Preparing Your Home for Floor Sanding
A simple checklist for a smooth job
Floor sanding is a big job for your floor but, with the right preparation, it should not be a big disruption for your household. With dust-free extraction capturing around 99% of dust at source, most people carry on living at home while we work. Here is a simple checklist to help everything go smoothly.
Furniture and belongings
Every item needs to be off the floor before the machines start. That includes furniture, rugs, plants, curtains that touch the floor and anything stored under beds or sofas. If some items are too heavy to move, mention it when booking and we will plan accordingly. 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.
Practical checklist
Clear all furniture, rugs and items from the floor.
Keep curtains clear of the floor.
Take down pictures or ornaments on shelves near the room, as machines can cause light vibration.
Arrange nearby parking for our van if possible.
Let us know about any underfloor pipes, cables or heating.
Arrange a safe place for pets and children.
Switch off underfloor heating in advance if you have it.
Pets, children and daily routine
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
A warm room with gentle airflow helps the finish dry properly. Normal heating is ideal; do not blast heaters or fans at the wet finish. Underfloor heating should be off during sanding and finishing and brought back up gradually afterwards.
Planning ahead
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.
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
Empty the floor entirely, moving furniture, rugs, plants and long curtains well out of the way.
Let us know in advance about heavy furniture, underfloor heating, pipes, cables or repairs.
Arrange parking nearby and plan where pets and children will be while the work is under way.
Decide on your finish, sheen level and any stain in advance to avoid delays on the day.
Allow time afterwards for the finish to cure before putting furniture and rugs back.
Once the floor is finished
Once the final coat is on, give it time. 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. Fit felt pads to furniture legs before putting anything back.
If you have any questions about preparing for your project, our frequently asked questions answer many common queries, or contact our Esher team for advice.