Why DIY Floor Sanding & Polishing Can Have Hidden Costs
Are you planning on giving your timber floors a makeover? It’s certainly tempting to DIY, especially with all the tutorials and guides available online. But is it as easy as they showcase it to be?
Before you strap on that dust mask and grab your sander, let’s take a closer look at all the challenges and pitfalls. This article takes you through all the reasons why professional floor sanding and polishing services might be the smarter choice.
DIY vs Professional Floor Sanding and Polishing
While going the DIY route may seem a good idea initially, there are often unforeseen circumstances and complications down the road. So, is it worth trying to save money by doing it yourself? Let’s weigh it up…
Sanding and Polishing is a Messy Process
Sanding timber floors produces a substantial amount of dust. They can spread throughout your home, settling on furniture, curtains, electronics, and whatnot. Unless you remove them from the vicinity, you are in for a world of stress.
Sanding dust can be dangerous if you have pets or children at home. Breathing these wood particles can result in respiratory issues.
Professional sanding machines come with built-in dust extraction systems to minimise the dust.
Dust Makes it a Fire Hazard
Sanding dust is nothing but highly flammable wood particles. In addition to causing breathing problems, they are also a fire hazard, putting your loved ones at risk.
Our professionals use specialised equipment with built-in dust extraction systems to minimise this risk and ensure a safe working environment.
Professional Sanding Machines are Noisy
Sanding, professional or DIY, is a noisy process. Professional sanding machines are run by powerful motors, meaning the noise levels can go as much as 85 decibels. Unless you wear protective gear, you are likely to have long or short-term hearing damage.
Our professionals are equipped with ear protection during the sanding process to protect their hearing.
You May Damage Your Floor
Improper sanding techniques or using the wrong grits of sandpaper can result in uneven surfaces, scratches, or even gouges in the wood. Without the proper knowledge and experience, you may cause irreversible damage to their floors.
Repairing these mistakes can be costly and may require the expertise of a professional. Our professionals are trained to assess your floors and determine the most appropriate sanding techniques and equipment.
Skills and Expertise Go a Long Way
Floor sanding and polishing require more than the right equipment. It demands skill and experience that you gain through training and years of hard work.
Our professionals undergo rigorous training necessary to handle any challenges that may arise during the sanding and polishing process.
The Right Equipment Makes a Lot of Difference
Our professionals have access to high-quality equipment and tools specifically designed for the task at hand. Most sanding machines you rent operate on 110v, while professional sanding machines operate on 220v.
The machines used by the professionals are heavy – some around 100kg. While they take 2 people to lift them, they have the advantage of being able to apply consistent weight to your floors during the sanding process. Lighter weight machines (usually rentals) do not have this weight behind them.
While the smaller sanders can get the work done, they are challenging to operate and require much more time. Additionally, you need to ensure you apply consistent pressure to ensure the sanded finish is even. This is exhausting.
Hidden Costs Associated with DIY Projects
Sanding and polishing are strenuous and labour-intensive projects at the best of times, even more so for DIYers. While they may seem budget-friendly at first, there are often unforeseen expenses when tackling a project of this magnitude.
- Equipment Costs: Renting sanding machines and polishers doesn’t come cheap, especially if you opt for high-quality equipment. You will need several different types of machines to do the job. And adding sandpapers, sanding discs and other tools, the costs quickly add up.
- Material Costs: DIY projects often require stains, finishes, polishing compounds, sealants, etc. They can end up being expensive when purchased in small quantities.
- Time Costs: DIY projects can be time-consuming, especially if you are a novice. Spending days if not weeks sanding and polishing can eat into your free time.
- Mistakes: The risk of mistakes is high when it comes to DIY sanding and polishing. Your DIY project may end up being expensive if you require professionals to correct your mistakes.
Looking For Professional Sanding & Polishing?
DIY floor sanding and polishing may seem like a cost-effective solution at first. However, considering the hidden costs and risks involved, it is not worth the risk. Professionals can do a much better job with way less mess, not to mention the high quality of the work.
So why not sit back, relax, and let our professionals from Abacus Flooring do the heavy lifting?
Don’t compromise on the quality of your timber floors with DIY floor sanding and polishing! Trust our experts at Abacus Flooring for a stress-free and hassle-free service that exceeds your expectations.
Get in touch now to get started! We service all of Sydney, Northern Beaches, and North Shore in NSW.