Just wondered how many of you out there are sanding and sealing floors. It's something I used to do about 15 years ago but gave it up due to the lack of demand. We also had to finish a lot of the timber floors we installed years ago as they weren't prefinished, I think the popularity of LVT has also had an adverse effect on timber floor sales in more recent times. However, we have started getting asked for this service again? It would be interesting to see how popular it still is, if you do it.
It's slowly getting more frequent down here in the mids. I get asked quite abit about it but a 3rd of my work is in older larger houses where they have a lot of the original parquet in their hallways.
Do you recon there is still a market for it? To get the right machinery is a considerable investment.
If you can grab a decent 2nd hand kit is say it's worth a try. It only takes a couple jobs to get your money back surely then least then you could think about investing in new kit as you go along. Old man Pete we used to call him had kit id never seen before, all looked antique like it was warming up for the antiques roadshow but was still going strong...anyway he used to do all sorts reclaiming and he had what I could only describe as an angry flymo but turned out it was a sander
When i think of the sanding kit I had, and what I sold it for, what do they say, hindsight is a wonderful thing!!
I do sand and seal, but never chase the work. If you know a few people the work comes to you.. Shame you sold your gear, people like to have it done to keep original features.. I try not to do domestics, usual thing don't want the down time and don't want to pay..
I remember when I did domestic sand and sealing there was always an issue with the cost!! Those who did have it done eventually appreciated the cost when they saw the process to achieve a good result. Sadly a lot of customers have this misconception of just running a sander over a floor and then slap some sealer on it!! So why does it cost so much?
Exactly the same as above, I get lots of enquires for sanding, but there is always someone that will do it cheaper!!! It’s something Everyman and his dog will have a go at
I think you have to hold your own in situations like this, there is no good in becoming a busy fool. Everybody wants to jump on the bandwagon, so to speak. If you have the right gear, it costs money, and to do a good job takes time, you need to charge accordingly. It's the same with carpet cleaning, there are the good guys, spent money on good kit, and work to a standard not a price. But the amount of carpet cleaners advertising on Facebook as so called professionals, and cleaning 4 rooms for £60.00 ( or similar) is damaging the trade for the good boys. I guess it's something we will have to live with. My take on it would be to have it as an add on service, therefore you are not dependant on it. If you install laminate and wood flooring it's a good add on service.
We are a professional retailer specialising in wood flooring, mainly stick down at the better end and are looking for experienced installers. We are based in Surrey, and cover a 30 mile area. Happy to discuss rates.....
Be interested in knowing what people make per day with sanding and finishing domestically. As when i see from prices and then deduct machinery hire prices and finish coating costs it does't seem that high.
WHERE ARE YOU BASED AND WHICH AREA WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO COVER? These are the two main questions anyone seeking information about our trade must know before answering YOUR questions about how much you would be likely to earn and whether there is much business about these days. As your experience was gained 15 years ago, my advice is for you to contact a reputable organisation for re-training first. The cost of a refresher course would be worth every penny. They will also be able to recommend what kit to purchase and where to get it from. Good luck
Getting some requests for sanding and finishing be interested to know if £250 a day is reasonable figure to ask for floor sanding? As its not my main line of work so not fussed if i get the work just checking im in the ballpark.
