While we can also call the professionals for help and they can do the sanding job for us, it’s really more convenient and cheaper to buy the machine and do it yourself instead of wasting your money.
However, the problem arises when you go out to buy the perfect sander for yourself. As there are tons of models out there, you stumble into a lot of confusion.
Here in this article, we will tell you our top picks for the best sander for hardwood floors you can buy.
Buyer’s Guide
If it’s your first time buying a sander for hardwood flooring, you probably don’t know you have any prior knowledge about them, which is important when making the purchase.
These certain points are to be paid attention to if you don’t want to regret it later. So, let’s see what are the important points to know when buying a sander.
Types of Sanders
There are various types of sanders that are used throughout the course of floor sanding. While each of them has their own unique job, there are some which can be skipped depending upon your job and the budget you have.
- Drum Sander
These are the biggest type of sanders. They are used in huge mansions. They are expensive and need the experience to use as well, so don’t consider buying them if you are a beginner and don’t have a huge area to sand.
- Edge Sander
As the drum sanders are huge, they are unable to reach the edges of the floors. This is where the edge sanders come in. They are compact in size; hence they can easily reach in any corner of the floor.
- Orbital Sander
Orbital sanders are used in the final go of sanding to give off a finer look and texture to the floor.
Floor Size
One of the most important aspects that need to be kept in mind is the size of the floor then needs to be sanded.
The machine needs to be bought according to that as there are different ones covering different sizes easily.
Speed
This is another important factor that needs attention.
As different sanding floors need different speeds for optimal performance, make sure you get the one with good speed control so you can use it for different types of surfaces.
Dust
When you sand the floor, it’s only natural for the dust to start flying in the air.
However, some sanders come with a pretty good dust collection system that keeps your environment from becoming dusty when sanding.
So, make sure you get one with a good dust collection in case you’re allergic to it.
Usage
While the machines targeted for commercial usage are pretty hard to work with and expensive, make sure you don’t go for them as the domestic ones will just fulfill your needs perfectly and are also easy to learn for beginners.
Grip
When sanding the floor, you will realize that it is actually a bit tiring, and if the grip of the machine is not good enough, it will become quite hard for you to hold onto it for longer times, and sanding would also be not good enough.
So, make sure you check the grip of the machine before buying.
Sandpaper
Some machines have a pretty easy mechanism for changing the sandpaper while some don’t. Depending upon your job, you will need to change the sandpaper multiple times.
So, make sure how easy it is to change the sandpaper in the machine, or it can become a frustration later on.
Top 8 Sanders for Hardwood Floors
Now that we have some knowledge about sanders and what to keep in mind when buying them let’s jump to our top 8 picks for the best ones out there you can buy.
The reviews are completely based upon customer ratings and our personal usage of the machine.
1. Makita 9403 Belt Sander
This belt sander by Makita is on the number one spot for a reason. It is more commonly known as the world’s best 4 x 24 belt sander due to its immense power and exquisite performance.
It has a remarkable speed of 1640 FPM, which is enough even for the hardest surfaces. It features a potent 11 Amperes motor, which gives you a whole lot of power to put to use.
Not only this, but the body is also pretty robust, and once you buy it, you won’t need to buy another sander for the rest of your life. The dust collection is also great with a good grip, making the process of sanding swift and easy.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Known worldwide for being the best
- Very powerful 11 amp motor
- The dust collection system is good
- The wide belt makes sanding quicker
- Lasts for a lifetime
Cons
- Not very compact
- Can be heavy for beginners
2. Bosch 6-inch Hook & Loop Random Orbit Sander
The second sander in the list, made by Bosch, is an allrounder machine that doesn’t only get all your work done, but also comes very light to your pocket.
Being the cheapest among the list we reviewed, this is second to none and is very powerful and versatile. One of the main features here is the variable speed which can be set according to your need.
It can sand any surface you put it onto, be it the floor, cabinets, tables, or pretty much any wood material.
However, one major drawback we experienced is its inferior dust collection system, which doesn’t always work as intended. Other than that, it’s a good overall machine for its cost.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Variable speed
- Multipurpose
- Provides very good value for money; cheap
- The disc size is large
Cons
- The dust collection system is not reliable
3. Bosch OS50VC Orbital Finishing Sander
The major highlighted features this model of Bosch has, are the improved dust collection system which doesn’t let any dust particles roam freely around the room, and the quick changing of the sandpaper.
Moreover, it also has a variable speed, which can be set according to the job and locked on it throughout. Another unique feature is its vibration elimination system, which isn’t found in many.
Lastly, the handle and the soft backing pad are also top-notch and don’t let you complain.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Top of the shelf dust collection system
- Variable speed
- No vibration
- Quick changing of sandpaper
Cons
- A bit expensive than the other model by Bosch
4. Bosch Power Tools 6-inch Electric Orbital Sander
Placed at the fourth spot in our reviewed list, is another top-notch sander manufactured by Bosch as well.
Whether it’s a floor that needs polishing or sanding or its some other wooden-made material, including furniture, this powerful sander is all you need to get your job done.
The machine can be operated in either aggressive sanding or random orbital use. However, keep in mind that the option of dust collection is not available in this model, so you will need to look out for dust during the job.
But, rest assured, its 7.5-amp motor is powerful enough for sanding and polishing on any hardwood surface without any worry.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Doesn’t cost much; cheap
- Two different modes of usage
- Multipurpose
- Powerful motor
Cons
- No dust collection unit
5. Bon HT8 HireTech Drum Sander
Here we have a heavy-duty drum sander, which is essentially used on a commercial level by contractors or is rented by people to use it at their homes.
Coming with a huge price tag, it does justify its price with its extreme performance. It has a large dimension, which implies that more floors can be covered in a very short time.
The quick changing of sandpaper further reduces the time needed to be put in the job.
It also has a guard and features molded sides, which means that even if you accidentally bump it into the walls, no harm would be incurred.
The powerful motor has a four-brush design with variable speed and goes on for a long period of time without wearing out.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy to transport unlike other drum sanders
- Protection for walls with molded sides
- Smooth finishing of the floor
- Speed is controllable
Cons
- Expensive
6. Lagler Hummel 8-inch Belt Sander
This sander by Lagler is considered one of the best for many reasons. First off, it manages a heavy-duty workload while providing you with top quality and absolute sound quality.
It can finish off work of days in hours thanks to its powerful motors and the architecture, which includes a powerful drum with a three-way drum pressure, as well as belt tensioning gadgets.
The belt is highlighted as one of its main features, having a resultant operating direction.
When you consider the machine as a commercial usage sander, it is also economical and speeds up the work, thus providing a good value for money, while keeping the work of sanding as less-tiring as possible.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Doesn’t make a lot of noise
- Sturdy design
- Easy to work with
- The belt is easy to change
- Dust extraction is good
Cons
- Expensive for personal usage
7. Clarke Floor Sander
This machine with orbital dust control has made its place in our top 8 picks of hardwood floor sanders for many reasons.
The sander is one of the most available in the market when it comes to the comfort you can achieve while doing the sanding.
The design is such that you won’t even need to rest midway during the job. Moreover, the power and the speed of the motor are extremely good that even large rooms can be done in some time.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Operates free of dust
- Can sand a wide range of floors
- Makes the sanding quick
Cons
- Expensive
8. Festool Rotex Sander
If you would like to see all the features and options available in a very compact machine, this sander is just the one for you. With its robust body and architecture, it would undoubtedly last you a lifetime.
It does the job amazing, thanks to its 6 amp motor and a variable speed of 3300 to 6800, which can be set according to the circumstances.
Moreover, it has a dual-mode switch, which lets you work in different styles with the perfect dust collection system along with a decent grip.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Robust body
- A top-notch dust collection system
- Variable speed
- Dual-mode
Cons
- A bit expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
When you come across different machines, or you’re just a novice when it comes to sanders, there are many questions that often cloud your mind but are pretty simple.
Here we will answer those frequently occurring questions, which are rather simple.
Can you refinish hardwood floors with an orbital sander?
Yes, you absolutely can. While it does take longer than the drum sanders, but it’s possible, and they are also less likely to damage the floors.
How do you sand a hardwood floor?
It’s actually a long process. However, firstly you should know the parameters where you need to do it and the type of flooring there.
Then you choose the sander and start using the machine. Preferably drum sander if the area is huge. Use an edger on the corners.
When you’re done, vacuum the area and use a microfiber cloth to remove the remaining dust from the floor.
What is the most popular wood floor color?
While there are many choices in hardwood floor colors like the vintage ones, the most popular ones to date have been gray wood floors.
Can you refinish wood floors yourself?
Yes, absolutely. This article pretty much revolves around doing the sanding work yourself. Just get yourself a suitable sander and follow some guidelines, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
Sanding your hardwood floor or refinishing them can be pretty expensive if you call professionals to do it. While you can do the work yourself pretty easily, there is a problem with having the sander.
With our top picks mentioned in the article, you can easily get yourself the best one for yourself by choosing one from them or even others.
Make sure you read the buyer’s guide carefully before buying, so you have some minimal knowledge.
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