Drum sander (left) and edge sander (right).
Drum sander (left) and edge sander (right).

Before finishing new hardwood floors or refinishing existing ones, you need to sand them smooth first. Here are the tools needed to tackle a floor sanding job:

  • Drum Sander: This heavy-duty, wall behind machine makes fast work of sanding hardwood floors. Sheets of sandpaper in various grits are secured around the drum on the bottom of the machine, and replace when they become clogged or dull.
  • Edge Sander: This smaller, handheld sander uses a replaceable disk to sand hardwood floors next to walls and doorways where a drum sander can’t reach.

Both of these tools can be rented at your local home center but should to be used with caution, since they’re very aggressive and can gouge and damage a floor if you’re not careful. Know when to hire a pro for floor sanding instead of potentially damaging your floor. Watch this video to find out more.


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Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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