DIY Floor Sanding vs. Hiring a Professional
Walk into any hire center on a Saturday morning, and you'll see enthusiastic homeowners renting floor sanders. It seems like a great way to save money. But ask any professional, and they'll tell you that fixing "DIY disasters" is a huge part of their business.
So, should you tackle it yourself?
The Equipment Gap
Professional Gear
We use continuous belt sanders (Hummel/Lagler). These cost $15,000+ each. They have advanced suspension and tracking that keeps the belt perfectly flat, ensuring a smooth finish.
Rental Gear
Hire shops rent drum sanders. These are older technology. The sandpaper is clamped onto a drum. If the paper isn't fitted perfectly, it leaves "chatter marks" (ripples) every 10cm across your floor. They are also lighter, meaning they don't cut as flat as pro machines.
The Hidden Costs of DIY
While the labor is free, the materials are not.
- Hire Costs: Can add up if the job takes longer than a weekend (it usually does).
- Sandpaper: You will use 3x more sandpaper than a pro because non-trained users aren't as efficient.
- Finish: Retail-grade polyurethane is often inferior to the 2-pack commercial trade finishes we use.
Risks of DIY
- Gouging: Stopping the machine for even 1 second while it's running will dig a deep trench in your floor that can't be sanded out.
- Edging Marks: The hardest part is blending the edges with the main floor. DIY jobs often have a visible halo around the room.
- Dust: Rental machines have poor dust bags. Expect dust everywhere.
When is DIY Okay?
DIY sanding is manageable if:
- It's a small room (study or spare bedroom).
- It's a rental property or bach where perfection isn't critical.
- You are physically fit and handy with heavy machinery.
When to Avoid DIY:
- Large areas with hallways (hard to keep flat).
- Dark staining (shows every sanding flaw).
- Parquet flooring (requires specialist rotary machines).
Prefer a Guaranteed Result?
Get a professional finish without the backache. Compare our quote to your hire costs—you might be surprised.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it hard to sand a floor yourself?
Yes, it is physically demanding and technically difficult. The hardest part is controlling the hire machine (typically a drum sander) to avoid gouging the floor. It weighs over 70kg and can dig holes in seconds if you stop moving.
How much does it cost to DIY sand a floor?
For a standard 40 sqm room: Equipment hire (~$400 weekend), Sandpaper & Edging disks (~$200), Polyurethane (~$300), Rollers & Brushes (~$100). Total approx $1,000. Professional cost approx $2,400-$3,000. Savings: ~$1,400, but with high risk.
Why do my DIY sanded floors look wavy?
This is called 'chatter'. It's caused by drum sander vibration or uneven sanding speed. It is very hard to fix without professional equipment.