Sanding hardwood floors is an important step in the refinishing process. It removes the old finish, smooths the surface, and prepares the wood for the new finish. But a common question homeowners often ask is, “How long does it take to sand hardwood floors?” The answer to this question is not as simple as one might expect. Several factors can affect the time. Let’s take a closer look at these factors and the sanding process.

Hardwood floors are a timeless addition to any home, boasting both elegance and durability. However, like all things, they wear down over time, accumulating scratches and dents and losing their shine. Refinishing floors can bring them back to their original beauty, and sanding is an important part of this transformation. Many homeowners, considering the DIY approach or simply wanting to better understand the process, often wonder about the time commitment involved. In this post, we’ll explore the different factors that determine how long it takes to sand hardwood floors and what one can expect during the process.

Typical Time Estimate

1. Small Room (under 150 square feet):
A small room, like a bedroom, can typically be sanded in 2-4 hours with a drum sander and another 1-2 hours with a contour sander.

2. Medium Room (150–400 square feet):
For medium-sized rooms, you’ll want to spend 4–8 hours with a drum sander and 2–3 hours with a contour sander.

3. Large Room or Multiple Rooms (over 400 square feet):
This can take a full day or more. If you’re treating an entire house, it could take several days.

Steps in the Sanding Process

To better understand the time required, let’s break it down:

1. Preparation (1-2 hours):
Remove all furniture from the room.
Check for protruding nails and place them under the wood surface.
Clean the floor to ensure there are no debris that will impede the sanding.
2. Coarse Sanding (Variable):
Start with coarse sandpaper (e.g. 36 or 40) to remove the old finish.
Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratching across the grain.
3. Medium Sanding (Variable):
Switch to medium sandpaper (e.g. 60 grit) to remove any remaining old finish and smooth the floor.
4. Fine Sanding (Variable):
Use fine sandpaper (e.g. 80-100 grit) to create a smooth surface for the floor, in preparation for staining or sealing.

5. Edge (Variable depending on room size and number of obstructions):
Use a power sander to sand areas near walls, corners, and any other hard-to-reach areas.

6. Clean Up (1-2 hours):
Sanding creates a significant amount of dust. Make sure to clean thoroughly in preparation for staining or sealing.

Additional Tip

Hire a Professional: If you are concerned about time, it may be worth investing in a professional service. They have the experience and equipment to complete the task efficiently.
Safety First: Always wear protective gear, including safety glasses, ear protection, and a dust mask.
Be patient: You may be tempted to rush, but remember that the quality of the sanding directly affects the final look of your floor. Take your time for the best results.