Can I sand my floor?

last year

Hi all. I was hoping to get a bit of advice regarding flooring in my new home. We were originally planning to replace completely, but have been a little surprised by prices, so now looking for possible budget friendly options. My main question is if the floor is engineered wood or laminate. I'm guessing that it's engineered wood, but not certain as I've only had original solid wood floorboards in the past. The floor is pretty worn, dark and glossy, so we were wondering if there'd be any chance that we could sand back and treat with a clear matt varnish. The pics I have aren't great but have included a shot to show the cross-section, as well as bit that I've just gone at with abrasive paper to see what happens (currently hidden under a rug!). The floor seems to be flat throughout. Any advice appreciated! Thanks

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Comments (5)

PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
Looks like there's enough thickness on the top layer, but if sanding I would say by hand (small sanding machine) so has less impact and you have more control on the amount removed
Alex Holmes
Original Author
last year
Thanks Carla, that's helpful to know that avoiding the use of a big machine would be sensible. It's unlikely to be laminate right if I've been able to sand back a little already? I've never experimented with laminate, but I'm guessing it would be pretty obvious if it was as wouldn't have sanded back this way...? I realise it would be hard for you to tell though from the images...Thanks!
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Sonia
last year
Laminate is basically an image of wood stuck onto a base board. I would think sanding it back would have removed the top layer? It is hard to tell. At the bare edge is it solid or is it in layers? Just not quite sure. If you do decide to use a sander, I think using a hand sander all over with be an exhausting and messy job and I would suggest hiring a proper sander. Will be interesting to see what others think.
Alex Holmes
Original Author
last year
Thanks Sonia, appreciate the warning before I get tempted to just go at it and make a complete mess! There are layers but they're not as pronounced as I've seen in plywood previously, with each layer thicker also. In total the board is about 14mm thick, with the top layer maybe at 1.5mm. Yeah, I'd be surprised and disappointed if it turned out to be laminate, but I realise it's created to trick the eye so hesitant to rule it out....
PRO
Carla / kolours.space
last year
Doesn't look laminate here. Laminate top layer would 1 or 2 millimetres. Looks thicker. If old engineer or thick laminate on top of ply a big machine would cause too much vibration and damage it depending on quality so I would be very wise. If you trying to save money better to just do a good workout with a less industrial sander.

Can I sand my floor?

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Carla / kolours.space

Alex Holmes
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Can I sand my floor?

Comments (5)

Carla / kolours.space

Alex HolmesOriginal Author

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Sonia

Alex HolmesOriginal Author

Carla / kolours.space

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Alex Holmes
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Alex Holmes
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