Furniture
Remove everything from the floor area
This includes all furniture, rugs, floor lamps, pot plants, and any loose items. The floor must be completely clear before sanding can begin.
Where to put it
- Rooms not being sanded (if any)
- Garage, shed, or outdoors if weather allows
- Storage unit for a few days if the whole house is being done
Heavy items like pianos, built-in wardrobes, and whitegoods should be arranged in advance. If you are unsure, ask when booking.
Floor Preparation
Carpet removal
Remove all carpet and underlay if you are having existing carpet taken up — or have this done separately beforehand. Bay's offers carpet and staple removal as a service if you would like it handled as part of the job.
Nail heads
Any nail heads proud of the surface should be punched below the surface before sanding begins. High nails will tear the sanding belt and leave marks. If you are unsure, we will check and punch as part of the job.
Known repairs
Tell us about any known issues — loose boards, squeaky boards, damaged sections — so we can quote and schedule appropriately. Surprises on the day add time and cost.
Cleaning Before the Job
A general vacuum beforehand to remove surface dust, grit, and debris is helpful. The area does not need to be spotless — the sanding process will handle the rest — but large debris should be cleared.
The Rest of the House
- Close doors to adjacent rooms to minimise dust travel to areas not being sanded
- Remove or tie up curtains and blinds that hang to floor level — the sander can catch light fabrics
- Cover sensitive electronics (TVs, computers, sound equipment) in adjacent areas with a dust sheet
- Take down wall art immediately adjacent to the floor area — vibration from the sander can loosen hanging items
Access
- Clear parking near the entry — equipment is heavy and there will be multiple trips in and out
- Access to a power point — commercial sanders draw significant power. A standard 10A GPO is fine
- Key access if you will not be home — arrange this in advance so we can enter, work, and lock up
Alternative Accommodation
If we are using solvent-based polyurethane, or if you or anyone in the house has respiratory sensitivities, plan to stay elsewhere during application and for the period advised after the final coat (typically 24 hours minimum, longer for sensitive individuals).
Water-based finishes are much more manageable — most people can return within a few hours of the final coat, though ventilation is still recommended.
Pets should be kept out of the work area during sanding and coating. Fur and hair settle in wet finish and are very difficult to remove cleanly.
On the Day
- Have your finish choice confirmed before the crew arrives (water-based or solvent-based, sheen level)
- Have a contact number available if the crew needs to reach you
- Let us know of any specific concerns about particular boards or areas
- Secure pets away from the work area
Preparation Checklist
- All furniture removed from sanding area
- Rugs and floor coverings removed
- Carpet and underlay removed (if applicable)
- Curtains and blinds tied up or removed
- Sensitive electronics covered
- Finish choice confirmed (water-based or solvent, sheen level)
- Key access arranged if you will not be home
- Alternative accommodation arranged (solvent-based only)
- Pets secured away from the work area
- Parking space cleared for the crew vehicle
If you are unsure about anything, call us before the job — not on the day. Most preparation questions take 30 seconds to answer and save hours of hassle.
Last reviewed: March 2026.