Hello 👋🏽 Whether you’re a long-time fan of the blog or just popped by while Googling “how disruptive is floor sanding?” – you’re in the right place! Grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s chat.
Today’s question is a biggie, and one we hear all the time:
“Do I need to leave the house while you sand my wood floors?”
If you’re a busy parent, working from home, or just like to know what to expect… this one’s for you!
What Actually Happens During Floor Sanding?
Let’s keep it simple. When you book professional floor sanding in Cambridge, here’s what’s going on:
✅ We use specialist machines to sand away the old layer on your wooden floor – removing scratches, stains, and years of wear.
✅ Then we apply a primer and protective finish to give it that beautiful, like-new look.
✅ Depending on the job size, this can take anywhere from a day to a few days.
No two homes are the same, and that’s why we always tailor our advice. But let’s get to the real question…
“Can You Stay at Home While It’s Being Done?”
Short answer? Yes – often you can stay home. But here’s what you need to know…
The Machines Are Noisy
We’re not going to lie – sanding machines aren’t whisper-quiet!
If you’re planning Zoom calls or have little ones napping, it could be a challenge. Expect a fair bit of noise during the sanding stage, especially on the first day.
Top tip: Try to plan errands, walks, or coffee dates for the loudest times!
You’ll Lose Access to Certain Rooms
Once a room is being sanded or the finish is drying, you won’t be able to walk on it. So if it’s your hallway or kitchen, things can get a bit tricky.
Think ahead:
- Can you use a back door?
- Have you got another toilet or kitchen area?
- Do you need to move out just one night?
We’ll always help you plan it out in advance – no nasty surprises here!
Dust & Air Quality – What to Expect
We use dust-free floor sanding machines, which massively reduce airborne particles. That said, no system is 100% dustless, so you might notice a bit of fine dust here and there.
If you’ve got allergies, asthma, or pets, it might be worth:
- Keeping them in a dust-free room,
- Staying elsewhere for the day,
- Or just popping out while we sand.
What About the Smell of the Finish?
Some floor finishes have a smell – it’s not awful, but it can linger for a few hours. We use low-odour, eco-conscious products wherever possible (great for families and pets!).
If you’re sensitive to smells, it might be wise to step out while the finish dries – we’ll always give you drying times and safety advice.
Do You Have To Leave Completely?
Not usually! In most cases, you can live in your home while we work, especially if:
- We’re doing just one or two rooms,
- You can avoid the work area,
- Or you’re happy to be flexible with your routine.
But if we’re doing the whole house, or key areas like the hallway, stairs, or kitchen, we may suggest:
- Doing it in phases (one room at a time),
- Booking it while you’re on holiday, or
- Spending a night with friends or family.
Let’s Make It Easy for You
At Floor Sanding Cambridge, we go the extra mile to make it all stress-free. Before we even lift a sander, we’ll:
- Visit and assess your space,
- Explain the whole process clearly,
- Let you know what to move, what to expect, and when you can walk on your floors again.
We know wood floor sanding sounds challenging… but if you plan it right, it should be no problem at all.
So… Should You Stay or Go?
Here’s the truth:
👉🏼 Yes, you can usually stay at home…
👉🏼 But you’ll need to plan around noise, room access, and drying times
👉🏼 And if you’re sensitive to dust or smells, a short break away might be more relaxing
We’ll always tell you honestly what’s best – because that’s what we’d want in your shoes.
Still Unsure? Let’s Chat! 💬
Everyone’s home is different, and we’re here to help you make the right choice.
Give us a ring, drop us an email, or message us on social… we’re a friendly bunch who genuinely love helping people feel confident about caring for their floors.
Looking for more tips? Head over to our Knowledge Centre where we’ve packed it full of advice to help you get the most out of your beautiful wooden floors.
