Your Checklist Before Floor Sanding Day
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. With dust-free extraction capturing around 99% of dust at source, most people carry on living at home while we work. This checklist will help you get the rooms ready.
Empty the floor
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. Tie up or remove long curtains so they stay clear of the edges.
Lifting carpets
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.
Your preparation list
Clear all furniture, rugs and items from the floor.
Remove or tie up floor-length curtains.
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.
Planning around the household
Machinery and wet finish do not mix with curious pets or toddlers. 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.
Getting the conditions right
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. Would you like a natural oiled look or a more resilient 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. 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.
Repairs and extras
If you know the floor has damaged boards, squeaks or wide gaps, mention them when you book. That allows us to source suitable reclaimed boards and plan the work properly. Doors may also need adjusting if the floor height changes after carpet removal, so it is worth planning for this.
On the day
On arrival, we will go over the plan with you and agree any final details. We will set up the equipment, protect doorways and nearby areas and then begin preparing the floor. 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.
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.
Getting back to normal
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. 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 cover many of the details, or you can contact our Cobham team directly.