How to Sand Your Own Wood Floors

Wood At SAVERSTREET  We Believe Wood floors are a timeless and beautiful addition to any home.

They’re durable, stylish, and—contrary to what you might expect—perfect for busy family life.

Wood is great for Kids, pets, and everyday wear and tear can take their toll, but the real advantage of wood floors is that they can be sanded and refinished multiple times over the years.

That means you can refresh them when damage appears or even change the look entirely without the expense of replacing them.

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️ What You’ll Need For Laying A Wood Floor

Before you start, gather your tools and safety kit:

• Goggles
• Dust mask
• Ear protection
• Brush or vacuum cleaner
• Sander (a drum sander for large areas + edging sander for corners if possible)
• Sandpaper: 12 sheets (24 grit), 8 sheets (40 grit), 8 sheets (80 grit), 5 sheets (120 grit)
• Optional: Wood stain for colour
• Varnish (satin finish recommended) + brush

If you’re decorating the whole room, sand last—otherwise, the dust will ruin your fresh paint or skirting boards.

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Step 1: Preparation For Wood Floors

1. Clear the room: Remove furniture, rugs, curtains, and even doors if you can.
2. Check for hazards: Remove staples and screws, and hammer any nails at least 2mm below the surface.
3. Clean thoroughly: Vacuum, then wipe with a damp cloth and allow the floor to dry.
4. Fill gaps: If there are large gaps, fill them with papier-mâché or a suitable filler.

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️ Step 2: Protection

There are two areas to protect—your home and yourself.

• Home protection: Seal windows, doors, and vents so dust doesn’t escape. Cover plug sockets and cracks with masking tape.
• Personal protection: Wear goggles, ear defenders, and a dust mask. Keep windows open for ventilation.

⚠️ Safety tip: Always unplug the sander before changing sandpaper.

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✨ Step 3: Sanding Process

The golden rule: always sand with the grain, never against it.

1. Start with 24 grit sandpaper to strip off old finishes.
2. Progress to 40 grit, then 80 grit, and finish with 120 grit for a smooth surface.
3. Use a drum sander for the main floor and an edging sander for corners and edges.
4. Don’t skip grits—each stage ensures a professional finish without scratches.

When you’re done, carefully exit the room to avoid carrying dust through the house.

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Step 4: Varnishing (and Staining if Desired)

Once sanding is complete, it’s time to seal and protect your floor.

1. Clean up: Vacuum or brush away all dust.
2. Stain (optional): If you want to change the floor colour, apply wood stain first. Drying can take 6–24 hours depending on the brand.
3. Varnish: Apply in thin coats with the grain. Satin finish is recommended—it reduces glare, hides imperfections, and looks modern.
4. Coats: Apply 3 coats (4 for high-traffic areas), allowing each to dry before applying the next.

After 24–48 hours (check the product instructions), you can move your furniture back in.

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Step 5: Aftercare

To keep your newly sanded floors looking their best:

• Vacuum regularly.
• Wipe with a damp (not wet) cloth.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the varnish.

With minimal maintenance, your wood floors will look stunning for years to come.

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Final Thoughts

Sanding your own wood floors may sound daunting, but with the right tools, safety precautions, and patience, it’s a very achievable DIY project. Not only does it restore beauty and warmth to your home, but it also saves money compared to hiring a professional.

If you’re unsure or nervous about tackling it, don’t hesitate to get advice—or call in a pro. Either way, a freshly sanded and varnished floor is a transformation worth the effort!

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Why Shop at Saverstreet?

At Saverstreet.co.uk, we’re committed to offering high-quality products at prices that won’t break the bank. Our curated selection includes tools for every skill level, from beginners to seasoned pros. Plus, with fast UK delivery and expert customer support, we make it easy to get the tools you need, when you need them.

Get Started with Saverstreet Today

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What’s your next project? Share your ideas in the comments below or contact our team for personalised recommendations. Let’s build something amazing together!

We have teamed up with online flooring retailer Luxury Flooring & Furnishings to create a guide on sanding your floor, from start to finish. But before you begin, here is a list of what you will need: