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Finishing your floor
Unless you choose a pre-finished floor, whichever product or fitting method you choose, you will have to sand it and finish it.
Sanding
Exactly how much sanding will depend on the quality of machining, the grade of timber used, and how level the sub-floor is, but with the exception of pre-sanded boards is likely to require the use of a specialist floor sander or substantial belt sanding.
Boards that are pre-sanded and filled on the top face will only need a light ‘hand' sand (a hand held orbital sander is ideal) prior to sealing. This minimises mess and effort and makes a professional finish accessible to the amateur.
Other boards will need filling in situ if they are knotty, and more substantial sanding. Parquet floors will always require filling and substantial sanding in situ.
For filling you can use either a ready mixed filler or one that you mix with the sanding dust from your floor. In either case ensure that the filler is suitable for the size of gap you are filling - cellulose based fillers should be used for gaps over 3mm.
.Achieving a regular finish where substantial sanding is required is a skill and although specialist sanders are increasingly available for hire, they do not necessarily give professional results in amateur hands.
If you do hire a sander, request either an upright continous belt sander (for substantial sanding) or a triple disc sander (for finishing). Try to avoid a single disc sander as these are are notoriously difficult to wield effectively. Alternatively, use a hand held belt sander, which although laborious is likely to be more controllable.
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