Quotes and Pricing
How much does floor sanding cost?
Floor sanding is priced by the square metre and varies significantly based on the condition of the floor, the type of finish, number of coats, any repairs required, and accessibility. A basic sand and two-coat finish on a clean residential floor starts from around $25–$40 per sqm. Heavily damaged floors, intricate repairs, or complex layouts (herringbone, parquetry) will be at the higher end. The only reliable way to get an accurate price is an in-person quote.
Do you charge for a quote?
No. Quotes are free and there is no obligation.
Why is my quote different from what I found online?
Online per-sqm figures are rough guides only. They do not account for the current condition of your floor, the type of timber, what finish you have chosen, or whether any repair work is needed. An in-person look is the only way to give you an accurate price.
Can I get a quote from photos?
We can give you a rough ballpark from photos but we will not provide a firm price without seeing the floor. Too many variables are invisible in a photo — board thickness, previous finish type, subfloor condition.
The Job Itself
How long does the job take?
A standard 3–4 bedroom house (80–120 sqm) typically takes 3–4 days from start to final coat. Single rooms can be done in a day. Large commercial jobs or complex repairs will take longer.
Do I need to move out?
For water-based finishes: no. Inconvenience yes, but most households can manage. For solvent-based: we strongly recommend vacating for at least 24 hours after the final coat, particularly for children, elderly people, or anyone with respiratory conditions. Pets should be kept out during the work regardless of finish type.
How dusty is it?
Modern professional sanders use dust extraction systems — the job is significantly less dusty than sanding by hand. However, fine dust does travel, particularly to adjacent rooms. Close doors, cover sensitive electronics, and give the house a good clean after we are done.
Can you sand floors that have carpet glue or adhesive on them?
Yes. Glue, adhesive, and subfloor residue from carpet removal are manageable, though they add time and may affect the quote. Let us know upfront so we can factor it in.
Do you work on stairs?
Yes. Stairs require edge sanders and hand sanding — they take more time per sqm than open floor areas and are priced accordingly.
Timber and Finishes
What types of timber can be sanded?
Most solid hardwood and engineered hardwood flooring can be sanded. Solid timber can usually be sanded multiple times over its life. Engineered timber has a wear layer and can typically be sanded 2–3 times depending on thickness. Laminate and hybrid flooring cannot be sanded — they are a printed surface over a composite core.
Can I change the colour of my floor?
Yes, with stain. Staining adds a step to the process and narrows your choice of topcoat (some stains are not compatible with all finishes). Going darker is generally more forgiving than going lighter. Stain samples should be tested on an inconspicuous area before committing.
What sheen level should I choose?
- Matte: Hides foot traffic marks and everyday scuffs well. Natural, contemporary look. The most forgiving in busy households.
- Satin: The most popular choice. A subtle sheen that looks clean without being glassy.
- Semi-gloss / Gloss: Reflective and dramatic. Shows foot traffic, pet scratches, and dust more readily. Better suited to formal spaces or low-traffic areas.
Can you match an existing finish?
Roughly, yes. Exact matching is difficult — the existing finish has aged, been worn, and may be a discontinued product. We can get close on sheen level and colour but a perfect invisible join between old and new is rarely possible.
Repairs and Damage
My floor has gaps between boards. Can they be fixed?
Small gaps are normal timber movement and can be filled with flexible filler as part of the sanding process. Large or structural gaps (boards that have moved significantly due to subfloor movement or moisture) may require board replacement or a subfloor assessment.
Can individual boards be replaced?
Yes. We can replace damaged boards and blend them into the surrounding floor. How visible the repair is depends on the age and patina of the surrounding boards — new timber rarely matches perfectly at first but weathers over time.
Can squeaky floors be fixed?
Sometimes. Squeaks caused by boards rubbing against each other or against nails can be addressed during the sanding process. Squeaks caused by subfloor movement, bearer issues, or structural problems are outside the scope of a sand and polish job.
After the Job
How long before I can put furniture back?
For water-based: light furniture with felt pads can go back after 48 hours. Full weight after 5–7 days. For solvent-based: 48–72 hours minimum, heavier loads after 7–14 days.
When can I put rugs down?
Water-based: minimum 2 weeks. Solvent-based: minimum 4 weeks. Rugs trap moisture during the curing process and can cause permanent marks in the shape of the rug if placed too early.
How do I clean the floor after the job?
A dry sweep or vacuum (hard-floor setting) first. Then a barely damp microfibre mop with a dedicated timber-floor cleaner. No steam mops, no ammonia-based products, no vinegar, no wax or oil polish.
How long will the finish last?
In a typical residential home, a quality finish lasts 8–15 years before it looks significantly worn. In high-traffic or commercial areas, 5–8 years. A maintenance recoat every 5–8 years will significantly extend this timeline without needing a full re-sand.
What is a maintenance recoat?
A light abrasion of the existing finish followed by 1–2 fresh coats — no sanding of the timber itself. It refreshes the protective layer and dramatically extends floor life. Only works if the floor surface is clean and uncontaminated.
Booking
How far in advance do I need to book?
During busy periods (spring renovation season, end of year) we can be booked out 4–6 weeks. At quieter times, 1–2 weeks is usually enough. Larger jobs benefit from more lead time.
What areas do you service?
We service the full Central Coast region including Summerland Point, Gosford, Wyong, Tuggerah, The Entrance, Terrigal, Bateau Bay, and surrounds, as well as Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley. Contact us to confirm your area.
Do you do small jobs?
Yes. A single room, a hallway, or a maintenance recoat — all are welcome.
Last reviewed: March 2026. Content is general guidance — always follow the specific advice of your tradesperson, which will be based on the actual products and conditions used in your job.