Can You Sand Hardwood Floors Yourself?

A close-up shows a parquet floor being sanded. A professional drum sander is used for wood floor restoration in London

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Published on 11 Jun 2025

Should You Sand Your Hardwood Floors Yourself?

Hardwood floor sanding is one of those projects that seems simple enough. Until you’re knee-deep in dust, unsure about drying times, and second-guessing every pass of the sander. If you’re wondering whether to tackle sanding and sealing your timber floors yourself, this guide is here to help.

At Silver Lining Floor Care, we’ve spent years gathering experience in sanding and refinishing all types of wood. From delicate parquet floor layouts to tough engineered wood flooring — across London’s heritage homes and modern apartments. Here’s what you need to know before picking up the sanding equipment.

What DIY Floor Sanding Looks Like

Not Just a Quick Pass with a Machine

Sanding a timber floor requires more than just enthusiasm. For DIYers considering sanding an engineered wood floor, classic oak planks, or Victorian Floorboards, preparation is key. You’ll need:

A drum sander and edge sander suitable for hardwood floor sanding
Sandpaper in varying grits to respect the grain of the wood
PPE to protect against dust and noise
A strategy for dust control and tidy cleanup
A sealing plan to ensure long-lasting protection

Skipping steps or using the wrong sanding equipment can damage the top layer of engineered floors or leave visible marks on solid wood boards.

Precision Matters with Engineered and Parquet Floors

Close-up of engineered wood flooring layers showing wear layer thickness and parquet installation tools

Sanding engineered wood requires a gentler, more precise approach. Especially since the top layer is thinner than that of solid wood. The same goes for parquet floor designs, which involve direction changes that floor sanders must handle with finesse.

Why Some Still Choose DIY

Saving Money (But Possibly Only Upfront)

DIY wood floor sanding can appear more cost-effective — especially for smaller areas. Hiring machinery and buying finishing products might seem cheaper than using hardwood floor sanding services. But mistakes can be costly.

The Satisfaction of Doing It Yourself

Breathing new life into your floors with your own hands can make you feel proud. Some homeowners enjoy the control of the outcome of their work. Choosing the finish, timing the work, and experiencing the result. But keep in mind that sanding and sealing isn’t just a task — it’s a trade.

When Calling in a Professional Just Makes Sense

Close-up of a professional dust-free floor sanding machine being used on timber floorboards in a London home

Tricky Floors, Tough Conditions, or High Stakes?

If you’re dealing with scratched, uneven, or moisture-damaged timber floorboards, a floor sanding company like Silver Lining Floor Care can offer a safer route. Our team has years of experience with:

Sanding and refinishing all wood types
Repairing a damaged wooden floor
Staining, Oiling and Varnishing
Handling complex layouts and engineered wood floors
Sanding parquet flooring
Managing drying times and curing for each product
Protecting indoor air quality with dust-free systems

Our floor sanding experts in London seal every floor properly and build it to last. Even if we are professionals, there might be some challenges that we cannot even predict.

Faster, Safer, Higher Quality Results

We offer floor sanding and sealing solutions that are efficient and elegant.

We complete most homes in a day or two — without the mess or guesswork. Want to understand more about finishes? Read our blog: Oil vs Lacquer – Which Floor Finish Is Right for You?

What to Ask Yourself Before Deciding

Smiling family with a golden retriever relaxing on a clean carpeted floor in a modern home, symbolising comfort after professional floor restoration

Key Questions:

How confident are you using heavy sanding equipment?
Do you understand the grain of the wood and how to treat it?
Can you judge drying times and surface preparation accurately?
Will your final result be a high-quality finish that adds value?

Still unsure? Let’s talk it through — no pressure. We’re happy to guide you with clear advice and proven options.

Conclusion: Know Your Limits, Protect Your Floors

Sanding engineered wood or a natural oak plank floor is not the same as painting a wall. For truly long-lasting, beautiful results, it’s often worth turning to a professional floor sanding company.

Whether you’re looking to sand the floor and seal your hardwood floors or simply explore floor staining and upkeep options, we’re here to help.

See what makes us trusted by London homeowners for floor sanding services built on customer satisfaction and craftsmanship. Explore our expert wood floor restoration services.

You don’t just see a high-quality floor — you feel it, live with it, and admire it for years to come.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions: DIY vs Professional Floor Sanding

Should I sand my own wood floors or hire a professional?

Sanding your own wood floors can save upfront costs, but it carries risks—especially with engineered wood or parquet. Professionals use precision equipment, control dust more effectively, and ensure a flawless finish that lasts longer. For heritage homes or high-value properties, hiring a floor sanding specialist in London is often the better investment.

Is it cheaper to sand wood floors yourself?

DIY floor sanding can appear more affordable at first glance. However, equipment hire, sanding discs, sealants, and the cost of fixing mistakes can quickly add up. A professional service may cost more at first. However, it usually provides better value over time. It helps protect your floor’s lifespan and finish.

Can you ruin hardwood floors by sanding them yourself?

Yes—especially with engineered wood floors, where the top layer is thin. Over-sanding, using the wrong grit, or applying inconsistent pressure can cause irreversible damage. Uneven sanding can lead to visible marks, and incorrect sealing might leave the surface vulnerable to moisture and stains.

How hard is it to sand a wood floor?

Floor sanding is physically demanding and technically detailed. You need to understand the wood grain, master sanding equipment, manage dust, and apply the right finishing products. It’s not just labour-intensive—it requires experience to get professional results.

How long does it take to sand and finish a wooden floor?

For DIYers, sanding and sealing a medium-sized room can take 2–3 full days, often longer. Experts can finish the same space in one or two days. They do this because of their experience, machines, and quick drying systems. Fast drying times also reduce downtime in your home.

Is professional wood floor sanding worth it?

Absolutely—especially if your floors are uneven, scratched, or part of a heritage or engineered installation. A professional floor sanding service gives even results and long-lasting protection. It also causes minimal disruption. They use certified low-VOC finishes, like Pallmann products, for health and sustainability.

How do I prepare my home before sanding wood floors?

Clear the room of furniture and decor, remove any floor coverings, and ensure doors and vents are sealed to control dust. If you’re using a professional wood floor sanding service in London, they may assist with prep or offer dust-free solutions.

What’s the difference between buffing and sanding wood floors?

Buffing refreshes the surface by removing minor scuffs, while sanding removes deeper damage and old finishes. If your floor only has surface dullness, buffing may be enough. For deeper restoration, sanding and refinishing is essential.

Which floor finish is best after sanding—oil or lacquer?

It depends on your lifestyle and design preference. Oiled floors give a natural look and are easier to maintain with spot treatments. Lacquered floors offer stronger surface protection and a glossy finish. Read our blog: Oil vs Lacquer – Which Floor Finish Is Right for You?