As previously mentioned, take the time to prepare the room where the floor will be sanded BEFORE renting the equipment from a rental center. Room preparation always takes a little longer than expected, so you'll save time and money if you only rent the equipment when it's ready to use.

We strongly recommend that you make a list of the characteristics of your hardwood floor as well as the finish that will be used before beginning your sanding project. You'll want to take note of the type of wood that will be sanded, whether the floor will be stained or not, the type of finish that will be used as well as its level of gloss. You'll also want to determine what the potential sanding challenges could be by identifying the risk areas on the floor and equip yourself accordingly in terms of equipment and abrasive types and grit.

We repeat this here because it's important: It is absolutely essential to wear personal protective equipment in order to avoid injuries, but especially to avoid breathing dust particles, especially if you are sanding old floors with an existing finish. Small masks will offer very little protection. Although they are uncomfortable to wear, especially in hot weather, it is definitely recommended that you wear a respirator to protect your lungs.

If possible, it's better to rent the equipment from a company that specializes in wood flooring rather than a tool and equipment rental center. You will usually benefit from greater expertise to help you familiarize yourself with equipment of a certain complexity.

If the only option in your area is a general tool rental shop, insist as much as possible that a qualified employee take the time to fully explain the operation of the devices you will be using before you leave with the equipment in the back of your vehicle. Better to take a little more time at the rental center than to be left alone with intimidating equipment at home. An alternative plan is to find an online tutorial on the leased equipment, whether it's on the manufacturer's or rental shop's site or on YouTube.

If you're feeling brave and decide to rent a drum and belt sander, you should definitely opt for a modern model and not one that requires you to attach an abrasive belt around a drum, because it is a difficult and annoying task. Furthermore, this type of equipment is more prone to causing sanding marks on the floor. Go for a simple model that uses pre-assembled belts to avoid complications and problems.

If you choose the conservative route instead and opt for an orbital sander, just keep in minde that they are less efficient than belt sanders and that the sanding will take longer, especially if you are attempting to sand a deeply stained floor or a floor finished with an extremely hard varnish such as crystal varnish. In that case, speak to the equipment rental shop experts who can suggest more aggressive ceramic-based abrasives rather than silica-based ones in order to remove these finishes more effectively.