Which Sander Should I Hire?

The best sander depends on the size of the area, the surface condition and how much material you need to remove.

As a quick guide, use a floor sander for larger wooden floors, an edge sander around walls and skirting boards, a belt sander for strong material removal on flatter timber surfaces, and an orbital sander for lighter preparation and finishing work.

If you are dealing with several woodworking jobs as part of the same project, our woodworking equipment hire range can help you find other suitable tools.

Floor Sander Hire for Large Areas

Floor sanders are ideal for larger rooms where sanding by hand or with a small tool would take too long. They are commonly used on wooden floors and floorboards to remove old finishes, surface marks and uneven areas before a new treatment is applied.

For the best results, work steadily across the floor rather than trying to remove everything in one pass. Different grades of sandpaper may be needed as the job progresses, starting with a suitable abrasive for the existing surface and moving towards a finer finish.

A main floor sander will not always reach right up to walls, corners and skirting boards, so an edging machine can be useful for completing those areas.

When Is Belt Sander Hire the Better Choice?

Belt sander hire is a good option when you need more aggressive sanding on a smaller surface and a full-size floor machine would be unnecessary.

Belt sanders use a continuous loop of sandpaper and can remove material quickly. They are suitable for jobs such as smoothing boards, preparing doors, removing paint or old coatings and working on larger flat pieces of timber.

Because they cut relatively quickly, keep the tool moving and check the surface regularly. Holding a belt sander in one area for too long can remove more material than intended.

If timber needs cutting before you begin sanding, you can also browse our woodworking saws for hire.

What Are Orbital Sanders Best For?

Orbital sanders are generally better suited to lighter preparation and finishing work. They remove less material than a belt sander, giving you more control when you are aiming for a smoother professional finish.

They can be useful for:

• Preparing timber before painting or finishing
• Smoothing previously sanded surfaces
• Removing lighter marks and coatings
• Working on furniture, doors and boards
• Finishing smaller or more detailed areas

Palm and delta sanders can also make it easier to work in tighter spaces where larger sanders would be difficult to use.

For jobs that form part of a wider decorating project, take a look at our decorating equipment hire range for other preparation and finishing equipment.

What Should I Check Before Hiring a Floor Sander?

A few checks before you collect your equipment can save time once the sanding starts.

Look at the overall condition of the floor or surface first. Check for raised nails, screws, damaged boards or loose materials that could interfere with the machine. Think about the size of the rooms, whether you need to work close to edges and how hard the existing finish is.

It is also worth considering the sandpaper you will need. Different machines and stages of sanding use different abrasive grades, so check the individual product details or ask the Jackson & Gocher team what will suit your project.

Sanding also creates fine dust. Suitable extraction and protective equipment should be used where required. The HSE guidance on wood dust explains why controlling exposure is important when working with timber.

Sander Hire from Jackson & Gocher in Godalming

Jackson & Gocher Hire Centre has supplied hire equipment to trade and domestic customers for more than 40 years. From our Godalming hire centre, our team can help you compare the available sanders and choose equipment that suits the surface, room size and finish you are working towards.

Check the individual equipment pages for current hire prices, VAT details and product information. If you need help deciding between floor sanders, belt sanders or orbital sanders, tell us what you are sanding and roughly how large the area is.

You can arrange to collect equipment from the hire centre or discuss the delivery options available for your postcode and project.

Ready to get started? Browse the full sander range and choose the machine that best fits the job. If you would rather talk it through first, contact Jackson & Gocher Hire Centre and our team can help you narrow down the right option.