Two of the most common services we're asked about are floor sanding and floor recoating — and homeowners often aren't sure which one their floor actually needs. Here's a simple way to check before you book anyone.
Step 1: Check for Damage Through the Finish
Run your hand or a cloth over the floor in a few spots. If you feel rough patches, deep scratches or gouges that go through the protective coating into the bare timber, that area needs sanding, not just a recoat.
Step 2: Look for Grey or Black Staining
Grey or black discolouration usually means moisture has reached the timber itself. Recoating won't remove this — it needs to be sanded out, and in more severe cases, boards may need replacing.
Step 3: Check for Cupping or Unevenness
Run a straight edge or your eye along the floor at a low angle. Boards that have cupped, lifted or become uneven need sanding to level the surface again.
Step 4: If None of the Above Apply
If the floor simply looks dull, has light surface scuffing, or has lost its shine evenly across the room, it's a good candidate for a screen-and-recoat — a faster and lower-cost way to bring back the finish without removing any timber.
One More Thing to Check: Engineered vs Solid Timber
If your floor is engineered or floating timber rather than solid boards, the sandable wear layer is thinner and may only tolerate one or two light sands in its lifetime. This makes the sand-vs-recoat decision even more important to get right — we check wear-layer thickness as part of every quote.
Still Not Sure?
That's exactly what a free inspection is for. We'll look at your floor in person and tell you honestly whether it needs a full sand or just a recoat — whichever costs you less while getting the result you want.