Not quite sure whether your wood floors need sanding — or if they’re just showing age?
You’re not alone. We speak with homeowners every week who are wondering if it’s time to refresh their floors, or whether a clean will do the job.
Here’s how to tell the difference — with real guidance on what to look for, what sanding involves, and how to avoid doing more harm than good.
When the signs start to show, it’s not always obvious.
You might not notice a sudden change. In most cases, it’s more of a slow realisation.
- The shine has dulled, even after cleaning.
- The colour looks pale, patchy, or greyed out.
- Scratches or scuff marks are more visible in daylight.
- Rough areas around edges or high-traffic zones
- Or simply: “It just looks tired”
It doesn’t mean your floor is ruined. But these are early signs that the protective top layer (lacquer, oil or wax) has worn away — and the bare wood may soon be exposed.
We go deeper on this in the blog:
How Do I Know If My Wood Floor Needs Sanding?
So what does wood floor sanding actually do?
There’s a lot of confusion around sanding — especially if you’ve never had it done before. You might picture noise, mess, and disruption. But done properly, it’s a fast, tidy process with lasting results.
Here’s what sanding really does:
- It removes the old, tired surface finish.
- It smooths scratches, scuffs, and rough grain.
- It levels out minor dips and board edges.
- It allows a new protective finish to bond properly.
- It brings back the original colour and feel of the wood.
The goal isn’t just to make it look better. Sanding also protects your floors for years to come — and prevents further damage from setting in.
Some of the most common fears we hear are addressed here:
Common Wood Floor Sanding Myths
How worn is too worn?
This is the most common question we hear:
“Can I leave it a bit longer, or should I do it now?”
If the wear is purely visual — a bit of dullness, some minor scuffing — and your sealant is intact, you may have time. But if:
- You can feel rough areas underfoot.
- You notice light patches or greying wood.
- Cleaning doesn’t improve the appearance.
- Spills soak in, instead of sitting on the surface.
…it’s time to act.
Why? Because once bare timber is exposed, moisture, dirt, and oils from feet or pets can soak in. That leads to stains, cracking, or permanent damage — which sanding may not fully reverse.
Still not sure? These clients were preparing for summer guests — and it made all the difference:
Is Your Wood Floor Ready for Summer Guests?
What if I’ve just cleaned it?
We’ve had many clients say:
“It looked better for a day or two — then went dull again.”
That’s another strong sign that the finish has worn away. A proper cleaning can lift dirt, but it can’t restore what’s no longer there. Sanding and re-sealing replace the protection layer itself, not just the surface appearance.
What about stains or darker patches?
If you’ve had water spills, pet accidents, or plant pots sitting in one place — and the timber beneath is stained — sanding may help, depending on the depth.
In many cases, light to medium stains sand out beautifully. But deeper ones may need colour blending, a tinted oil, or a darker finish overall. We’ll always show you options in person.
What’s the process — and is it messy?
No. Not anymore.
We use professional dust-control sanding systems, edge tools for corners, and safe, low-VOC finishes. Most standard rooms take 1–2 days from prep to final coat, and we’ll guide you through drying times and furniture return.
For a real-world breakdown, this article helps manage expectations:
How Long Does Wood Floor Restoration take in Suffolk?
What if I’m not quite ready to have my wood floor sanded?
You don’t have to decide today. If you’re unsure, we’ll happily check in with advice — and let you know if you’ve got time or if action is needed.
In the meantime, be gentle with your floor:
- Don’t overwet when mopping.
- Use WoolSafe-approved cleaners only.
- Avoid strong chemicals or steam mops.
- Use felt pads under furniture.
If you’re looking for safe cleaning products before sanding, this list from WoolSafe is a good place to start:
WoolSafe Consumer Products
Quick recap
- If your floors look tired even after cleaning, the finish may be gone.
- If wood is showing through, don’t delay — it can absorb moisture fast.
- Sanding revives the appearance and adds protection.
- Modern sanding is clean, safe, and faster than most expect
- Still unsure? A chat or photo is often enough to advise
Want honest advice about your own wood floors?
You can speak to the team without pressure. We’ll tell you if sanding is needed — or if you’ve got time to wait.
Contact the team here
Or explore more real-world tips in the Knowledge Centre
FAQs about wood floor that need sanding
Can I just clean the floor instead of sanding it?
Cleaning helps with surface dirt, but if the finish has worn through or the wood is grey in areas, cleaning won’t restore the protection. Sanding is the only way to reset the surface.
Will sanding make the floor thinner?
Only slightly — we remove just enough to get past the worn finish. Most floors can be sanded several times over their lifespan without issue.
Is it dusty or messy?
Not with the right kit. We use dust-controlled sanding equipment and edge tools, and clean thoroughly before we leave. You won’t be left with mess.
Can I walk on the floor the same day?
Usually yes, within a few hours of the final coat — but only with socks or soft shoes. We’ll give you a step-by-step drying plan based on your chosen finish.
How do I know if it’s oil or lacquer on my floor?
It’s not always obvious. If you’re unsure, send us a photo or give us a quick call. We can usually tell you what’s down — and what your options are.
