Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Floor Sander
What floor sanders actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a floor sander?
Set up dust containment. From there, the day usually includes sand floors, edge and scrape corners, and fill gaps. Full time, often self-employed.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a floor sander working full time.
- Set up dust containment.
- Drum-sand with coarse grit.
- Edge the perimeter.
- Fine-sand.
- Vacuum and tack.
- Apply stain.
- Apply the first coat.
Where floor sanders work
Floor sanders work in homes and commercial buildings.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often self-employed.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Sand floors
- Edge and scrape corners
- Fill gaps
- Stain floors
- Apply finish
- Buff between coats
- Protect rooms from dust
Tools you’ll use every day
- Drum sanders
- Edgers
- Buffers
- Applicators
- Dust extractors
- Scrapers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Satisfying transformations
- Can be self-employed
- Good pay for skill
- Short path to work
What’s hard
- Dust and fumes
- Heavy machines
- Back and knee strain
- Small field
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like transformations
- I’m patient
- I have a steady hand
- I don’t mind dust
- I might work for myself
- I like wood
Not sure? Take the free Floor Sander fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use dust extraction
- Ventilate finishes
- Prevent fires from oily rags
- Wear hearing and respiratory protection