Published on 7 October 2025

Posted in Floor Sander Hire

Hiring a floor sander is often the most cost-effective route for a one-off job, whether you’re a professional floor contractor working across multiple sites or a DIY homeowner tackling a lounge or hallway. But simply booking the machine isn’t enough: the difference between a smooth finish and a frustrating red ocean of dust and rework often comes down to the accessories for hiring a floor sander.

1. What main accessories should be included when you hire a floor sander?

When you engage a hire machine from a company such as Floor Sander Hire London, you’ll typically be given the machine (for example, a drum or edge sander) and basic extras. But to do the job properly, you’ll need a comprehensive kit of accessories. These include:

For professionals, Floor Sanders Hire already bundles the “accessories for hiring a floor sander” so you can deploy quickly. DIYers should check whether the hire supplier will supply the full kit or whether they must source it separately. If DIYers are confused further, go for our comprehensive guide on How To Sand A Floor Guide

2. What consumables and “extras” might you overlook when hiring a floor sander?

Often when people think about hiring, they focus on the machine only — but it’s the consumables and extras that can trip things up.

Sandpaper grit progression

Dust bags/extraction

Wood filler/gap filler/primers/finishes

Floor Sander Requirements: Contractor vs. DIY

FeatureProfessional ContractorsDIY Homeowners
Equipment NeedsTypically need multiple machines (drum, edge, and sometimes finishing sander).Usually tackling a single room or modest area.
ConsumablesRequire large quantities of consumables (belts, discs) and spares (e.g., clamp bars).Need to budget for consumables in addition to machine rental.
Focus/EfficiencyFocus on time efficiency; prioritise accessories like spare discs, extraction units, and robust extension leads.May overlook a few extras (e.g., controlling dust, as “Dust does get EVERYWHERE”).
Guidance & LogisticsLikely already have PPE and may supply their own fillers/finishes; benefit from bundled hire accessories.May need more guidance on accessories included (e.g., grit progression) and may need delivery rather than self-collection.
Safety & PrepWill likely already have standard safety gear.Often need more protective measures (dust sheets, sealing doorways).
SummaryWill pick “hire a floor sander”. with accessories” as a packaged job.Should check the accessories thoroughly and plan the extras.

Floor Sanding Accessories Checklist

CategoryMust-Haves (Essential)Nice-to-Haves (Optional/Premium)
SandingAppropriate sandpaper belts/discs/sheets with correct grit progression.A finishing sander or buffer to give a smoother finish (often used by professionals).
Safety & PrepProtective equipment: dust mask, goggles, gloves, ear defenders.Extra spare belts/discs—useful if tackling a big area.
CleanupDust extraction or dust bags, or at least a vac for clean-up.High-end finishes/primers/oils if you want a premium result rather than bare sand.
Machine PowerPower supply/extension leads suitable for the machine.Transport/handling accessories—ramp, trolley, etc., if the machine is heavy.
Surface PrepFiller for protruding nails or gaps, and a hammer or nail-punch to ensure no protruding nails.Marketing or commercial extras: for contractors, logos, site signage, etc.
Work AreaClear work area: removal of furniture, rugs, wall hangings, and sealing doorways (accessory: plastic sheeting) to keep dust contained.

Summary and final take-aways

Whether you’re a professional floor contractor or a DIY homeowner, hiring a floor sander is more than just getting a machine. The success of your project hinges on having the right floor sander and hiring accessories from the start: sandpaper belts, extraction/clean-up tools, protective gear, fillers and finishing products.

For contractors, bundle the accessories into your hire package and ensure you have spares and efficient logistics.

For DIY homeowners, double-check that the hire includes everything you’ll need (and make a list of extras), budget for consumables and plan your prep work and clean-up accordingly.

Get Everything You Need for a Perfect Floor Finish

Ready to achieve professional results with your next sanding project? At Floor Sander Hire London, we make it simple to get started — and even easier to finish beautifully. Explore our wide range of floor sanding accessories, from premium sandpaper and dust-free bags to fillers, finishes and protective gear — all designed to help you get flawless results with every pass of your sander.

Whether you’re a DIY homeowner transforming your living room or a professional contractor working on multiple projects, our comprehensive floor sanding guides and expert advice ensure you have everything covered—from preparation to the final polish.

Don’t settle for less than a perfect finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: “Is dust extraction really needed if the hired machine says ‘dust-free’?”

A: Yes. “Dust-free” is a relative term: extraction will reduce dust but not eliminate it. Hire guides caution that fine particles still migrate.  You will need to seal off adjacent rooms, tape vents and possibly use an additional vacuum.

Q: “What sandpaper grits should I order/access as accessories?”

A: Start coarse to remove old finish, then go finer. According to one guide: coarse 24-36, medium 40-80, fine 100-120, extra fine 150-220. Choose the grit based on the condition of your floor and your desired finish.

Q: “Do I need an edging sander, or is the main drum sander enough?”

A: The main machine will handle the bulk of the floor, but it cannot safely reach boards or tight corners. Guides recommend separate edge/edger machines for clean perimeter work. If you skip the edge-work accessory, you may have to hand-sand those areas or accept an uneven finish.

Q: “Can I use the machine without the accessories and finish later?”

A: Technically yes, but it’s not advisable. If you sand but delay filling gaps, applying primer/finish, or ignore dust containment, you risk poor durability, varnish not adhering, or the finish looking patchy. The accessories are part of the job, not optional extras.

Q: “What’s the difference in accessory needs between hiring short-term (DIY) vs long-term (contractor)?”

A: For short-term/DIY, you’ll hire the machine for a weekend, so you’ll need enough consumables to complete it in that timeframe and perhaps simpler transport. For contractors/long-term, you may need multiple machines, a large stock of belts/discs, extraction units, spares and logistics (vehicle, ramp, multiple rooms). The accessory list expands accordingly.

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