How to Sand a Timber Floor

Here is the process from go to whoa. No fluff, just what you need to do.

What You Need

Step 1: Prep

Clear the room. Pull up any carpet, underlay, and tack strips. Punch all nails below the surface. Check for loose boards and re-fix them. Scrape off any old glue or paint blobs with a scraper.

Step 2: First Cut (40 grit)

Run the belt sander with the grain. Overlap each pass by half the belt width. This cut removes old coating and levels the floor. Go steady — do not rush or you will gouge the timber. Edge the perimeter with matching grit.

Step 3: Second Cut (60 grit)

Same process, same direction. This cut removes the scratch pattern from the 40. You will see the floor start to look clean. Edge again.

Step 4: Fill Gaps

Mix Bona Mix and Fill with fine dust from the 60 grit bag. Apply with a filling knife across the grain, pushing filler into every gap and nail hole. Let it dry 30-60 minutes.

Step 5: Third Cut (80 grit)

Sands the filler flush and refines the surface. Edge with 80. The floor should look and feel smooth now.

Step 6: Final Sand (100 grit)

Light pass to remove any remaining 80 grit scratches. This is your finish-ready surface. Edge with 100. Vacuum thoroughly.

Step 7: Screen

Run the buffer with a 120 grit screen over the entire floor. This creates a uniform scratch pattern for the primer to grip. Vacuum again. Tack the floor with a damp cloth if needed.

Step 8: Prime

Apply one coat of Bona primer with a roller. Classic UX for most species, Intense for Blackbutt and Tallowwood. Let it dry 1-2 hours.

Step 9: Screen Again

Light screen with 150 grit mesh after primer. Vacuum. This knocks down any raised grain.

Step 10: First Coat

Apply first coat of Bona Traffic HD or Mega. Thin, even coat with a roller or Bona applicator. Work with the grain. Let it dry 2-3 hours.

Step 11: Screen and Second Coat

Screen lightly with 150 mesh. Vacuum. Apply second coat. Same technique. This is your finished floor.

Step 12: Cure

Light foot traffic in socks after 24 hours. Furniture with felt pads after 3 days. Rugs after 14 days. Full cure: 3 days for Traffic HD, 7 days for Mega.

Need supplies? Order direct at sand-aid.com or call 1300 950 551.

Is sanding between coats necessary for waterborne finishes?

Light abrasion between coats is optional if the next coat is applied within 24 hours. When cutback is needed, maroon pad systems are preferred over sanding screens to reduce visible scratches in the finish. FSA Network floor sanders use the correct inter-coat preparation technique for each product system.

What sanding quality should I expect on my timber floor?

Fine sanding is expected with edging that should not scallop. Sanding marks in the timber should not generally be visible from a standing position, and chatter marks should generally be absent. FSA Network floor sanders use professional equipment and techniques to deliver smooth, mark-free surfaces.

What should I expect during a professional floor sanding and coating job?

ATFA publishes information on what to expect during sanding and coating, covering the process steps, noise, dust management, drying times, and achievable finish quality. Understanding the process helps set realistic expectations for the project. FSA Network floor sanders explain every step of the process before beginning work.

What is the sanding allowance in tongue and groove timber floors?

Tongue and groove timber floors have a limited sanding allowance -- the amount of timber above the tongue that can be removed during sanding before compromising the joint integrity. ATFA provides technical guidance on sanding allowance to ensure floors are not over-sanded. FSA Network floor sanders carefully measure sanding allowance to maximise the number of future sanding cycles your floor can support.

Can bamboo floors be sanded?

Yes, bamboo floors can be sanded but require specific techniques that differ from traditional hardwood sanding. ATFA provides technical guidance on sanding bamboo floors as part of their information sheet library. FSA Network floor sanders have the expertise to sand and recoat bamboo flooring correctly.

Can cork floors be sanded?

Yes, cork floors can be sanded but require careful technique due to cork's softer, more compressible nature. ATFA includes sanding cork floors among their technical information sheets. FSA Network floor sanders use appropriate equipment and methods to sand cork floors without damaging the surface.

What sanding terminology should I understand?

ATFA publishes a sanding terminology guide covering industry-specific language used by floor sanding professionals. Understanding terms helps you communicate effectively with your contractor about the work being performed. FSA Network floor sanders are happy to explain any technical terminology during your floor sanding project.

How do I master the art of sanding stairs?

Sanding stairs requires specialised techniques different from flat floor sanding, with specific attention to nosings, risers, and tight spaces. ATFA provides how-to video content on mastering stair sanding techniques. FSA Network floor sanders have the specialised skills and equipment needed to achieve professional results on staircase sanding.