How much does timber floor sanding and polishing cost?

How much does sanding and floor polishing cost? Generally, the cost of floor sanding and polishing ranges between $35 and $60 per square metre.

Timber floor sanding and polishing will bring life back to your wooden floors. While a light polish will refresh your floors temporarily, a proper restoration with sanding and polishing will remove accumulated scratches, stains and other damage, improving the appearance of your home drastically.

In this guide to sanding and floor polishing, we explore:

• Cost of floor sanding and polishing services
• Different timber floor polish to choose from
• How to polish floorboards DIY
• Getting floorboard sanding and polishing quotes, and more.

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How much does it cost to sand and polish floorboards?

How much does sanding and floorboard polishing cost? The average cost of floor sanding and polishing a three-bedroom home is about $2,500. That being said, prices can range between $1,000 and $8,000, depending on the size of your home, the type polish, the condition of the floors, and more. Extra work to fix or prep your floorboards will increase the cost.

Typically, sanding and floorboard polishing cost works out to between $35 and $60 per square metre, plus GST. There may be other costs to factor in, such as whether you require floor staining, limewashing, a water based polyurethane instead of a solvent based polyurethane, and so on.

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DIY floorboard sanding and polishing costs

If you decide to go for a more affordable option, a simple DIY floor polishing could cost you less than $20 for a bottle of high-quality floor polish.

To do a complete floor sanding and polishing DIY job, you’ll need to hire a floor sander. A timber floor sander will cost about $40 for four to six hours, while hiring it for the entire day is about $100 per sander. It’s important to note that you will need to hire both an edge sander and a drum sander. However, floor sander hire could save you a lot of money if you do the job yourself.

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Different timber floor polish to choose from

When it comes to timber floor polish, there are a lot of options to choose from. Firstly, you need to decide whether you would like to use a water-based or solvent-based polyurethane polish for wooden floors or a traditional oil-based varnish.

Let’s explore the merits of all three:

Water-based polyurethane

For areas with moderate foot traffic, water-based polyurethane is a good option. This type of wood floor polish has a low level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and dries quickly, which could be beneficial for families who are unable to vacate the premises while the flooring is being finished.

Solvent-based polyurethane

This finish is highly durable and can be used for a variety of flooring purposes. However, it contains VOCs that can be hazardous before the finish fully dries. We recommended entrusting this job to skilled professionals only.

Traditional oil-based varnishes

In Australia, a conventional oil-based varnish is typically favored and considered the top choice. This type of varnish is highly resilient, making it ideal for high-traffic areas in a home. It’s only drawback is the lengthy drying time.

There are plenty of gloss levels available, ranging from matte to high-gloss. Many people prefer a satin finish, which offers enough sheen to make the floor shine while also being resistant to marks and stains. Although a high-gloss finish looks stunning when freshly applied, any scratches that occur are more apparent than they would be on a satin or matte finish.

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Sanding and floor polishing DIY

Want to know how to polish timber floors yourself? While polishing a floor is a pretty simple DIY job, sanding timber floor boards is a lot more complex than you might think. Floor sanders can be difficult to manoeuver, making it hard to get an even surface.

It’s important to note, polishes and stains can have different reactions to the type of timber used in your flooring. To get the best outcome, consult with a timber flooring professional who can determine the appropriate polishes and chemicals you need.

We strongly advise hiring trained professionals if your timber floors have visible scratches, dents, or gouges.

However, if you’re pretty handy on the tools and want to do the job yourself, read on for step-by-step instructions on how to sand timber floor boards and polish them.

DIY sanding wooden floor and polishing process

Floor sanding and polishing involves multiple steps and typically takes about three to four days to finish. If you plan to sand your floors yourself, it is important to gather the necessary materials beforehand. These materials include:

• Floor edger for sanding skirtings
• Small detail floor sander for corners
• Hammer
• Nails
• Dust masks
• Ear muffs
• Heavy-duty extension cord (minimum of 10 meters in length)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Large empty bins
• Plenty of large bin bags
• Brush
• Roller with extension handle
• Floorboard polish and stain
• Mop
• Sturdy shoes
• A helper – it’s not recommended to undertake this task alone!

1. Remove the existing floor finish

Clear the room of all furnishings, curtains, picture frames, and any carpet or underlay. Inspect the floor for any protruding nails or nails that are visible on the surface. Use a nail punch and hammer to drive the nail heads 3mm below the floorboard surface. If the floor contains holes, nicks, or dents, use timber putty mixed with sawdust to fill these areas.

2. Get prepared

To protect from dust, seal doorways with heavy plastic sheets and duct tape, and keep windows open for ventilation. Cover any electrical outlets, switches, and heating ducts.

You’ll need to hire a drum sander and a floor edger. Make sure to follow all instructions on how to operate the machinery, load the sandpaper, and determine the appropriate sandpaper for each stage of the process.

3. Get familiar with the drum sander

Note the directional arrows on it indicating how to attach the sandpaper, and the removable handles that make the process easier.

4. Fasten the sandpaper onto the drum

Tip the sander on its side to open it at the front, and slide the sandpaper roll onto the drum. Remember to change the sandpaper frequently for best results.

5. Begin sanding

Start from the center of the room, using even and steady motions that follow the grain of the floor both up and down. Avoid jerky movements that could damage the floor. Be careful when turning the sander to avoid scarring your floors. Remember to pull the drum back up to prevent this. Remove as much dust as possible after each stage of sanding to create a safer and more comfortable work environment, and make cleanup easier.

6. Sanding edges

Switch to the edging sander for the skirtings. Ensure that the drum sander and floor edger are sanding your floors at the same gradient to achieve a smooth, professional finish. For finer edges, use a small detail sander or sand by hand with the appropriate sandpaper grit. If you plan to coat and polish your floors after sanding, you’ll need to remove all dust from the area first.

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Applying floorboards polish

You’ll need to decide which type of finish you want for your floors. You can choose from polyurethane, oil, or water-based products depending on your practical needs and desired aesthetic. If you’ve decided to stain your boards, choose a color and a finish from the available options such as satin, gloss, or matte.

Floor finishes emit toxic fumes, so it’s important to wear a mask and ensure the room is well-ventilated. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning the application process.

Apply the sealer coat first by hand-brushing around the edges of the room. Then, use the roller to follow the line of the grain. The timber’s natural color will start to show through. Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the floor and use a mop to clean up any dust. Then, repeat the application process for the second coat.

Apply a third coat of varnish for a good finish and a harder, more durable floor.

Sanding and polishing floorboards quotes

Need help sanding and polishing floorboards? With Yellow Pages, you can compare multiple free quotes from floor sanders and polishers. Be sure to provide the following information:

• Total square meterage requiring polishing
• Number of rooms requiring sanding and polishing
• Condition of the floor
• Any problematic areas that may need extra attention during sanding.

You can also ask local sanders about the best finish for your floors and household use. When deciding on the right professional for your job, choose a reputable company with a solid portfolio of works rather than opting for the cheapest service.

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*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.