Hardwood Floors April/May 2026

By Zack Clavin

When NWFA Sand and Finish Guidelines included planetary sanders (multi-head sanders) in the sanding process in 2016, it was a pivotal moment. In an industry where the sanding process rarely has shifted, this signals more than a new tool preference, it marks a process evolution. For decades, most innovation has focused on finishes while sanding has remained the same. Planetary sanding equipment is changing that. FROM EQUIPMENT UPGRADE TO WORKFLOW SHIFT Planetary sanders sand the floor in multiple directions simultaneously rather than cutting in a single, linear path like a traditional belt sander. This type of sanding equipment balances performance, ease of use, and ease of transport into one powerful package. Today, most sanding equipment manufacturers offer planetary sanding equipment, a clear sign that multi directional sanding is not a passing trend, but an emerging standard. The real difference isn’t just mechanical. It’s procedural. Many contractors now use a belt sander for a single rough cut and then complete the remainder of the sanding sequence with a planetary machine. On newer layouts that can be difficult to sand with a belt sander such as patterned installations and custom designs, some crews are abandoning the traditional belt sander altogether. One of the key benefits is control. Multi-directional sanding produces a more consistent scratch pattern, allowing for flexible grit progression. Instead of fighting the grain, contractors can move with the floor’s layout, particularly important for design-driven floors such as herringbone and chevron that are becoming increasingly popular. LESS EDGING, LESS STRAIN An immediate advantage is how close planetary sanders can work to the wall – often within an inch. Traditional belt machines typically leave six to eight inches that must be addressed with an edger. By reducing edging time by 50 to 80 percent, contractors create labor efficiency and better ergonomical worksites.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BONA

Edging is one of the most physically demanding parts of a contractor’s job. Fewer hours bent over with an edger means less strain on shoulders, backs, and knees. In addition, planetary sanders are more maneuverable and balanced, requiring less force to operate. Extending the life of the floor is important. Extending the life of the technician is equally critical. As workforce shortages continue to impact the trade, equipment that supports long-term physical

sustainability becomes a competitive advantage. THE FLATTENING AND GRIT SEQUENCING PROCESS

Success with planetary sanding starts with flattening. Ensuring the initial cut adequately flattens the floor before progressing through grits is essential. High-quality abrasives and sandpaper designed for aggressive grain removal particularly are effective in planetary systems. EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE FLOOR Because multi-directional sanding can remove less of the wear layer compared to traditional belt sanding, floors typically can be refinished more times during their lifespan. While solid wood floors may be capable of being sanded five to seven times using traditional methods, planetary machines may allow for additional re-sands as less wood is being removed, extending the life of the floor, depending on the wood species, type of floor, and specific project. The sustainability implications also are significant. Preserving more of the wear layer allows floors to remain in homes and commercial spaces longer, reducing material replacement and environmental impact. Recent research by IVL Swedish Environmental Research shows that

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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