How to sand timber floors

Clear the room completely, removing all furniture and floor coverings so you have full access to the surface. Give the floor a thorough clean to remove dust and debris. Carefully inspect the timber for any nails or staples that are sitting proud and use a nail punch and hammer to drive them a couple of millimetres below the surface. This will help protect your sanding belts and ensure a smoother, more consistent result.

Install the sanding belt following the machine instructions, making sure it’s fitted in the correct direction — most belts will have arrows indicating the way they should run. To fit the belt, release the tension lever on the drum, slide the belt into position, then reapply tension so it sits firm and centred on the drum. It should feel secure, with no slack or twisting. Before starting, double-check the belt is tracking straight and not rubbing against the sides of the machine, as this can cause uneven sanding or damage the sanding belt.

If the floor is in good condition, starting with a 60-grit belt is usually suitable, while rougher floors or those with old coatings may require a coarser grit first. Before you begin sanding, make sure the drum is lifted off the floor when switching the machine on.

Once the machine is running, begin moving forward and gently lower the drum onto the timber. Work in smooth, steady passes, always sanding with the grain of the wood. Keep a consistent walking pace and slightly overlap each pass to avoid missing sections. As you reach the end of each run, lift the drum off the floor before stopping or turning to prevent gouging the surface during timber floor restoration.

After completing the first pass, vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove dust and debris. Continue sanding using progressively finer grits, such as moving from 60 to 80 and then to 120, to smooth the surface and remove scratches from the previous pass. Taking the time to work through each grit stage will help achieve an even, professional-looking finish.

Use the edging sander to work along skirting boards and walls where the drum sander can’t reach. To set up, fit the sanding disc or pad according to your machine — this is usually secured with a clamp or hook-and-loop backing. Make sure it’s centred properly and sitting flat against the base to avoid uneven sanding or excessive vibration.

When using the edging sander, keep it moving in a steady, circular motion and avoid holding it in one spot for too long, as this can create heavy scratches or gouges. Apply light, even pressure and let the machine do the work. Work through the same grit sequence as the main floor, replacing discs or pads as they wear out to maintain a consistent finish and help the edges blend in seamlessly.

For tight corners, under cabinetry or detailed sections, switch to a palm sander with detail sanding sheets following the same progression as the rest (from 60 up to 120). When sanding, use light, controlled movements and let the tool do the work — there’s no need to apply heavy pressure. Keep the sander moving to avoid creating dips or swirl marks in the timber. Work through the same grit progression as the rest of the floor, changing the sanding sheets as they wear out to maintain an even result. Feather the edges into the surrounding floor so there’s a smooth transition between sanded areas.

Once the initial sanding passes are complete, check the floor for gaps, nail holes or minor imperfections. For small areas, apply a woodtimber floor filler with a scraper or putty knife, pressing it firmly into the gaps. For a more consistent finish across the whole floor, you can mix fine sanding dust with a floor filler base to create a slurry and spread it over the surface. Allow the filler to dry completely before continuing.

Sanding generates a significant amount of fine dust, so it’s important to manage it throughout the process. Empty dust collection bags regularly and vacuum between each sanding stage to keep the workspace clean. This also makes it easier to monitor your progress and spot any areas that may need extra attention.

Once sanding is complete, give the entire floor a thorough clean. Start with a detailed vacuum, then go over the surface with a lightly damp microfibre mop or cloth to pick up any remaining dust. Take care not to use too much water, as excess moisture can raise the grain of the timber.

With the floor clean, smooth and free of dust, it’s now ready for your chosen finish. Whether you’re applying a stain, oil or protective coating, proper preparation will help ensure a long-lasting and even result.

Finished sanding and ready for the next step? Check out our guide on how to seal timber floors to protect your hard work and bring out the natural beauty of the wood.