If you have never had your floors professionally sanded, the process can seem mysterious and even a little intimidating. Dust everywhere, loud machines, your furniture in the garage -- it is a lot to take in. At Select Timber Flooring we believe informed clients are happy clients, so here is a step-by-step walkthrough of how we approach every sanding job on the Central Coast.
The process begins with an on-site inspection. We assess the timber species, board condition, existing finish, nail type, moisture levels, and any problem areas like cupping, crowning, or termite damage. This visit is free and takes about 30 minutes. We will discuss your goals -- do you want to keep the natural colour, go darker with a stain, or switch to a matte finish? -- and provide a written quote on the spot or within 24 hours. We also check subfloor ventilation, because moisture issues beneath the boards can cause problems after sanding if not addressed.
On day one of the job, we arrive early and set up Bona dustless sanding equipment. This system captures the vast majority of dust at the machine, keeping your home remarkably clean compared to traditional sanding. We start with a coarse grit on the belt sander (usually 40 grit) to remove the old finish and level the floor. Edges and corners are done with a smaller edging machine. Between passes we check for protruding nails, fill gaps with a timber-and-dust putty mix that matches the floor, and progressively move through finer grits -- 60, 80, and finally 100 or 120 grit for a silky-smooth surface.
Once sanding is complete, we vacuum and tack-cloth the entire floor to remove every last particle. If you have chosen a stain colour, this is when it goes down. Staining timber requires experience -- the product must be applied evenly and worked into the grain before it dries, otherwise you get blotchy patches and lap marks. We use Bona stains because they are water-based, consistent, and offer a wide palette. After the stain dries (usually overnight), we apply the first coat of Bona primer to seal the timber and provide a foundation for the topcoat.
The topcoat stage is where the magic happens. We apply two coats of Bona Traffic HD (or Bona Mega for lighter-use areas), with a light abrasion between coats to ensure perfect adhesion. Each coat is rolled on with a Bona-approved roller in long, even strokes, following the direction of the grain. The room must be closed off during application and drying to prevent dust contamination. After the final coat is applied, we allow 12 hours of drying before light foot traffic in socks. Furniture can go back after 48 hours, and rugs after one week to allow full cure.
The entire process takes two to four days for an average three-bedroom home, depending on the floor condition and whether staining is involved. We coordinate with you on timing, move furniture if needed, and leave your home clean at the end of every work day. If you are on the Central Coast and considering a floor sand, get in touch with Select Timber Flooring for a no-obligation inspection and quote -- we are happy to walk you through the process in person and answer any questions.