How Do You Sand the Edges of a Wood Floor?

It’s not so hard to sand the middle part of a wooden floor. Just stick the drum sander or orbital sander down, and let ‘er rip. But floor edges are a different story.

3 Tips for Sanding Edges of a Wood Floor

• Can you take off the baseboards without completely destroying your walls?  Then do it.  Scoring the top part of the baseboard with a utility knife will cut the paint between the wall and baseboard–this helps a lot.  Otherwise, you may end up ripping up much of your wall which you pull away the baseboard.
• Or, remove the quarter-round (if you have this).  This will also expose an edge area for you to sand up to.
• Rent an edge sander.  There’s a reason it’s called an edge sander.  It’s for sanding edges.  Got it?  Your little Black & Decker orbital sander will not be strong enough to power through that heavy-duty sanding.  Two reasons:  1.)  This is hardwood you’re sanding; 2.)  It’s a lot of wood.

What Sandpaper to Use for Edge Sanding?

You’ll want to use the same grit as you use for the center of the floor, or one grit finer.

Sand Edge First or Center First?

Sand the main area (center) of the floor first.  Then sand the edges.

How Much Pressure to Apply to the Edge Sander?

None.  Let the weight of the edge sander determine this.  If you’re pressing down on the edge sander, that’s too much–you’ll create grooves.  Slow and steady.