Sanding and Varnishing Floorboards

Pipe & Slippers

Pipe & Slippers

Pipe & Slippers

Associate
Joined
4 Jan 2004
Posts
1,354
Location
Finally, Swindon
We have a Victorian townhouse (terraced, thin and deep) with exposed pine floorboards on the ground floor
They look a bit shabby and need re-sanding and re-varnishing
It's approx 67 sqm in total for the long narrow hall, the front room, dining room, and on a different level out the back, a small 'snug'

We got a quote from a recommended tradesman for an eye-popping £3,600 inc... ~£54 psqm

We'll look for other quotes, but if they come out anything like that, I don't think I could stomach it

The other issue with that quote is that he would want to do it in one go, which would mean us emptying virtually the entire ground floor. On top of that, the implication is that it would take him 2 days max - not a bad daily rate!

So that leaves us thinking about doing it ourselves, but I'm not sure how practical that would be

From what I have read:
  • it's a lot of effort - but we are ok with that
  • the belt sanders that you hire are generally rubbish
  • there's lots of choice of finish
  • You are able to to a decent job
The other advantage in doing it ourselves would be doing it a room at a time

I'd be interested in thoughts on the size of the quote, and in advice from anyone who has done this themselves

Thanks
 
I read the moaning comments about belt sanders online but from what MKW says, it looks like that's folks who haven't prepped properly

Yes, the varnish on quite a few of the boards is non-existent, and the surface is a bit ropey, so going powered seems to be a good idea

I guess I'd envisaged getting one of those lawnmower type sanders with a vacuum bag - slightly less effort, and saving my knees a bit, but looking at the daily rates it could get quite expensive, especially as we'd be taking our time, so maybe buying a belt sander like a DeWalt DWP352VS would be suitable?

How do you avoid messing up the existing skirting boards?

Any varnish recommendations? I assume 2 coats is a minimum

Thanks for the replies
 
Looks great
I used osmo poly oil when I replaced all my doors a few years ago, after seeing a recommendation on here... expensive but it looked great. You reckon it'll have the durability on a floor?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom