Wooden floors give a warm and inviting feeling to any home. Not only are they timeless and full of character, but they are also surprisingly durable. Still, taking certain steps to ensure their longevity is crucial. Sanding hardwood floors is an integral part of this process as it helps restore the wood’s original luster while strengthening the floor beneath. 

Let us guide you through all the basics so you can achieve your desired results.

What Is Sanding?

Sanding is used to smooth out rough surfaces, remove imperfections, and prepare a surface for staining or finishing. This can range from light sanding to remove minor scratches or blemishes to heavy-duty sanding that strips away existing coatings. No matter what kind of project you are working on, getting the surface right is essential for achieving a beautiful result. 

Types of Sandpaper 

Before you start sanding, you must select the right type of sandpaper for the job at hand. Generally speaking, three main types of sandpaper are available: aluminum oxide, ceramic aluminum oxide, and zirconia alumina. Each type has unique characteristics and benefits:

• Aluminum oxide is great for general-purpose use.
• Ceramic aluminum oxide is perfect for hardwoods with an open-grain structure. 
• Zirconia alumina works well with closed-grain woods such as walnut or cherry.  

How To Sand Wood Properly 

Once you have selected the right type of sandpaper for your project, it’s time to get down to business! The key here is patience; take your time when doing any woodworking project. Don’t be afraid to go over areas multiple times if necessary. 

Start with a coarse grit paper (e.g., 120-grit) and progress through finer grits (e.g., 150-grit and 180-grit) until you are left with an even finish across the entire surface area. Use overlapping strokes when moving across the wood; this will ensure that no sections are accidentally missed or skipped over during the process.  

Ensure You Sand Your Hardwoods Correct

Proper sanding can transform any furniture or floor into something special. It takes skill and experience to get it just right, however — which is why so many people turn to Hudson Hardwood when they need help with their projects! Our team specializes in dustless sanding services for both residential and commercial spaces — ensuring customer satisfaction every step of the way! We also offer: 

• Hardwood floor refinishing in Philadelphia
• Hardwood floor installation in Philadelphia
• Hardwood floor maintenance services in Philadelphia

Contact us today if you need help bringing your ideas to life! Get a free quote here!