DIY Floor Sander Options- Which Should You Hire?
Renovating your wooden flooring can feel like a huge mountain to climb, but with the right equipment and know-how, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Hiring a DIY floor sander is a fast, effective way to save time, money, and stress, whether you’re tackling a single room or giving your entire home a facelift.
The key to streamlining your project is knowing which type of sander is best and what you’ll need to get the job done. In this WHC Hire article, we’ll guide you through your options so you can choose the right DIY floor sander for your flooring project.
Why Hiring a DIY Floor Sander Can Be Better Than Buying
For most DIYers, a floor sander is not something you’ll use regularly. Even if you plan to sand floors only once in a while, hiring a DIY floor sander is often a smarter choice than purchasing. Here’s why:
Cost-Effective – Hiring is far more affordable than buying one. You only pay for the time you need, which usually works out much cheaper than the cost of purchasing your own machine.
Grits Included – Many hire packages include sanding grits, saving you the hassle of sourcing compatible sheets yourself. You only pay for what you use, helping you avoid overspending on extra grit sheets.
No Maintenance – When you hire a DIY floor sander, there’s no need to worry about servicing or upkeep. Every hire machine is checked, tested, and serviced to industry standards, so it’s ready to work straight away.
Fewer Purchases Needed – Completing a floor sanding project often requires more than one type of sander. Buying multiple machines can quickly add up, whereas hiring lets you get all the tools you need without the upfront cost.
Access to Professional Equipment – Hiring gives you access to professional-grade sanders that would be prohibitively expensive to buy. This ensures a superior finish without the high investment.
No Storage Issues – Once your project is done, simply return the DIY floor sander. There’s no need to find space to store bulky equipment or worry about long-term upkeep.
The Main Types of DIY Floor Sanders to Hire
If you’re considering hiring a floor sander, you’ll quickly discover that there are several different types available—each designed for specific tasks. Knowing the differences will help you choose the right DIY floor sander for your project. Here are the main options you’ll come across:
1. Drum Sanders
Drum sanders are the workhorses of floor sanding and are often the most common type available from hire companies. They’re powerful, fast, and excellent at removing stubborn old finishes or smoothing rough, uneven surfaces. Because they can cover a lot of ground quickly, they’re best suited for large spaces.
- Pros: Quick, effective, and leaves a professional-looking finish.
- Cons: Can be tricky to use at first, noisy, and produces a lot of dust—so don’t forget your protective gear.
If you’re tackling a smaller room or a floor with uneven surfaces, an orbital sander is likely to be easier to handle. These machines use a circular motion, which makes them beginner-friendly and far less likely to damage your flooring. Like other sanders, they allow you to switch between different grit levels to achieve a finer finish.
- Pros: Precise, easy to control, and forgiving if you make mistakes.
- Cons: Slower at removing finishes and may not achieve a perfectly flat, even surface on large floors.
Neither drum nor orbital sanders can reach tight corners or get close enough to skirting boards—that’s where edging sanders come in. These are often hired as part of a sanding package to complement your main machine. Using an edging sander ensures a clean, uniform finish across the whole floor.
- Pros: Perfect for reaching areas other sanders can’t, saving you from time-consuming hand sanding.
- Cons: Not suitable for sanding entire floors on their own. They’re designed for finishing edges and blending with the main floor.
Choosing the Right Sander for Your Floor and Project
Deciding which DIY floor sander to hire depends on a few key factors. Keep these points in mind when choosing the best fit for your project:
- Room Size: Large rooms are best tackled with a drum sander. Smaller or more awkward spaces are ideal for an orbital sander. In both cases, you’ll likely also need an edge sander for the finishing touches.
- Experience Level: While none of the machines are overly difficult to use, orbital sanders are far more forgiving than drum sanders if you make a mistake. Drum sanders deliver excellent results but require a bit more confidence to operate.
- Floor Type: Professional sanding equipment is designed for solid hardwood floors. Avoid using these machines on laminate or engineered flooring, as they can cause serious damage.
- Finish Quality: Drum sanders offer the most even, professional-looking finish. However, they require careful handling to avoid gouging the floor. Orbital and edge sanders provide more control, making them great for beginners or detail work.
- Budget: When planning, consider how long you’ll need the equipment and whether a complete sanding package would help speed up progress and save money overall.
What Floor Sander Is The Quickest?
If speed is your priority, then hiring a drum sander is the fastest way to cover a large, flat area quickly. Their interchangeable grit sheets allow users to achieve a professional-looking finish without having to get down on their hands and knees.
For the best results, we’d highly recommend using a drum and edge sander together. This allows you to achieve a more consistent finish across your entire project. For a more in-depth guide, check out our article: The Complete Guide To Floor Sander Hire.
What You Need Before Hiring a Floor Sander
Before diving into your DIY project, it’s important to prepare both yourself and your workspace. Here are some key things to consider before hiring a DIY floor sander:
- Safety Gear
Protecting yourself while sanding is essential. At minimum, you’ll need a dust mask, gloves, and ear protection. In smaller or enclosed spaces, a dust extractor may also be necessary. - Power Supply
Most floor sanders require a 240V power supply, which is standard in most UK homes. If you’re working in an outbuilding or somewhere with limited access, you may need a heavy-duty extension lead or even a generator. - Enough Space
Always check the machine dimensions before you hire. Ensuring you have enough room to manoeuvre the sander safely prevents costly mistakes and frustration on the day. - Clearing the Room
Remove all furniture before sanding, open windows for ventilation, and seal off doorways to stop dust spreading into other rooms. Preparing the space properly makes the job much smoother. - Transport Needs
Most floor sanders can fit into a standard hatchback car, though they can be heavy to lift. If transport is an issue, ask your hire supplier about delivery options.
What You Need to Hire a Floor Sander
Hiring a DIY floor sander is usually a quick and easy process, but being prepared will help you avoid delays or unexpected hiccups. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Book in Advance
Floor sanders are very popular, so availability can be limited. To guarantee a machine when you need it, it’s best to book at least a few days ahead. - Bring Two Forms of Identification
All tool hire suppliers will need to verify your identity for security reasons. We recommend bringing photo ID (such as a driving licence or passport) along with proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or bank statement). - Pay a Security Deposit
Most hire companies will require a refundable security deposit. The amount usually depends on the length of your hire. Once the machine is returned in good condition, your deposit will be refunded.
If you’re ever unsure about what’s required, speak directly with your hire supplier.
How Flexible Hire Periods Can Help
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a DIY floor sander is the flexibility of hire periods. Short-term hires are perfect if you want to complete a single room over a weekend. Alternatively, weekly hire options give you more time to tackle an entire home—often at a more favourable discounted rate.
No matter the timescale of your project, flexible hire periods make it easier to stay on track. Best of all, you’ll only pay for the time you need, helping you keep costs to a minimum.
Conclusion
Hiring a DIY floor sander makes transforming your wooden flooring simple, affordable, and stress-free. By understanding the different types of sanders, their applications, and by working with a reputable tool hire provider, you can save time, reduce costs, and avoid frustration—all while breathing new life into your flooring.
At WHC Hire Services, we offer a wide range of floor sanders and complete sanding packages designed to help DIYers bring tired flooring back to life. Never hired a floor sander before? Read our in-depth guide to get started.
Or, speak to your local depot today or visit our website to arrange your hire.