
The fix: Always vacuum thoroughly between each sanding stage. Use a tack cloth or microfiber cloth to lift any remaining dust before applying finish or stain.
Bonus Tip: Not Asking for Help When Renting a Sander
Using a sander isn’t rocket science, but it's still easy to make mistakes—especially if it's your first time. Don’t be afraid to ask your rental provider how to use the machine or which grit sequence is best for your job.
Final Thoughts
Sanding mistakes are common, but most are completely avoidable with just a little prep and patience. Use the right technique, don't rush the job, and lean on your rental provider if you're unsure.
Rent a Floor Sander the Right Way in Toronto
At Expert Tools Rental, we do more than hand you a machine—we make sure you know how to use it. From belt to drum to orbital sanders, we’ve got clean, high-performance tools and pro-level advice. Contact us now to reserve your rental and avoid the rookie mistakes!
