If you're staring down a floor covered in scratches, old finish, or uneven spots, you're probably thinking about sanding. But which sander should you rent: a belt sander or an orbital sander?
Both tools are made to smooth surfaces, but they work very differently—and using the wrong one can lead to poor results or even damage your floor. Whether you're tackling a hardwood refinish or prepping for a new finish coat, here's how to choose the right tool for the job.
What Is a Belt Sander?
A belt sander is a powerful, fast-moving machine designed to remove a lot of material in a short amount of time. It uses a looped sanding belt that spins around two drums.
Best For:
- Removing old paint or heavy finishes
- Flattening warped or uneven floorboards
- Stripping multiple layers quickly
Pros:
- Fast and aggressive
- Great for tough, worn-out surfaces
- Ideal for open, flat spaces
Cons:
- Can damage the floor if not kept moving
- Not ideal for fine finishing or soft woods
What Is an Orbital (or Square) Sander?
An orbital sander—like a square buff or vibrating floor sander—moves in tiny circular or orbital motions. It’s slower and less aggressive, but easier to control.
Best For:
- Smoothing between coats
- Finishing passes on engineered or softwood floors
- DIY refinishing projects
Pros:
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Less risk of gouging the floor
- Better for smaller or more delicate jobs
Cons:
- Doesn’t remove heavy coatings or deep scratches
- Slower on large, rough surfaces
Curious about when to use each? see Bob Vila's article comparing sanders for various wood surfaces.
Quick Comparison: Belt Sander vs. Orbital Sander
| Feature | Belt Sander | Orbital Sander |
|---|---|---|
| Power | High | Medium |
| Speed | Fast | Moderate |
| Control | Moderate (needs experience) | Easy (beginner-friendly) |
| Best For | Heavy removal, old finishes | Light sanding, final passes |
| Risk Level | Higher (can gouge floors) | Lower (gentle on surfaces) |
Which One Should You Rent?
Ask yourself a few questions:
- Are you removing layers of finish or just smoothing things out?
- Is your floor solid hardwood or engineered?
- How comfortable are you with heavy-duty power tools?
If you're doing a full refinish on hardwood, go for a belt sander rental. If you're just doing prep work or working on delicate wood, an orbital sander rental is safer and easier to control.
Final Thoughts
The choice between a belt sander and orbital sander comes down to your floor's condition and your comfort level. Need to tear off thick, old layers? Belt sander. Just cleaning up between coats or smoothing a softwood floor? Orbital all the way.
Rent a Floor Sander with Confidence in Toronto
At Expert Tools Rental, we offer both belt and orbital sanders—professionally maintained and ready to go. Whether you're a pro or tackling your first flooring project, we’ll help you get the right tool. Contact us today to reserve your floor sander rental with fast delivery across the GTA.
