How to properly use a floor sander. Written By Sandy Hand
If you’ve got old wooden floors that have seen better days—scratched, stained, maybe painted over more times than you can count—don’t give up on them just yet. With a bit of elbow grease and the right tools, you can bring those floors back to life. One of the best tools for the job? The drum floor sander.
I’ve been sanding and restoring timber floors for over 20 years now, and let me tell you—there’s something deeply satisfying about watching a dull, battered floor transform into a smooth, golden surface. Whether you’re a DIYer tackling your first project or someone sprucing up an old home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
Why Use a Drum Floor Sander?
Drum floor sanders are powerful machines designed to strip away the top layer of wood. That means old varnish, paint, deep scratches—even stubborn water stains—can be erased with a few careful passes. Unlike a handheld orbital sander, which is great for furniture or tight spaces, the drum sander handles large areas quickly and evenly.
I once helped a friend restore the floors in a 1950s Dublin semi-D. Under two layers of lino and an old carpet, we found solid oak boards. One weekend with a hired drum sander and edge sander, and those floors looked like new—better, actually.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Here’s your basic toolkit for sanding wooden floors:
✅ Drum floor sander (available to hire from A-Z Hire Dublin)
✅ Edge sander (for corners and along skirting boards)
✅ Sanding Paper (coarse, medium, and fine)
✅ Dust mask, safety goggles, and ear protection
✅ Vacuum cleaner or broom and dustpan
✅ Floor sealer, oil, or varnish (if you’re finishing the job)
Step-by-Step: How to Sand Wooden Floors Like a Pro
Step 1: Clear and Prepare the Room
First things first—clear out the room completely. You want an empty canvas to work with. Move furniture, rugs, even curtains if they hang close to the floor.
Next, inspect the floorboards:
-
Remove any nails or staples sticking up—they can shred your sanding belt or damage the drum.
-
Hammer down loose boards so they don’t vibrate under the machine.
-
Seal off vents and doorways with plastic sheeting to keep dust from spreading through the house.
Personal tip: I always run my hand over the floor before I start. It’s the quickest way to find rogue nails that escaped the visual check.
Step 2: Choose and Fit Your Sanding Belt
Drum sanders use different grit levels, depending on how much material you need to remove:
-
Coarse (36–40 grit) – Ideal for removing paint, old varnish, or uneven boards.
-
Medium (60–80 grit) – Used after coarse to smooth things out.
-
Fine (100–120 grit) – Final polish to prep for finishing.
Installing the belt is usually straightforward. Open the drum housing, slide the belt in tightly, and close the drum securely. Each sander will come with instructions—if you hire from A-Z Hire, they’ll walk you through it or give you a quick demo.
Step 3: Power Up and Start Sanding
Here’s where it gets real.
-
Plug in the sander and tilt it back slightly so the drum isn’t touching the floor yet.
-
Switch it on, and as you start moving forward, gently lower the drum onto the surface.
-
Always sand with the grain of the wood, not across it.
-
Keep moving at a steady pace—don’t stop with the drum down, or you’ll leave a gouge.
-
Overlap each pass slightly and keep your strokes consistent.
My first time using a drum sander, I paused for a second to look at something—and ended up with a nasty groove in the middle of the room. Learned that lesson the hard way!
Step 4: Vacuum Between Grit Changes
Once you’ve completed the first pass with coarse grit, it’s time to vacuum.
You might be tempted to rush through the grits, but trust me—vacuuming between stages is crucial. Dust from the coarse sanding can interfere with the finer grits, and you won’t get the smooth finish you’re after.
Switch to medium grit for your second pass, and then fine grit for the final one. Each pass should feel easier, and the floor will begin to look more and more refined.
Step 5: Tackle the Edges
The drum sander can’t reach right up to the skirting boards or into corners—that’s where the edge sander comes in.
Edge sanders are smaller and easier to control, but don’t underestimate them. Keep a firm grip and move in slow, controlled circles.
I like to wear knee pads for this part. You’ll be crouched or bent over for a while, and your knees will thank you later.
Once the edges are done, give the entire floor another vacuum.
Step 6: Clean Up and Prepare for Finishing
You’re nearly there!
After sanding, the floor will be dusty no matter how careful you’ve been. Take the time to:
-
Vacuum everything—including skirting boards, corners, and even walls.
-
Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth to pick up any remaining fine dust.
If you’re applying a floor finish, make sure the surface is spotless. Any lingering dust can ruin the look of your sealer or stain.
Bonus Tips for a Flawless Finish
-
Wear a mask throughout. Even with dust bags, there’s a lot of fine particles floating around.
-
Test the finish on a small corner before doing the whole floor.
-
Open windows for ventilation, especially if you’re applying oil or varnish.
-
Be patient. The more care you take now, the better your floors will look for years.
I always tell clients: sanding is 80% of the job. A beautiful finish starts with smooth, clean wood.
Need a Floor Sander in Dublin? A-Z Hire Has You Covered
If you’re in Dublin and ready to tackle your timber floors, I highly recommend hiring from A-Z Hire. They’ve got powerful, easy-to-use drum sanders and edge sanders, along with all the accessories and safety gear you’ll need.
✅ Daily, weekend, or weekly hire options
✅ Expert advice and quick demos for first-time users
✅ Convenient collection or local delivery
✅ Friendly, no-nonsense service
Whether you’re fixing up a small bedroom or restoring an entire home, A-Z Hire can help you get the job done right.
Why Hiring a Drum Floor Sander in Dublin Makes Sense
Hiring a drum floor sander in Dublin isn’t just convenient—it’s a smart investment in your home. Whether you’re restoring original floorboards in a period property or giving tired timber a modern refresh, using professional-grade equipment makes a massive difference in the results.
When you hire a floor sander from a local Dublin provider like A-Z Hire, you get:
✅ Access to high-performance machines that deliver a cleaner, smoother finish than smaller DIY models
✅ Affordable daily and weekend hire rates—perfect for budget-conscious renovations
✅ Expert advice to help you choose the right sanding belts and finishing products for your specific wood type
✅ Support from real people who’ve helped thousands of Dubliners tackle floor sanding jobs with confidence
You could spend days with a handheld sander and still end up with an uneven floor—or you can get the job done right in a weekend with a drum floor sander hire in Dublin.
Whether you’re working in Rathmines, Raheny, or Rathcoole, A-Z Hire makes it easy to get the tools you need—when you need them. And when the job’s done, you’ll enjoy the warmth and beauty of freshly sanded timber underfoot for years to come.
Ready to get started? Hire your drum floor sander today from A-Z Hire Dublin, and bring your floors back to life with confidence.
