December 20, 2021, 11:55 am | Read time: 2 minutes
If you discover scratches or dents in your parquet flooring, you can repair them yourself by sanding the floor. It’s important to do it correctly–and not too often.
An apartment or house with parquet flooring is a dream for many. The wooden floor gives the home a unique, high-quality character. Over time, however, scratches may appear on the floor. In this case, you can sand the parquet. The DIY Academy recommends that amateurs seek help from an expert.
Overview
Damage from Frequent Sanding of Parquet
The risk that amateurs might remove too much when sanding parquet and thereby damage the floor is high. How often parquet can be sanded depends on the thickness of the wear layer, explains the Association of German Parquet Industry. This layer is between 2.5 and 6 millimeters thick for multilayer parquet, and up to 22 millimeters for solid parquet. Typically, 0.5 millimeters of the wear layer are removed each time. The association explains that with a thickness of four millimeters, the floor can be refinished up to twice and still have a sufficiently thick wear layer remaining. The same applies to water stains on the floor, cracks in the wood, or chipping: It’s better to consult a professional, advises the DIY Academy.
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When Is It Worth Sanding Parquet?
Generally, parquet is sanded when scratches, dents, and wear marks create an unkempt appearance over time. When this moment occurs depends on the quality of the wood and the level of use. You can sand and reseal the floor for about 10 to 15 years.
By the way, you can also sand the floor only in certain areas, especially for stains or noticeable scratches. However, caution is advised here, as unwanted unevenness can occur.
How Much Does It Cost to Sand and Reseal Parquet?
If the parquet is sanded by an expert, the cost can range from 15 to 20 euros per square meter. Adding the cost of sealing the floor, the price can range from 20 to 30 euros per square meter. Those who sand their parquet floor themselves only pay for the materials. By the way, if you don’t own a parquet sander, you can rent one from hardware stores. Depending on the store, it costs about 45 euros per day, plus a deposit of about 175 euros.