Sanding or refinishing a wood floor does take some experience and practice to say the least. However, they make a lot of different sanders for these types of projects.
The drum sander is by far the best sander to use but does require experience. You can make a nice drum mark in a no time. And those marks will require extra wood to remove. If your floor is very old with pet stains and deep scratches a drum sander may be your only choice.
An Orbital sander is a very easy sander to use. Anyone can use these sanders with great results the very first time around.
Whatever sander you chose to use always make sure you end your sanding project with the finer sandpaper. If you’re going to stain the floor with a dark stain then finishing with either a 100 or 120 grit paper would be a good choice. The darker the floor the finer paper you’ll want to use.
Always always sand wood floors in the direction of the grain. (Long ways) if using a drum sander.
TIP. Rethink what you’re getting into and if you’re really saving money or not. Most professionals can just resand the floor for you for about $1.50 – $2.00 per square foot leaving the finishing to you. This way you can tell everyone you did it anyway.
God knows I’ve tons of these before. I use a pair of wire cutting dykes with something flat to lay against the floor so you don’t ding the floor.
They are around the outside of the floor where the tack strip for the carpet used to be. A lot of nails were already sticking high out of the floor but the ones i’m having trouble with are flush with the floor.
I’m not clear what you mean. Where are the nails. They should be toe nailed on the side, yes ?.
I’m having trouble pulling out nails without mauling the floor. I wondering if i’m even going to be able to repair them with a filler. I’m trying to prep the floor so I can take a drum sander to it!! Don’t worry, Dave’s got it!!