Your Checklist Before Floor Sanding Day
A simple checklist for a smooth job
Floor sanding is a big job for your floor but, with the right preparation, it should not be a big disruption for your household. Most of our customers stay at home throughout the work, and the dust-free equipment we use keeps the rest of the house clean. This checklist will help you get the rooms ready.
Clear the room
The floor needs to be completely clear before sanding can begin. Move furniture, rugs, plants and any items stored on the floor, including under beds. 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. Taking down floor-length curtains or tying them up avoids them getting in the way.
Lifting carpets
If your floor is currently under carpet, vinyl or laminate, decide whether you want to remove it yourself or have us do it. 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.
Before the day
Clear all furniture, rugs and items from the floor.
Remove or tie up floor-length curtains.
Take down pictures or ornaments on shelves near the room, as machines can cause light vibration.
Arrange nearby parking for our van if possible.
Tell us about underfloor heating or pipes and cables beneath the boards.
Arrange a safe place for pets and children.
Switch off underfloor heating in advance if you have it.
Living at home during the work
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.
Decisions to make before the day
Deciding on a few details in advance keeps the job moving. Would you like a natural oiled look or a more resilient lacquer? Have you thought about sheen level and whether you want 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.
Repairs and extras
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.
What happens first
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. Feel free to ask questions or check progress whenever you like.
In summary
Empty the floor entirely, moving furniture, rugs, plants and long curtains well out of the way.
Tell us beforehand about heavy items, underfloor heating, hidden services or any repairs you need.
Sort out parking for our van and make sure pets and young children have somewhere safe to be.
Think about your preferred finish, sheen and colour before the day so the job keeps moving.
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. Fit felt pads to furniture legs before putting anything back.
Have a question about getting ready? Our frequently asked questions cover many of the details, or you can contact our Barnet team for advice.