Bad sanding can't be undone
Once a drum sander leaves chatter marks or an edger gouges into the boards, the only fix is to sand deeper. That means removing more of the timber you're trying to save.
Most solid hardwood floors can only handle 3-4 full sands in their lifetime. Waste one on a cheap job and you've lost 25% of your floor's lifespan.
Drum marks, uneven surfaces, missed edges, visible sanding scratches under the coating -- all common with inexperienced operators. And all permanent unless you sand again.
The finish makes the floor
Sanding is half the job. The coating is what you live with.
Water-based (like Bona Traffic HD): Cures hard, stays clear, low odour, walk-on next day. Most professionals have moved to this.
Solvent-based poly: Ambers the timber over time, gives a warm glow. Strong fumes, takes days to cure. Still has its place for certain looks.
Oil: Penetrates into the grain instead of sitting on top. Natural feel, matte look. Needs more maintenance.
The wrong choice on the wrong floor shows up fast and lasts years. A good contractor will explain the options and recommend what suits your home, your traffic level, and your expectations.
Every floor is different
A 1920s hardwood in Merewether needs a completely different approach to engineered oak in a new build. Parquetry has its own rules. Cypress pine moves and cups. Stairs are a whole separate skill.
Patch repairs, board replacement, gap filling, stain removal, water damage -- each one tests a different part of the trade. Not every contractor handles all of them.
Ask what they've done before. Ask to see photos. If the job is complex, make sure they've handled something similar.
For builders and architects
The right contractor affects finish consistency, whether it meets spec, timing, and how it looks at handover. Not every floor sander is suited to every project type -- and the difference shows at handover.
If the finish needs to match what the designer drew, or the job needs to be sequenced into a build program, or the spec calls for a particular product system -- choose accordingly.
Find the right contractor
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