Floor sanding and polishing in Brisbane

Professional floor sanding and polishing in Brisbane usually involves an on-site inspection, repairs and preparation, sanding in several passes from coarse to fine grits, filling gaps and imperfections, then applying multiple coats of an oil-based or water-based finish. Most homeowners need to clear the rooms, arrange pets and access, and plan to stay off the floor while coats cure. At Master Timber Floors, owner Ben brings more than 20 years of experience to every job, and our work is backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty.

If your timber floors look tired, scratched or grey, sanding and polishing can often bring them back to life without replacing boards. Not sure which way to go? Read our guide on sanding vs replacing a timber floor.

The floor sanding and polishing process, step by step

1. On-site inspection and free quote

Every floor is different. We inspect the boards in person to check timber species, board condition, existing coatings, nail heads, movement, and any damage such as water staining or borer. You then receive a free quote based on what we actually see, not a guess over the phone.

2. Preparation and repairs

Before sanding begins, the floor is prepared:

• Protruding nails are punched below the surface
• Loose boards are re-fixed where needed
• Damaged boards may be replaced or patched where practical
• Skirting areas and doorways are checked for access

3. Sanding (coarse to fine)

Sanding is done in stages. A coarse grit removes the old coating and levels the surface; progressively finer grits smooth out scratches left by earlier passes. Edges and corners are sanded with specialised edging equipment so the whole floor is consistent.

4. Gap filling and touch-ups

Gaps, nail holes and minor imperfections are filled with a suitable timber filler, then sanded flush. Note that some natural gaps in older Queensland floors are normal and move with the seasons, so filling every gap is not always recommended. We will talk you through what suits your floor.

5. Final sand and clean

A fine final sand prepares the surface for coating. The floor is then thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned, because any dust left behind can show up in the finish.

6. Applying the finish

Several coats are applied, with light buffing (de-nibbing) between coats for a smooth, even result. The number of coats depends on the product chosen and how the floor will be used.

Finish options explained

Oil-based vs water-based coatings

• Oil-based (solvent-based) polyurethane: typically gives a warmer, amber tone that deepens over time. It has a stronger odour during application and generally takes longer to dry between coats.
• Water-based polyurethane: usually lower odour and quicker to dry, and tends to keep timber closer to its natural colour with less ambering. Many modern water-based products are very hard-wearing.

There are also penetrating oils and other specialty finishes. The best choice depends on your timber species, the look you want, household traffic, and how quickly you need the rooms back.

Matt, satin and gloss

• Matt: low sheen, a natural and contemporary look that helps hide minor scratches and dust.
• Satin: a middle ground with a soft sheen; a popular all-rounder.
• Gloss: high shine with a classic, reflective finish, though it shows scuffs and dust more readily.

Preparation checklist for homeowners

Getting ready before floor sanding in Brisbane helps the job run smoothly:

• Remove all furniture, rugs and items from the floor (including inside wardrobes if they're being sanded)
• Take down curtains that reach the floor, or tie them up
• Remove fragile items from shelves and walls in work areas, as sanding can cause vibration
• Arrange for pets and young children to be away from the work area
• Plan alternative access to rooms such as bathrooms and the kitchen
• Ensure power is available, and let us know about any alarm systems
• Tell us about any known issues: squeaks, soft spots, past water leaks
• Plan to stay elsewhere, or out of the work zone, while coatings are applied and curing, especially with oil-based finishes
• Keep windows and doors manageable for ventilation as advised

How long does it take, and when can you walk on it?

Timeframes vary with floor size, condition, the finish chosen and the weather, so treat these as general guides only:

• Sanding and preparation: often one to a few days for a typical home
• Coating: each coat needs drying time; water-based products generally allow faster recoating than oil-based ones
• Light foot traffic (socks only): often possible within roughly a day after the final coat, depending on the product
• Furniture back in: usually after several days; lift, don't drag, and use felt pads
• Rugs: best left off until the coating has fully cured, which can take a couple of weeks or more

We'll give you specific timings for your job at the quote stage. For new floors, see how long timber floor installation takes.

A note on Queensland humidity

Brisbane's humid summers and drier winters cause timber to expand and contract. Humidity can also affect drying times for coatings, so a finish may take longer to dry on a muggy day. That's one reason we plan coating schedules around conditions and are cautious about over-filling seasonal gaps. For ongoing care, read caring for timber floors in Queensland humidity.

Book your free on-site quote

Master Timber Floors is a Brisbane-based specialist in floor sanding and floor polishing, located at 26 Elliott St, Woolloongabba. Owner Ben has over 20 years of hands-on experience, all work is backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty, and we're QBCC licensed (15100816).

Call 0405 411 456 to arrange your free on-site inspection and quote, or see the floor sanding and polishing service.