Floor Sander how-to

How to Sand a Hardwood Floor Without Gouges

Technique avoids damage.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Technique avoids damage. In short: start; lower; sand, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Start with the right grit.

  2. Lower the drum while moving.

  3. Sand with the grain.

  4. Overlap passes.

  5. Lift at the end.

  6. Move up in grit.

Safety reminders for floor sanders

  • Use dust extraction
  • Ventilate finishes
  • Prevent fires from oily rags
  • Wear hearing and respiratory protection

Drum sander · Edger · Grit sequence · Chatter marks · Polyurethane · Oil-based finish: see the full floor sander glossary.

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