How long does it typically take to sand and refinish 1150 square feet of flooring, stairs, and a landing with 3 grits ending at 100/120?
Asked by Ramón Esparza 
3 months ago
Last Updated: September 22, 2024
This week we’re diving into sanding and refinishing our floors after doing a lot of research. We’re not aiming for perfection, just looking to make our home safe again after losing most of our belongings and being out of the house for a year and a half dealing with mold. Unfortunately, hiring someone to do it isn’t in the budget right now since we’ve already spent so much elsewhere. Any idea how long it might take to sand about 1150 square feet of floors and a staircase (I think there are 14 steps and a small landing)? We’re planning on using 3 grits, finishing at 100/120 like the hardwood floor association and our finish manufacturer recommended. Thanks for any help!
The time and grit needed depend on the condition of the floors!
It took us a couple of days with two people – one on the edger and one on the drum. We rented both machines for the two 11×13 bedrooms. The sanding was just the beginning, followed by staining and a top coat the next weekend. We used 32, 60, 80, 100, and 120 grit sandpaper. It was our first time attempting this, so there was a learning curve despite months of prior research. The total cost was close to $500 for rentals, sanding supplies, stain, rags, and top coat. We now have enough materials to tackle the third bedroom and hall, except for the rental machines and sandpaper.
Before tackling the cracks, I suggest using caulk instead of spackle to ensure the texture matches. For a flawless finish, opt for a high-quality paint and a 3/4” nap roller. Avoid sanding the walls smooth, as that advice usually comes from those with too much free time. Best of luck with your project – you’ve got this!
Subsequently
Prior to
Following
Sanding for a week
I’m a bit worried about that, . We unfortunately don’t have the luxury of that much time.
If you’re thinking about it, you could always hire somebody to do the sanding for you. After that, make sure to vacuum and clean thoroughly before refinishing on your own.
I used a palm sander and a vortex vacuum setup to work on a 10’x10′ area, and it took me around 6 hours in total.