Sanding floorboards: a guide for brave DIYers
Under decades of carpet glue and vinyl, almost every Altbau hides a board or parquet floor that can shine again with a weekend's work and around €400. Sanding is demanding but doable — if you know the sequence and rent the right machine.
Costs: DIY vs. tradesman
| Item | DIY (80 m²) | Tradesman (80 m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Sander rental (weekend) | 120–180 € | — |
| Abrasive paper, edges, safety gear | 80–120 € | — |
| Oil / lacquer / sealer | 150–250 € | — |
| Labour | 0 € (dein Wochenende) | 1.200–2.400 € |
| Total | 350–550 € | 1.500–2.800 € |
The grit sequence: coarse to fine
- Coarse (36–40): removes lacquer, glue and waviness. This stage decides everything — don't hold back, but always sand with the grain, never across.
- Medium (60–80): smooths out the coarse scratches. Only now do stains and edges show their true state.
- Fine (100–120): makes the floor ready for finishing. Then: vacuum thoroughly, damp-clean the room, allow a day for dust to settle.
The big drum sander can't reach corners and walls. Definitely rent the edge sander too — usually just €20–30 extra per day, and the difference between "nearly done" and "oddly dark border". Alternative: a hand-held orbital sander for the last 5 cm.
Oiling or lacquering?
- Oil (2 coats): natural look, spot-repairable, needs refreshing every 3–5 years. The Altbau purist's choice.
- Lacquer / sealer (2 coats): low-maintenance and wear-resistant, but damage usually means re-sanding everything. Better for landlords and heavy use.
- Hardwax oil: the compromise — as low-maintenance as lacquer, as repairable as oil. Often the best choice for Altbau boards.
One more thing: boards that have already been sealed once rarely survive being sanded down to bare wood twice — ask a floor fitter how much substance is left if in doubt.
How does floor sanding fit your budget?
Add up all the trades in your renovation — including your own labour.
Open the calculatorNote: indicative values, not legal advice. Questions for the editors: hello@altbau.com