How to Get Ready for Floor Sanding
What to do before we arrive
You do not need to do much to prepare for floor sanding, but the right steps make a real difference. Most of our customers stay at home throughout the work, and the dust-free equipment we use keeps the rest of the house clean. This checklist will help you get the rooms ready.
Clear the room
The floor needs to be completely clear before sanding can begin. That includes furniture, rugs, plants, curtains that touch the floor and anything stored under beds or sofas. 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. Taking down floor-length curtains or tying them up avoids them getting in the way.
Carpets and old coverings
If your floor is currently under carpet, vinyl or laminate, decide whether you want to remove it yourself or have us do it. Lifting it yourself is fine, but watch out for sharp gripper rods and staples. We will deal with any staples or nails left behind as part of the preparation.
Before the day
Clear all furniture, rugs and items from the floor.
Keep curtains clear of the floor.
Move fragile ornaments from nearby shelves.
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.
Switch off underfloor heating in advance if you have it.
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. A day out, a friend's house or a closed-off room usually works well. If the room is a main route through the house, we will discuss access before the work begins.
Helping the finish dry
Finishes dry best in a room that is comfortably warm and has some ventilation. Keep the heating on at a normal level, but avoid running fans or heaters aimed directly at the floor. If you have underfloor heating, keep it off and bring it back slowly once the finish has cured.
Choosing your finish in advance
It helps to think about the finish before work begins. Do you prefer the natural look of oil or the extra protection of lacquer? Have you thought about sheen level and whether you want a stain? If you are unsure, we can bring samples and talk you through the options. If you are considering a stain, test patches are applied after sanding, so allow a little time to view them before the finish goes on.
Planning repairs
If you know the floor has damaged boards, squeaks or wide gaps, mention them when you book. That way we can bring matching reclaimed timber and plan enough time for repairs. Skirting boards, thresholds and door bottoms are also worth thinking about, as doors sometimes need trimming once the carpet has gone or after the floor has been finished.
On the day
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. Feel free to ask questions or check progress whenever you like.
Key points to remember
Clear the room completely, including rugs, plants, curtains and anything stored under furniture.
Let us know in advance about heavy furniture, underfloor heating, pipes, cables or repairs.
Sort out parking for our van and make sure pets and young children have somewhere safe to be.
Think about your preferred finish, sheen and colour before the day so the job keeps moving.
Allow time afterwards for the finish to cure before putting furniture and rugs back.
After the work
Patience at the end makes all the difference. You can usually walk on it in socks after a few hours, replace furniture after 24–48 hours and lay rugs after roughly a week. Add felt pads to every furniture leg before moving pieces back in.
Have a question about getting ready? Our frequently asked questions answer many common queries, or contact our Croydon team for advice.