Floor Sanding: What to Expect Day by Day
Most clients have never had their floors sanded before. Not knowing what to expect makes the process stressful. Here is exactly what happens on a typical job, day by day, so you can plan around it.
Before I Arrive
Clear the rooms completely. Furniture, rugs, anything on the floor needs to go. I can work around fixed items like kitchen islands, but everything moveable should be out of the way.
If you have pets, arrange for them to be elsewhere during the sanding days. The noise is distressing for dogs especially, and dust is not good for anyone's lungs -- animal or human.
Day 1: Preparation and Coarse Sanding
I start by inspecting every board. Loose nails get punched down. Damaged boards get replaced if needed. Any old carpet staples or tack strips get pulled out. This preparation stage is critical -- skipping it means the sanding machine catches on metal and damages the abrasives or the timber.
Then the coarse sanding begins. This is the loud part. I use a belt sander for the main floor area and an edger for the perimeter. The coarse grit removes the old finish and any surface damage. By the end of day one, the floor looks rough but even.
Dust containment is a priority. I use a sanding system with built-in dust extraction that captures about 95 percent of the dust at the machine. The remaining 5 percent settles as a fine film. I seal doorways to other rooms with plastic sheeting.
Day 2: Fine Sanding and Filling
The second pass uses a medium grit to smooth out the marks left by the coarse sanding. Then I mix timber dust from your floor with a resin filler and fill every gap, crack, and nail hole. The filler matches your floor because it is made from your floor.
Once the filler dries, I do the final sanding pass with a fine grit. This leaves the timber smooth to the touch with no visible sanding marks. The floor is now bare timber, ready for finishing.
At this point I vacuum the entire room and wipe it down with a tack cloth. Any dust left on the surface will be trapped under the finish, so this step cannot be rushed.
Day 3: First and Second Coats
I apply the first coat of Bona finish in the morning. Water-based polyurethane dries fast -- usually within two to three hours depending on temperature and humidity. After it dries, I lightly screen the surface with a fine abrasive pad to create a key for the next coat, vacuum again, and apply the second coat in the afternoon.
Day 4: Final Coat
A light screen, vacuum, tack cloth, and then the final coat goes on. Three coats is my standard for every job. Some floor sanders do two coats to save time. I do not. Two coats is not enough to build proper film thickness for long-term durability.
The final coat needs 24 hours before you can walk on it in socks. Furniture can go back after 72 hours. Full cure takes about two weeks, during which you should avoid dragging heavy items across the floor.
The Whole Timeline
A standard three-bedroom home takes three to four working days. Larger homes or floors in poor condition may take five days. I will give you an accurate timeline at the quoting stage.
For pricing, see the Newcastle cost guide. For questions about the process, check the FAQ page or contact me directly.
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