Sanding engineered wood floor

Hugbubble

Hi

Was toying with idea of having engineered wood floor replaced, but realised the cost would be extortionate.

Another poster on here mentioned sanding the floor we have. Is a ~4mm top layer of good enough standard to do so.

Any rough ideas for cost of labour for sanding and revarnishing (eg per sq m)?

Hintza

DIY? http://www.hss.com/g/5412/Floor-Sanders.html (£140/week)

Think about oil instead of varnish

Hugbubble

Hintza wrote: »

DIY? http://www.hss.com/g/5412/Floor-Sanders.html (£140/week)

Think about oil instead of varnish

Thanks for your response

I don't really want to do it myself, although appreciate that would be the MS approach!

So, you can confirm 4mm is enough to sand? Also, what are the advantages of oil vs varnish? I believe it looks nicer but is it as hard wearing?

Thanks

cyclonebri1

4 mm will enable you to refinish once, possibly twice, no more.

To be honest unless you have really ripped it about, the aged lock can be quite effective.

The other thing is that unless the person that's doing the work uses the best refinishing materials, the floor will be softer than the original finish, and even more prone to mark.

You could consider just refinishing it, by lightly hand sanding any rough areas then just use a flooring specific finish, they do work out expensive for anything other than a small floor.;)

Hugbubble

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

4 mm will enable you to refinish once, possibly twice, no more.

To be honest unless you have really ripped it about, the aged lock can be quite effective.

It has been ripped about- the flat was tenanted for years before we moved in....it has black scuffs and many deep scratches

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

The other thing is that unless the person that's doing the work uses the best refinishing materials, the floor will be softer than the original finish, and even more prone to mark.

So what would be the best refinishing materials for longevity after sanding?

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

You could consider just refinishing it, by lightly hand sanding any rough areas then just use a flooring specific finish, they do work out expensive for anything other than a small floor.;)

As above- there are too many marks to do by hand...and we're talking a large floor area in total (at a guess probably about ~700 sq ft?)

Hintza

Can you not look on the scratches as character. When we bought our I wanted the most knotty planks I could find (not easy) as that way any other damage wouldn't look too bad.

An oiled floor will look better for longer and is easier to do small areas at a time. Having said that the floor under my desk has hard a life in the two years we have had the floor.

If it was me I would try and break it down and hand sand separate areas as and when I had the inclination after the first you can then decide whether it is worth it.

Have a look here:-

http://www.woca.dk/

cyclonebri1

Hintza wrote: »

Can you not look on the scratches as character. When we bought our I wanted the most knotty planks I could find (not easy) as that way any other damage wouldn't look too bad.


l]

Exactly what I would do as I indicated above, but some want a pristine look.

OP, I looked at this and found several pro grade 2 pack floor finishes, they are very expensive and need H&S care when applying.
Sorry no direct link at present but will look for you later.