Sanding hardwood floors is easy and straightforward when you know which types of sanding machines to use. Note that finding the right machine for the job will ensure you get the best results. Most people, however, don’t know when or how to use the sanding machines for a more professional finish. Finding the best sander for hardwood floors should be your priority. Have no worries if it is your first-time shopping for an appropriate sanding machine because I am here to help.
Today, we will review the top models in the market. The buyer’s guide will also include everything you need to know before purchasing a sanding machine for hardwood floors.
Contents
List of 7 Best Sander For Hardwood Floors in 2021 – Reviews
1. Makita 9403 Belt Sander
The Makita 9403 Belt Sander is an excellent choice for homeowners looking for an affordable machine that doesn’t compromise on performance. This sanding machine features a 4-inch wide belt that moves at speeds of up to 1,640 feet per minute. You will find it quite easy to sand hardwood floors thanks to the impressive speeds.
What I like about this machine is the labyrinth construction. Note that the bearings and motor are properly sealed from any contamination. Understand that your machine will, therefore, give you long-lasting services. You won’t need to carry out replacement or repairs due to contamination making its way to your motor or bearings.
The Makita 9403 Belt Sander weighs only 13 pounds making it ideal for hardwood floors. The weight is sufficient for proper sanding and ensures you can work for longer without getting fatigued. You will, therefore, complete tasks much quicker due to reduced breaks.
This impressive sanding machine also comes with a one-year warranty. When purchasing a piece of equipment, it is always a huge bonus when you get one with a warranty. You can rest easy knowing that you are covered in case of faults with the machine.
However, the Makita 9403 Belt Sander does not include a variable speed control. This is a huge downside especially when you need to work on other projects. This sanding machine is, therefore, not versatile for weekend DIY warriors because it might not be practical for all sanding tasks.
The Makita 9403 Belt Sander includes a large front grip that increases comfort and control. Note that you need proper control and comfort to get a professional finish. All in all, this sanding machine is a great buy for homeowners on a budget.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly price
- Compact and durable design
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Quiet operations at 84 decibels
Cons
- No variable speed controls
2. Bosch OS50VC Electric Orbital Sander
Are you looking for a sanding machine that eliminates the downtime for managing dust and changing sandpapers? Then, the Bosch OS50VC Electric Orbital Sander is an excellent choice. You get a handy device that accepts stick-on papers and clip-on papers. This is among the first machines to give you choices when it comes to sandpaper attachment.
The dust collection system is quite efficient and effective than most models in the market. You get a machine that eats up all the dust that it produces. Note that this sanding machine comes with a see-through dust canister that lets you know when to dispose of the contents.
The included screw cap will help you empty the machine without having to remove the canister. You will save up on a lot of time when you use this sanding machine for hardwood floors.
The Bosch OS50VC Electric Orbital Sander contains a variable speed control and a lock-on button to help you keep a constant speed throughout a project. You get a versatile device when you purchase this sanding machine, making it ideal for weekend warriors and professionals.
The BOSCH vibration elimination system ensures you have a smooth sanding experience when working on hardwood floors. Reduced vibrations give you more control which means that you can get a smooth and professional finish. When you first try using this sander, you will immediately notice that the vibrations are kept at a minimum.
The full kit contains a micro-filter dust canister, the OS50VC sander, removable front handle, vacuum hose adapter, sanding sheet, 5 mm hex wrench, and a punch plate. You get all the accessories needed to start your first project.
Pros
- No vibrations when using the machine
- Translucent dust collection canister
- Accepts stick-on and clip-on papers
- An excellent dust collection system
Cons
- A bit pricey for people on a budget
3. BLACK + DECKER Belt Sander (DS321)
The BLACK + DECKER Belt Sander (DS321) is an excellent choice for weekend warriors and beginners. It gets you more control and comfort due to the ergonomic design. You will enjoy sanding hardwood floors with this powerful machine.
The innovative front roller lets you work on hard-to-reach areas with a lot of ease. You will, therefore, complete sanding your floors quickly and effectively. Note that most people spend a lot of time trying to sand corners. The BLACK + DECKER Belt Sander (DS321), however, will let you quickly sand the corners with little effort.
What I like about this machine is the retractable three-position handle. You will get more control over your sanding machine for a smooth and professional finish. Understand that an easy to control machine will get you a smooth finish due to reduced vibrations. You will also work for longer and save a lot of time.
The incorporated dust collection system will help you keep the work area clean. Most people find it rather tiring to clean up after completing a project. With the BLACK + DECKER Belt Sander (DS321), you won’t need to worry about cleanup due to the excellent dust collection system.
The BLACK + DECKER Belt Sander (DS321) is a quality tool that will get you long-lasting services at an affordable price. Note that you also get a dust bag and medium grit sanding belt when you purchase this model.
Pros
- Good quality construction
- Innovative front roller design
- Easy to use and control
- An excellent dust collection system
Cons
- A bit heavy
4. Clarke 07125A Floor Sander
The Clarke 07125A Floor Sander is an ideal choice for sanding hardwood floors. This sanding machine was specially designed for floor sanding with a 50 feet extension length and a powerful 1 HP motor. You get a machine that can handle any floor sanding task that you throw its way with ease.
Note that this sanding machine includes 210-degrees rotating dust pipe swivels/ You can, therefore, work on those hard-to-reach areas such as corners and tight spaces. Understand that sanding hardwood floors is rather difficult and you need a machine that helps reduce the workload. The Clarke 07125A Floor Sander will save you a lot of time and effort.
What I found most interesting about this sanding machine is the high-quality dust collection system. You can easily attach this machine to a 2-inch or 1 ½-inch vacuum hose for improved dust collection. You will easily maintain a clean workspace when you use this machine. Understand that a good dust collection system will also reduce the amount of time spent on cleanup after completing a project.
The Clarke 07125A Floor Sander features durable aluminum construction that ensures you get long-lasting services. Understand that sanding machines are an investment that should provide value for money. The polished aluminum finish also gets you a sleek and modern look.
The included case is a nice addition that helps you conveniently store your sanding machine after a project. You will get to save on storage space when you purchase the Clarke 07125A Floor Sander. It is always a huge plus when you can keep track of where everything is stored in your home.
Pros
- Comes with a handy case
- Powerful 1 HP motor
- A good dust collection system
- Fits into tight spaces
- Sturdy aluminum construction
Cons
- Takes a lot of time to master
5. Clarke Drum Sander Ez-8 Expandable Drum
The Clarke Drum Sander Ez-8 Expandable Drum is an efficient sanding machine that is perfect for hardwood floors. You get a powerful 1 ½ HP dual capacitor motor that does the job adequately and within a short period.
What I like about this model is its efficient dust collection system. You will not need to purchase any other sanding machine when you get this one from the store. There is a lot of dust produced during sanding which lowered the air quality and exposes you to several health complications. However, with this dust collection system, you will not have to worry about an accumulation of dust in the work area.
Note that this sanding machine can be broken down easily for transportation. However, the parts are a bit too heavy for one person to lift alone. On the bright side, assembly and disassembly is rather straightforward and takes a few short minutes.
The good news is that you don’t need to be a pro to operate this sanding machine. It is an ideal choice for DIYers who are looking to handle their first job sanding hardwood floors. You will quickly learn how to get a smooth finish with this machine. It runs smoothly on the floor and the vibrations are kept at a minimum.
The Clarke Drum Sander Ez-8 Expandable Drum is an excellent choice if you have someone to assist you during your projects. Understand that moving this machine around is tiring, especially when you are working alone.
Pros
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Easy to use and control
- Perfect finish on hardwood floors
- An efficient dust collection system
Cons
- Very heavy to move around without assistance
6. Makita 9404 Belt Sander
The Makita 9404 Belt Sander is an excellent choice for sanding hardwood floors due to its quiet operations. You get a powerful 8.8 AMP motor that runs smoothly at 84 dB, which is impressive. Users of this sanding machine don’t have to worry about getting noise complaints from a crowded neighborhood.
The unique design of the Makita 9404 Belt Sander allows you to sand wall corners with the side and nose of the machine. Note that sanding floor corners is never an easy task without the right kind of machine for the task.
With the Makita 9404 Belt Sander, you won’t need to worry about getting your hands dirty to sand those hard-to-reach areas. This sanding machine includes a sturdy 4-by-24-inch abrasive belt that makes work easier. You will cover a lot of space within a short period and save a lot of time. If you are working on all floors in your house, this sanding machine will certainly come in handy.
The Makita 9404 Belt Sander includes a cloth dust bag to help you maintain a clean workspace. You will not have to spend hours cleaning after you are finished with a project. The dust collection system of this sanding machine is efficient.
The Makita 9404 Belt Sander comes with a 1-year warranty that gets you the peace of mind you need. Understand that machines break down for one reason or the other, and it is always nice to know you are covered.
Finally, this sanding machine weighs 10.3 pounds. You will find it considerably easy to move the machine around for a more professional finish. The reduced vibrations will also get you more control and comfort while working on your project.
Pros
- A variable speed belt sander
- Unique design lets you sand wall corners
- Auto-tracking belt system
- Double insulated construction for long-lasting services
Cons
- The dust bag is not ideal for large projects
7. SKIL 5-inch Random Orbital Sander
If you are looking for a smooth performance sanding machine, the SKIL 5-inch Random Orbital Sander is an excellent choice. It comes with a powerful 2.8-amp motor that delivers up to 13,000 orbits per minute. You will enjoy every moment working on your hardwood floors with this sander. Note that this high-end performance device is suitable for various applications.
The easy to clean dust container saves you a lot of time and effort. Note that the integrated x-flow dust collector dumps into a transparent bag that is easy to empty. This sanding machine uses cyclone force to ensure all the dust is effectively collected.
The variable speed control of the SKIL 5-inch Random Orbital Sander comes in handy when working on different projects. You will easily get to control the amount of power and speed that is needed for a particular project.
What I like about the SKIL 5-inch Random Orbital Sander is the low vibration. Note that its ergonomic design and rubberized grip ensures you get increased comfort and control. The counterweight balance helps you reduce hand fatigue, which means you can work for longer hours. You will immediately notice the reduced vibrations when you use this sanding machine.
The SKIL 5-inch Random Orbital Sander also lets you easily sand the hard-to-reach places. The compact size ensures the machine can fit in tight places to get the job done effectively and efficiently. This machine will help you maximize user control for a smooth and professional finish.
Pros
- Powerful 2.8 AMP motor
- An excellent dust collection system
- Low vibrations due to the counterweight design
- Can be used in tight places
Cons
- A steep learning curve for beginners
Best Floor sander – buyer’s guide
Understand that some of the sanders reviewed in this article are quite expensive to purchase or rent. Others are specifically designed for professional use only, and not for DIY projects. The good news is that some of the reviewed models are budget-friendly and suitable for DIYers and beginners.
Before purchasing a sanding machine for hardwood floors, you need to understand how these machines work, their best features, and features to consider. Luckily, I have put together a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything about sanders.
Sander Types
When looking at the above reviews, you will notice that it contains different types of sanders. Well, this is because you will need different sanders when working on your hardwood floors.
During a typical floor sanding project, you will need a drum sander to completely sand the entire floor, an edge sander to help you get rid of the stains, and an orbital sander to get you a smooth finish.
You can get to purchase each of these sanders depending on the project size and your budget. However, if you are on a budget, then you can choose to go for the orbital sander. Let us take a closer look at the different types of sanders in the market.
Drum Sanders
The drum sanders are designed for professionals who are working on large projects. Note that this type of sander might not be a good fit for beginners since they are significantly heavy. You will need assistance when using the drum sanders. Understand that moving them around is quite difficult and requires a lot of effort.
The biggest downside with drum sanders is that they require a lot of experience to operate effectively. Unless you need to sand a big mansion, I would not recommend a drum sander.
However, if you decide to purchase a drum sander, then ensure you get one that is easy to move. Look for a model with variable speed control if you are looking for a more professional finish.
Edge Sanders
When dealing with edges, edge sanders are an excellent choice. Note that the edge sanders are easy to use, even for beginners. You can quickly deal with floor corners, thus saving a lot of time and effort. However, note that you cannot use the edge sanders for an entire project. It will take a lot of time to finish sanding a large space when you decide to use the edge sanders.
Orbital Sanders
Once you remove all the paint from the floor, you will need an orbital sander to give you a smooth finish. The orbital sanders are specially designed to get you a consistent finish when working on your hardwood floors.
The good news is that you can also use an orbital sander to remove paint from the floors if you can’t afford a drum sander. Simply attach coarse sandpaper to your orbital sander and start removing paint from the hardwood floor.
Use smooth sandpaper once all the paint is removed for a smooth finish. Note that the process of removing paint will take longer than if you used a drum sander. The good news is that you get to save a lot of money.
The trick is to ensure that you only use the orbital sander to remove paint from small and medium projects. If you have to remove paint from a large surface, you need to purchase a drum sander.
Floor Size
Although the type of wood that you need to sand is an important consideration, don’t forget about the size. Understand that a small sander will not help you if you are dealing with a large surface. You will end up spending a lot of time and effort to complete the project.
Also, consider the fact that old floors will need more sanding. Start by checking whether there are any nails on the floor that could harm your sander. Understand that you will have to exercise a lot of caution when sanding old floors.
Purchase or rent?
Now that you understand the type of sander you need for your project; you need to decide whether to rent or purchase. It all comes down you your budget, project size, and preference. First, the drum sanders are not easily available in local stores, and the sandpapers are not easy to find.
What this means is that you need extra sandpaper if you decide to use a drum sander. You can also save a lot if you decide to rent rather than buy. The good news is that the other types of sanders are affordable and easy to find.
I would recommend that you purchase an orbital sander due to their versatility. You can use this type of sander for different kinds of projects around the house.
Exercise Caution
When sanding hardwood floors, you need to exercise a lot of caution. You must move in a straight manner to avoid creating lines on your floor. You might not notice it at first, but moving from side to side will create visible lines during painting.
Let your hardwood floor settle for a few days after sanding. Do not paint immediately if you want a smooth and professional finish. However, if you don’t have the time, you can paint once you are done sanding.
Final Verdict
My top pick has to be the Bosch OS50VC Electric Orbital Sander. You get a high-performance orbital sander with variable speed control, an excellent dust collection system, and no vibrations. Working with this machine is made simple because it accepts both stick-on and clip-on sandpaper. You will get value for your money when you purchase this sanding machine.
Use our review on the best sander for hardwood floors to get a model that suits your needs. Understand that floor sanding is the first step to any home renovation and restoration process. You will need an effective sanding machine to ensure you get a smooth and professional finish.
FAQS:
How much do I need to rent a sander ?
The cost of hiring a sander will vary depending on the type of sander. A large upright sander, for example, will cost close to $100 per day. Note that you will also need to factor in the sanding sheets. The good news is that most sanding projects will take about two or three days. You can, therefore, save a lot of money by hiring rather than buying.
Can I sand my hardwood floors ?
Yes, you can sand your hardwood floors by yourself. You will save a lot of money when you decide to complete the task by yourself. Once you understand the basics, you will get a smooth and professional finish. Note that the quality of your finish will come down to patience and not the level of skill that you have.
How many times can I sand my hardwood floors ?
You can re-sand your hardwood floors up to 10 times. However, this number will depend on how bad the floor is looking and the skill level of the person doing the sanding. Note that you will need an average of $2.50 per square foot when refinishing a hardwood floor. Understand that you can also carry out sanding by yourself if you have the proper equipment.
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