Hello 👋🏽 Whether you’re curious about restoring your well used wooden floors or you’re mid-Googling some DIY advice, you’ve probably come across a few wood floor sanding myths. And guess what? We’re here to bust them wide open!
So, grab your cuppa ☕, kick back, and let’s get to the truth behind wood floor sanding myths. Because here at Floor Sanding Newmarket, we’re all about giving you honest, helpful advice – no nonsense, no fluff.
Myth #1: “Sanding Always Creates Loads of Dust”
Busted!
This one used to be true… back in the days of noisy, dusty machines and 80s-style overalls. But times have changed!
At Floor Sanding Newmarket, we use modern, dustless sanding systems that suck up dust as we go. Is it 100% dust-free? Not quite. But it’s 95%+ cleaner than traditional methods – meaning less mess, less stress, and no thick clouds swirling around your furniture.
💡 Tip: We’ll still recommend popping a dust sheet over anything precious just in case – we like to be careful.
Myth #2: “You Can’t Sand Engineered Wood Floors”
Totally false!
Yes – you can sand engineered wood floors, but it depends on the thickness of the top layer (called the veneer). If that layer is thick enough (usually 3mm or more), we can give it a beautiful refresh – just like solid wood.
BUT – engineered boards should only be sanded by professionals. It’s easy to go too deep and damage the floor if you’re not trained or using the right equipment. That’s why clients across Newmarket and Suffolk trust us – we treat every floor with care and precision.
Need more insight into the process? Check out our blog on whether you need to leave your home during floor sanding – it’s packed with practical tips!
Myth #3: “You Have to Leave Your Home for Days”
Not always!
This one ties in with the concern that sanding is super disruptive. But with planning, modern tools, and good communication (which we’re big fans of!), you don’t necessarily have to leave at all.
✅ Our team can sand in phases
✅ We work fast and efficiently
✅ Most finishes dry overnight or within a few hours
✅ We’ll always let you know when you can walk on your floor again
Myth #4: “A New Finish Will Look Fake or Shiny”
Nope! You’ve got tons of options when it comes to finishes – from ultra-matte to subtle sheen or a natural raw look. You’re in control of the final style!
We’ll help you choose the best look for your space, whether it’s rustic charm or modern Scandi vibes.
💡 And bonus: the right finish helps protect your floor from scratches, spills, and day-to-day life.
Want to know more about low-VOC wood finishes and health considerations? The British Coatings Federation has great advice on safe, modern floor finishes.
Myth #5: “I Can Just Hire a Sander and Do It Myself”
Eek! We get the DIY temptation – but sanding isn’t as simple as it seems.
The machines you rent are rarely as precise or well-maintained as professional ones, and it’s easy to:
- Gouge the boards
- Miss corners and edges
- Over-sand or leave swirl marks
- Ruin an engineered floor entirely
DIY can end up costing more to fix than it would have cost to get it done right the first time.
Myth #6: “Sanding Alone Will Fix All Floor Problems”
Sanding is amazing – but it’s not magic! 🪄
Loose boards, deep stains, water damage, or structural issues? These might need extra repairs, filling, or even board replacement before sanding begins.
The good news? We do all that too! You’ll always get a full honest assessment before we start so you know what to expect.
Final Myth: “It’s Just Cosmetic”
Wrong again! Floor sanding is so much more than making your floor look pretty.
It helps:
- Extend the life of your floor
- Protect against wear and tear
- Improve indoor air quality
- And yes, it makes your home look stunning
Trust us – it’s not just a makeover. It’s real, long-term maintenance that adds value to your home.
Ready to Separate Fact from Fiction?
We hope that helped shine a light on some of the biggest myths we hear every week! And if you’ve got questions, concerns, or a floor that’s begging for a bit of TLC – you know where to find us.
Explore more tips in our Knowledge Centre, or contact us here for honest advice and top-notch floor care.
Because at Floor Sanding Newmarket, we’re not just here to make floors beautiful – we’re here to make your life easier.