How to Choose the Right Wood Floor Sander

Wood flooring is a versatile material that can last centuries if adequately cared for. With the help of floor sanding equipment, homes dating back more than a hundred years still have their original hardwood flooring. Occasional sanding is necessary to keep floors looking their best throughout the years.

Sanding is a process that can help bring new life into your old flooring and other wood objects, like decks. To accomplish sanding on large projects, people use wood floor sanders.

Choosing the right wood floor sander for your project is vital if you want the best results. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about choosing an appropriate sander for your project. 

What Is the Purpose of a Sander?

A floor sander helps remove wood's old finishes. It does this by removing the top layer of wood and getting down to the substrate base of flooring or other projects.

Once the wood has been sanded down, it's a blank canvas and can be altered as desired. All (or most) necks, scratches, and indents will be removed. Wood should be sanded before refinishing, resealing, or redesigning.

Choosing the right sander is vital to the success of your project. Using improper equipment can lead to damaged floors or incomplete projects. Likewise, a bad sanding job (even when using the right equipment) can kill the wooden material's lifespan, look, and functionality.

Understanding the Different Types of Sanders

There are several types of sanders you could choose for your next project. Each has a unique set of benefits and downsides. Below are the most commonly used sanders and when they're most appropriate.

Disc Sander

An average disc sander is the most common choice. These machines use a sanding disc or buffing pad to remove old finishes. They can also be used to level out uneven flooring.

Disc sanders generally operate at high speeds, making them challenging to control. If you're not a professional, it's highly recommended you practice using the disc sander before tackling your project.

Palm and Vibratory Sanders

These are smaller sanders that usually provide less power than disc sanders. Both palm and vibratory sanders are excellent choices for those with little experience using sanding machines.

You'll want to ensure you're not applying too much pressure when using palm and vibratory sanders. If you do, your efforts could leave behind cross-grain marks in the wood.

Portable Belt Sanders

A handheld belt sander is perfect for working in smaller areas like deck railing tops. These machines are lightweight and more comfortable to handle than their larger counterparts.

Handheld Edgers

Another handheld option is an edge sander, which is designed to work along floor edges. They're a lighter, smaller commercial option that can be difficult to control for inexperienced users.

Edgers, however, are necessary for any project. They enable full sanding of corners and other hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a complete, professional-looking result.

Commercial Drum Sanders

DIYers should avoid all commercial floor sanders unless they have extensive sanding experience. A commercial drum sander, for example, can remove a lot of wood at once. This fast, heavy removal process can damage wood decking or flooring if you aren't careful.

Commercial Vibratory and Orbital Sanders

For professionals, commercial vibratory and orbital sanders can be easier to control than drum sanders. The downside is that these machines are typically hefty and can weigh up to 100 pounds.

This weight makes it difficult to transport or haul the sanders without a dedicated team and vehicles. It's dangerous to attempt to move these sanders around by yourself.

Selecting the Right Sander for Your Skill Level

Sanders can be difficult to control. Commercial floor grinders and sanders provide the most power and should only be used by professionals. Smaller machines range in difficulty, so consider your experience level with these machines.

Although choosing a more powerful, complicated machine may sound like it'll do a better job, it won't be in the wrong hands. It's easy to damage flooring and other wood surfaces with a sander you aren't ready to use.

Select a Low Speed When Working with Wood

Some sanders are designed for concrete use, requiring higher speeds because the surface is more difficult to grind. Wood, however, is soft and requires a lower speed. Using too high a speed on wooden surfaces can cause significant damage, including erosion of the natural grain.

An excellent option for wood sanding is the OF16S. It's a 16" sander that can be used for sanding interior floors and smoothing exterior decks. With 120V power and a low speed of 500rpm, it's an excellent choice for beginners and powerful enough for contractors.

A similar alternative is the OF2OS-L machine. It also has a low speed of 500rpm combined with 120V power. The difference is that this machine is 20", which allows it to handle large areas easily.

Consider a Versatile Tool

Multi-use tools are something to be considered if you'll use the machine for multiple projects. They're also a great choice if you aren't sure what you'll need for your next project.

The OF16Pro is an excellent example of a multi-use tool. The machine comes with multiple attachments and heads that allow it to perform many functions. It can be used for grinding, sanding, or polishing wood or concrete.

Invest in a Complimentary Floor Edger

When working on a project with any hard-to-reach areas, a floor edger is necessary. Examples of difficult areas include beneath overhangs or shelving units and around permanent fixtures. A floor edger is explicitly designed to reach these areas without causing damage to walls or fixtures.

The OF18 Edge 120 18" Floor Edger is a great choice for both beginners and experienced contractors. The edger is designed to go as low as 4" and reach as deep as 11". It's equipped with unique edging wheels and a maneuverable head that gets into even the most problematic areas. You can also check out our guide on choosing the right edger.

Safety Tips for Using Sanders

Sander machines can be dangerous if not used properly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when using any type of sander:

• Always wear protective gear, including goggles, earplugs, and a dust mask.
• Check the machine's manual for specific safety instructions and warnings.
• Keep your fingers away from moving parts, and never wear loose clothing when operating a sander.
• Ensure the work area is clear of debris and other hazards before starting to sand.
• Use a clamp or vice to secure smaller pieces of wood instead of holding them by hand.
• If using an electric sander, make sure the cord is not in the way and cannot be accidentally cut.
• Take frequent breaks to rest your hands and avoid fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
• Never leave the sander unattended while it is still running.
• When changing sandpaper or making adjustments, always turn off and unplug the machine first.

By following these safety tips, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a successful sanding project. Remember to always prioritize safety over speed when using any type of power tool.

Maintaining Your Sander

Proper maintenance of your sander is crucial for ensuring its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some tips for maintaining your sander:

• Regularly clean the sanding disc or buffing pad to remove any build-up of debris or old finishes.
• Inspect the sander's power cord for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary.
• Lubricate any moving parts of the sander, such as the bearings and gears, to ensure smooth operation.
• Check for any loose or damaged screws and tighten or replace them as needed.
• Store your sander in a dry, clean area to prevent rusting and damage from moisture.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing worn sanding discs or buffing pads, and always use the appropriate size and type for your sander.

By regularly maintaining your sander, you can ensure it continues to perform at its best and avoid any potential accidents or malfunctions. It's also a good idea to have your sander professionally serviced every few years to catch any issues early on and keep it in top condition.

Knowing When to Replace Sandpaper

One of the key components of any sanding machine is the sandpaper. Over time and with continued use, sandpaper will wear down and become less effective at removing old finishes or leveling surfaces.

It's important to keep an eye on your sandpaper and replace it when necessary. Signs that your sandpaper needs replacing include clogging, tearing, or loss of grit.

To extend the life of your sandpaper, consider using a sandpaper cleaning stick to remove any built-up debris and increase its effectiveness. Also, make sure to properly store your sandpaper in a dry and cool place when not in use.

By regularly replacing your sandpaper as needed, you can ensure that your sander continues to work efficiently and produces high-quality results. So, it's essential to keep a stock of replacement sandpaper on hand for any project. With the right maintenance and care, your sander can last for many years to come.

Additional Questions? We Got the Answers.

Choosing the right floor sander for your project is crucial. For wood, you need to look for a machine that balances power with a low speed to not damage the material. Always choose a machine that falls within your experience level.

Do you have more questions about choosing the right wood floor sander?

Check out our selection of machines designed to work on wood flooring and decks. This will help you gain a better understanding of currently available options for your next project.