Choosing a Floor Sanding Company in Auckland: What to Look For
Type "floor sanders Auckland" into Google and you will be overwhelmed with choices. Solo operators, large franchises, general handymen—how do you know who to trust with your most valuable asset?
Floor sanding is a skilled trade. A bad job is not just ugly; it is expensive to fix because sanding removes timber that you can't put back. Here is your checklist for choosing a reputable professional.
1. Experience Matters
Timber varies. A sander with 20 years of experience knows instinctively how Kauri reacts differently to Rimu. They know that you can't sand engineered floors the same way as solid oak.
Green Flag: They ask detailed questions about your floor type, age, and history before even quoting.
2. Check the Equipment
The quality of the finish is directly tied to the quality of the machinery.
- Belt Sanders vs Drum Sanders: A pro uses a continuous belt sander (like a Hummel). It gives a flatter finish. Budget operators use drum sanders which can leave "chatter marks" (waves) in the floor.
- Dust Extraction: Ask about their dust control. Do they use vacuums or just bags?
3. References and Reviews
Don't just look at the star rating. Read the text of the reviews.
- Did they turn up on time?
- Was the communication good?
- How was the cleanup?
A company with hundreds of 5-star reviews has a reputation to protect and is less likely to cut corners.
4. The Quote
Cheap isn't always cheerful. If one quote is $1,000 cheaper than the others, ask why.
- Are they using cheap polyurethane ($80/drum vs $200/drum)?
- Are they doing 3 coats or just 2?
- Does the price include GST?
- Are they punching nails and filling gaps, or is that extra?
The Done Right Promise
We believe in transparency. Our quotes are detailed, fixed-price, and include everything from nail punching to cleanup. No surprises.
Test Our Expertise
Call us. Ask us the tough questions. We are happy to share our knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are they insured?
This is non-negotiable. Ensure your contractor has Public Liability Insurance. Accidents happen (a broken pipe, a scratch on a wall), and you need to know you are covered.
Do they offer a fixed price?
Avoid 'estimates' that can balloon on the day. Look for a company that inspects the property first and offers a fixed quote, so you know exactly what you are paying.
What machines do they use?
Ask if they use belt sanders or drum sanders. Belt sanders (like ours) are professional-grade and leave a flat finish. Old-school drum sanders often leave ripples (chatter marks).