Before you even plug in a floor sander, there’s one step you absolutely cannot skip: prep work. A poorly prepped floor will cause uneven sanding, damage to your sander, and a finish that looks anything but professional.
Whether you're working with hardwood, engineered wood, or parquet, the key to a smooth finish starts long before the machine turns on. Here’s how to prep your floor the right way—so your sanding job goes fast and smooth.
1. Clear the Room Completely
Remove everything from the space—furniture, rugs, curtains, vents, floor grates. Don’t just slide things to one side. Floor sanders are heavy, and you need room to move in clean, even passes without tripping over clutter.
Quick Checklist:
- Remove baseboard heaters or covers if they’re close to the floor
- Take down curtains or drapes to avoid dust buildup
- Cover air vents to prevent sanding dust from circulating
2. Check for Loose Boards or Nails
Walk the entire floor and listen for squeaks or movement. Use a hammer to drive in any nails that are sticking up—those can tear your sanding belt or leave grooves in your floor.
- Sink all fasteners at least 1/8” below the surface
- Tighten or replace any loose floorboards
- Mark problem areas with chalk or tape for quick fixes during sanding
3. Clean Thoroughly
Vacuum, sweep, and vacuum again. Any dust, grit, or debris left behind can create swirl marks or gouges during sanding. A clean floor ensures your sander makes even contact with the surface.
Tip: Use a tack cloth to pick up fine dust that your vacuum might miss.
For more prep tips, Minwax offers a simple floor prep guide before sanding or refinishing.
You can also check Bona’s floor sanding advice for pro-grade surface preparation insights.
4. Identify the Floor Type
Knowing what kind of floor you’re sanding helps you decide how aggressive your sanding should be:
| Floor Type | Recommended Prep |
|---|---|
| Solid Hardwood | OK for deep sanding (drum/belt) |
| Engineered Wood | Caution—only surface sanding (orbital) |
| Parquet | Light sanding only—sensitive to grain direction |
Caution: Never use a drum or belt sander on thin engineered floors—you can easily sand through the veneer.
5. Choose Your Grit Sequence
Most sanding jobs use 3 to 4 sanding passes. Start with coarse grit to remove finish, then move to medium and finish with fine grit for a smooth surface.
Typical Sequence:
- First Pass: 36–40 grit (remove old finish)
- Second Pass: 60–80 grit (smooth out scratches)
- Final Pass: 100–120 grit (polish surface before finishing)
6. Plan Your Exit Path
Once you start sanding, you don’t want to walk across freshly sanded areas. Always start farthest from the door and work your way backward toward your exit.
Final Thoughts
Floor prep might not be the most exciting part of the job, but it’s the most important. Taking the time to prep properly means you’ll get better results, protect your rental equipment, and spend less time fixing mistakes later.
Rent a Floor Sander in Toronto the Smart Way
At Expert Tools Rental, we offer a full lineup of floor sanders—belt, drum, and orbital—along with the advice to make sure you use them right. Book your rental today and we’ll help you prep and plan for flawless results.
