In ancient times, floors weren’t anything close to what we know them to be today. They were just a patch of tamped down dirt that was sometimes strewn with unworked materials, such as hay and straw for people to walk on. While traditional dirt floors are still used in some parts of the world, there is a huge selection of flooring options available today. And, we understand that choosing the right flooring type for your home or other building can be confusing. That’s why we created this website. Although we’re not flooring specialists, we can provide you with some useful information about the different types of flooring. This information can guide you through the flooring selection process but also help you identify the right flooring contractor for your needs. Welcome aboard!
Proper sanding and finishing are critical for optimal performance and aesthetic appeal of timber floors. The area offers several methods for sanding and finishing, and knowledge of these things will help you make the most of the finishes. It also helps to research and learn about the variations in the procedures and sandpaper grades so that you can know the expected outcomes of your project. Overall, sanding will deliver the exquisite finish you desire and enhance your floor's performance. Here is everything you need to know.
Prior Assessment of the Floor
The first step is examining your wooden floor to make sure that it is in a good condition for sanding. Start with examining the vertical movement of end-matched joints and boards for any weaknesses that will interfere with the sanding process. Next, appraise the floor's overall condition by looking for cupping between the boards, moisture damage and gapping. If possible, record the moisture content so that you have a thorough history of the floor prior to sanding it. You must repair any of the abnormalities before you take on the finishing.
The Sanding Preparation Process
Note that you will be using sanding equipment to refine your floor. Therefore, the first step is to make sure that all the nails sit below the surface of the wooden panels to prevent damage to the sanding equipment. For nails punched deeply into the wooden boards, use non-oil fillers to level the holes. An even surface is critical for the efficiency of the sanding process.
You also need to clean the floor and remove any grit, debris and dirt. Leaving the dirt particles on the floor elevates the risk of deep and uneven scratching in the surface of the timber. Sweep the floor and follow up with vacuuming for the best results.
The Stages of Sanding
Floor sanding happens in different stages depending on your floor's condition. Basic level sanding involves cutting the board level to trim high points and ridges on the floor. Usually, this process involves three passes of the sanding machine to eliminate all the ridges on the floor.
The various stages of sanding also involve edging. Here, you take care of the edges of the floor where the sanding machine cannot reach easily. Corners and hard-to-reach areas like wardrobe flooring also fall in this category. Such areas need an edge sander. It can come in the form of an orbital, belt or disc sander with a peculiar design that enables to reach tight spots.
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