Your Checklist Before Floor Sanding Day
Getting the room ready for sanding
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to floor sanding. Most of our customers stay at home throughout the work, and the dust-free equipment we use keeps the rest of the house clean. Here is a simple checklist to help everything go smoothly.
Clear the room
The floor needs to be completely clear before sanding can begin. Move furniture, rugs, plants and any items stored on the floor, including under beds. If you need help moving large or heavy pieces, let us know when you book, as we can often help or plan the work around them. Tie up or remove long curtains so they stay clear of the edges.
Carpets and old coverings
Existing carpet, underlay or vinyl can be lifted by you or by us. Lifting it yourself is fine, but watch out for sharp gripper rods and staples. Do not worry about every last staple; we remove any that remain during preparation.
Your preparation list
Empty the room completely.
Remove or tie up floor-length curtains.
Take down pictures or ornaments on shelves near the room, as machines can cause light vibration.
Make sure there is parking or access close to the property for equipment.
Tell us about underfloor heating or pipes and cables beneath the boards.
Plan where pets and children will be during the work.
Turn off underfloor heating a day or two before work starts.
Living at home during the work
Sanding machines are loud and the room will be out of use for a while, so it is best to keep pets and young children well away from the work area. Many customers arrange a day out, or keep pets in another part of the house. If the room is a thoroughfare, we will plan another route before we start.
Heating, ventilation and drying
Finishes dry best in a room that is comfortably warm and has some ventilation. Normal heating is ideal; do not blast heaters or fans at the wet finish. If you have underfloor heating, keep it off and bring it back slowly once the finish has cured.
Choosing your finish in advance
Deciding on a few details in advance keeps the job moving. Do you prefer the natural look of oil or the extra protection of lacquer? Would you like a matt, satin or gloss sheen, and are you considering a stain? If you are not sure yet, we will happily show you samples and explain the differences. For stained floors, we apply test patches on the sanded boards, so you will need a little time to choose before we continue.
Booking additional work
If you know the floor has damaged boards, squeaks or wide gaps, mention them when you book. That allows us to source suitable reclaimed boards and plan the work properly. Doors may also need adjusting if the floor height changes after carpet removal, so it is worth planning for this.
When we arrive
On arrival, we will go over the plan with you and agree any final details. After protecting the surrounding areas, we set up and start preparation. You are welcome to check in at any time and ask questions as the work progresses.
The essentials at a glance
Clear the room completely, including rugs, plants, curtains and anything stored under furniture.
Tell us beforehand about heavy items, underfloor heating, hidden services or any repairs you need.
Sort out parking for our van and make sure pets and young children have somewhere safe to be.
Decide on your finish, sheen level and any stain in advance to avoid delays on the day.
Give the finish enough time to cure before returning furniture and laying rugs.
Getting back to normal
Patience at the end makes all the difference. Light foot traffic in socks is usually fine after a few hours, furniture can go back after 24–48 hours, and rugs after about a week once the finish has cured. Add felt pads to every furniture leg before moving pieces back in.
Have a question about getting ready? Our frequently asked questions cover many of the details, or you can contact our Surrey team for advice.