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. 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.
Clear the room
Every item needs to be off the floor before the machines start. Move furniture, rugs, plants and any items stored on the floor, including under beds. If some items are too heavy to move, mention it when booking and we will plan accordingly. Taking down floor-length curtains or tying them up avoids them getting in the way.
Old floor coverings
Existing carpet, underlay or vinyl can be lifted by you or by us. Removing carpet yourself can save money, but take care with the gripper strips, staples and tacks, which can be sharp. Do not worry about every last staple; we remove any that remain during preparation.
Your preparation list
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.
Turn off underfloor heating a day or two before work starts.
Pets, children and daily routine
Machinery and wet finish do not mix with curious pets or toddlers. Many customers arrange a day out, or keep pets in another part of the house. If the room is a main route through the house, we will discuss access before the work begins.
Heating, ventilation and drying
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. Underfloor heating should be off during sanding and finishing and brought back up gradually afterwards.
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? Would you like a matt, satin or gloss sheen, and are you considering a stain? If you are unsure, we can bring samples and talk you through the options. 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
Let us know about any damaged boards, creaks or gaps in advance. 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
When the team arrives, we will walk through the room with you, confirm the plan and check anything that needs special care. We will set up the equipment, protect doorways and nearby areas and then begin preparing the floor. You are welcome to check in at any time and ask questions as the work progresses.
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.
Give the finish enough time to cure before returning furniture and laying rugs.
Once the floor is finished
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.
If you have any questions about preparing for your project, our frequently asked questions answer many common queries, or contact our Harrow team directly.