How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Floor Sander? (2024)

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›

Highlights

It will typically cost between $42 and $200 per day to rent a hardwood floor sander.
The exact cost will depend on the rental company, the duration of the rental, the type of floor sander, the required materials and supplies, and any delivery and pickup fees.
A homeowner may want to consider renting a floor sander if they notice their wood floors are dull, have splinters, have an uneven surface, or are showing signs of wear and tear.

Looking for a floor sander? Check out options from The Home Depot.

Hardwood floors lend an air of elegance to any home, but hardwood flooring costs can be higher than for other types of flooring. Over time, hardwood floors can become scratched, scuffed, and worn due to regular foot traffic. This can make them look old and tired, diminishing the overall look of the floor. Floor sanding is an excellent solution to revitalize a hardwood floor by making it look brand new again. By renting a hardwood floor sander, homeowners can remove the top layer of the floor, making the surface look fresh and smooth by eliminating any imperfections.

Sanding concrete floors is also a popular choice for homeowners looking to transform their space. By using an orbital floor sander or another type of floor sanding machine, homeowners can smooth out any rough patches or uneven surfaces, creating a polished finish. How much does it cost to rent a floor sander? The overall price varies depending on the size of the project, the type of flooring, the rental duration, and the type of floor sander. On average, floor sander rental costs from $42 to $200 per day.

Man is using a random orbital sander to sand light-colored hardwood flooring. — Photo: istockphoto.com

Key Cost Factors

Calculating the cost to rent a floor sander varies depending on a number of factors. While the average floor sanding equipment rental cost ranges from $42 to $200 per day, local averages can be vastly different based on demand, availability, and regional pricing differences.

Looking for a floor sander? Check out options from The Home Depot.

Rental Company

The best tool rental services will typically have a handful of floor sanders available to rent, most likely including drum and orbital sanders, which can be used on various types of flooring. By choosing the duration of the rental period, homeowners can rent a machine for the period that works best for them. This can be beneficial for a small project that will only take a few hours so a homeowner can avoid paying for a longer rental period than necessary.

The geographic location of the rental company can also impact the cost of renting a floor sander. In areas with high demand, rates for floor sander rentals may be higher, but in areas with multiple rental options, the pricing may be lower to attract more customers. Each rental company will have its own rental policies and pricing structures. It’s important that homeowners understand the policies to properly budget for the needed equipment for sanding wood floors.

Rental companies may also stock specific brands and models of floor sanders, each with its own rental price. Higher quality floor sanders may command a more expensive rental rate, while standard equipment may be more budget-friendly. Companies that provide operating instruction assistance or additional customer support during the floor sander rental period may charge extra for those services.

Rental Duration

The overall rental duration can also affect floor sanding costs. Rental companies usually charge for sanding equipment based on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and some companies offer a 4-hour rental window for smaller projects. If a homeowner needs to rent a flooring sander for a longer period of time, the per-day cost will be lower.

The daily rate to rent a DIY floor sander is typically more expensive than renting for a longer period of time. Renting equipment for a week often offers a more economical daily rate since companies typically provide a discounted price for more extended rental periods. Monthly rentals are the most cost-effective option, and the longer rental period is often best for a substantial floor sanding project that may take several weeks to complete.

Floor Sander Type

Different types of floor sanders are designed for specific jobs and come with their own rental rates. It’s beneficial for homeowners to understand how the type of floor sander can affect rental costs. Following some top tips for using a floor sander is also helpful.

Drum sanders. Drum sanders are excellent for sanding large, flat surfaces. These powerful machines are commonly used to refinish hardwood floors. They’re usually more expensive to rent due to their specialized design, but if the flooring project requires heavy-duty sanding, a drum sander is the right machine for the job.
Orbital sanders. Sometimes called square buff sanders, orbital sanders are easy to use for the average DIYer. While they’re not recommended for heavy-duty projects, they’re an excellent option for smoothing out flooring imperfections. Renting an orbital floor sander is typically more budget-friendly than renting a drum sander.
Edge sanders. An edge sander is designed to sand corners and along the edges of a floor where a larger floor sander usually cannot reach. This is the perfect machine if a floor only needs to be sanded around the perimeter or more detailed work is needed.
Random orbital sander. A random orbital sander moves in various directions to avoid circular sanding patterns on the flooring. This type of sander is more powerful than an orbital sander and it can handle a wide range of floor sanding tasks, including rough and fine sanding.
Vibrating sander. A vibrating sander works best for finishing than for a full sanding project. This sanding machine is easy to use and is less likely to cause damage to delicate flooring.

The specific cost of each type of sander will vary depending on location, the rental company, the condition of the equipment, and the rental duration. Each type of sander typically has rental rates within a similar range, but in general homeowners can expect the cost to rent an orbital sander to be at the lower end of the price range and a drum sander to be at the higher end.

Edgers and Extenders

Adding accessories when renting a floor sander can increase the rental rates. Edgers are specialized tools that are used to sand along the corners and edges of a room. Some rental companies may offer a separate edger sander to rent for a different price or include the edger in the rental package. Homeowners will want to ask about the rental cost for an edger since it may differ from the rental cost of the main floor sander rental.

Sometimes called poles or handle extensions, extenders are used to extend the user’s reach when operating a floor sander. Extenders can reduce physical strain during sanding but they may not be included in the standard rental package for a floor sander. If they’re not included in the rental package, they can typically be rented for an additional price.

Materials and Supplies

Homeowners will want to consider the additional cost of needed materials and supplies when budgeting to rent floor sanders. Knowing how these factors can affect the rental cost can help them anticipate a more accurate price range.

Sanding discs. Hardwood floor sanders typically use sanding discs, and the overall cost of the discs depends on their type, size, and grit. Large discs and those that are designed for specific types of flooring may be more expensive. The type and quality of the sanding discs can also impact the cost. Sanding a floor involves using different grits that start with the coarsest grit to the finest grit to avoid swirl marks or patterns on the surface of the flooring material. The higher the quality of the sanding discs, the more expensive the cost.
Dust collection accessories. Dust collection is important to avoid excessive cleaning at the end of the sanding project. Dust collection bags and accessories are typically available for purchase or rental, and the overall cost depends on the quality and type of the dust collection system.
Maintenance supplies. Homeowners may need to maintain the floor sander during an extended rental period. Supplies such as brushes, cleaning solutions, or lubricants can add to the overall rental cost.
Protection equipment. Depending on local regulations and the rental company’s policies, a homeowner may need to rent or buy safety equipment such as safety goggles, respirator masks, or hearing protection.
Stain and varnish. Some rental companies may include the price of stain or varnish in their rental rates and others will charge a separate fee for these materials. High-end or eco-friendly finishes typically cost more, while standard finishes will be more budget-friendly. Application tools such as brushes, rollers, or sprayers will also increase the price.

Delivery and Pickup

Another factor that can increase the overall cost to rent a floor sander is any delivery and pickup fees. If a homeowner doesn’t pick up or drop off the floor sander on their own, they will have to pay for the convenience of having the rental company do it for them. Delivery fees are usually based on the customer’s distance from the rental company and the weight and size of the machine. At the end of the rental period, the rental company can also pick up the floor sander. The pickup fees are also based on the customer’s distance and the weight and size of the machine. Delivery and pickup fees can vary, so it’s important for homeowners to double-check the specific pricing for the rental company.

Some rental companies may offer self-pickup and return, which can save money on the overall rental cost. Customers will need to have an appropriate vehicle to load and transport a floor sander safely without damaging the machine.

A floor sanding machine in the process of sanding hardwood floors in a home. — Photo: istockphoto.com

Floor Sander Rental Companies

The cost to rent a floor sander can vary from one rental company to another, depending on the rental location, the type and brand of floor sander, and the rental duration. It’s important for homeowners to keep in mind that these are approximate rental figures and prices can fluctuate.

Rental Company	Rental Cost (4 Hours)	Rental Cost (Per Day)	Rental Cost (Per Week)	Rental Cost (4 Weeks)
Herc Rentals	N/A	$65 to $90	$235 to $305	$505 to $660
Lowe’s	$43 to $52	$61 to $73	$244 to $292	$610 to $730
Sunbelt Rentals	$51	$73 to $190	$196 to $625	$1,410
The Home Depot	$36 to $53	$51 to $75	$204 to $300	$612 to $900
United Rentals	N/A	$79 to $86	$257 to $270	$516 to $578

Herc Rentals

Herc Rentals’ prices can vary by location and it’s recommended that homeowners contact their local Herc Rentals branch or visit the website to get accurate pricing in their area. It’s also important for customers to confirm whether any delivery and pickup fees are associated with the rental since these costs can add to the overall expense. Herc Rentals offers two different floor sander options for rental.

7-inch floor sander. This edger floor sander is an excellent choice for sanding, polishing, and buffing floors. It has an electric 120-volt 1 hp 12-amp engine that can sand through surface imperfections and old finishes. Rental fees average $65 per day, $235 per week, and $505 per month.
8-inch drum floor sander. This DIY-friendly drum floor sander can help homeowners get professional results. Made from cast aluminum, this durable sander has an enclosed motor to avoid overheating and it also keeps the motor dust-free. Rental prices average $90 per day, $305 per week, and $660 per month.

Lowe’s

Lowe’s usually offers rental periods that range from 4 hours to daily, weekly, and monthly. Prices can vary from one location to another, and it’s advisable that homeowners check with their local store for floor sander availability and pricing.

CherryHill U-Sand orbital floor sander. This floor sander acts as a sander, edger, and buffer. It has a dust collection bag that’s easy to remove for storage and emptying. This machine can sand in any direction without damaging the wood grain on antique flooring. The average rental rates are $43 for 4 hours, $61 per day, $244 per week, and $610 per month.
Orbital floor sander with vacuum. The EBG-18 PIVOT Surface Preparation Machine has a pivoting head for easier sanding control. The sander design allows users to sand corners, and the pivoting head adjusts for more accurate weight distribution, which allows for longer-lasting sanding pads. It also comes with a HEPA vacuum for dust control, an adjustable handle, and a quick-release cord wrap. Rental prices average $43 for 4 hours, $61 per day, $244 per week, and $610 per month.
Drum sander. The SL-8 drum sander sands when it’s moving forward and backward, and the tilt action of the head allows the user to have more control over the sanding process. The 1.5 horsepower motor moves the drum sander at a constant speed for the best floor sanding results. It’s recommended this machine be rented with wrenches, an extension cord, and a dust bag. Average rental prices are $52 for 4 hours, $73 per day, $292 per week, and $730 per month.

Sunbelt Rentals

The prices to rent a floor sander at Sunbelt Rentals vary due to availability and location. It’s recommended that customers get in contact with their local store or enter their ZIP code into the pricing calculator on the Sunbelt Rentals website for more accurate pricing.

Electric walk-behind drum floor sander. This electric drum sander has an 8-inch sanding drum that can cover a wide surface area. It has a built-in dust collection system and is recommended for sanding hardwood floors. Rental fees average $51 for 4 hours, $73 per day, and $196 per week.
Electric walk-behind orbital floor sander. This floor sander can handle hardwood floor sanding, wood deck sanding, and waxed floor scrubbing and polishing. This machine is designed for screening wood floors after sanding and the 14- to 18-inch pads ensure quick sanding or polishing. The average rental prices are $51 for 4 hours, $73 per day, and $196 per week.
8-inch belt floor sander. This electric 220-volt 8-inch belt sander has three adjustable drum pressure positions to complete various tasks. It’s designed to work with minimal vibration for a more controlled sanding process. Rental rates average $190 per day, $625 per week, and $1,410 per month.

The Home Depot

The Home Depot provides a handful of floor sanders to rent for 4-hour, daily, weekly, and monthly periods. The exact pricing is determined at each store location, but the pricing included here can give customers an idea of what it costs to rent different types of floor sanders.

7-inch floor edger. This small floor edger has 360-degree roller casters that allow the unit to sand with or against the wood grain. It has a 40-foot non-marking power cord and a quick-release dust bag that can be connected to a vacuum for dustless floor sanding. Average rental rates are $36 for 4 hours, $51 per day, $204 per week, and $612 per month.
Square buff floor sander. This orbital sander has an operator-friendly design and is ideal for general floor maintenance and screen/recoat purposes. Rental prices average $53 for 4 hours, $75 per day, $300 per week, and $900 per month.
Random orbital floor sander. This floor sander works best for light to medium floor sanding and is easier to use than the square buff sander. Average rental rates are $53 for 4 hours, $75 per day, $300 per week, and $900 per month.
Drum floor sander. This large sanding machine disassembles for easy transport and is ideal for refinishing distressed and old flooring. It has a heavy-duty, enclosed 1.5-horsepower dual-capacitor motor. Rental rates average $53 for 4 hours, $75 per day, $300 per week, and $900 per month.

Looking for a floor sander? Check out options from The Home Depot.

United Rentals

United Rentals provides a few floor sanders for floor sanding and refinishing projects. The sanders available for rent at a customer’s specific location may differ from those listed below.

12-inch by 18-inch orbital floor sander. This walk-behind electric random orbital floor sander is ideal for light to medium sanding projects. It removes less surface material than a drum sander, so it works well for light sanding of hardwood flooring. This sander has an ergonomic handle for operator comfort, and it’s designed for a smooth sanding experience. Rental rates average $79 per day, $257 per week, and $516 per month.
8-inch drum sander with dust bag. This heavy-duty drum sander can remove aged and damaged layers of flooring easily. The 8-inch drum is an excellent choice for heavy sanding projects and the included dust bag helps manage dust control and collection. The average rental fees for this sander are $86 per day, $270 per week, and $578 per month.

Do I need to rent a floor sander?

There are various situations for which a homeowner would need to rent a floor sander. Whether they’re looking to remove stubborn finishes, restore the luster of a hardwood floor, or prepare a flooring surface for refinishing, a floor sander can be a valuable tool for home improvement projects.

Looking for a floor sander? Check out options from The Home Depot.

Wear and Tear

One important reason to rent a floor sander is to correct the wear and tear on a floor that occurs over years of foot traffic. A floor sander allows homeowners to restore the finish of a hardwood floor and increase the longevity of the material. Alternatively, homeowners may need to look into solid wood vs. engineered wood costs and start saving up for a floor replacement.

Uneven Surface

Using a floor sander on uneven floors can not only improve the appearance of the floor but can also make the flooring safer to walk on by decreasing the risk of tripping and stumbling over an uneven surface. If a homeowner is budgeting for flooring installation costs because they want to replace the current flooring with a different material, a floor sander can make the floor level for new flooring installation by one of the best hardwood installation flooring companies (such as Empire Today or LL Flooring).

Dull Surface

A dull and worn-out floor can make a space look old and shabby. By renting a floor sander, homeowners can remove the old finish to create a more aesthetically pleasing surface and potentially increase the overall value of their home.

Splinters

A floor with splinters is a safety hazard and can cause injury to the home’s occupants, including pets and children. A floor sander can help resurface the floor, get rid of splinters, and enhance the comfort of the home.

How to Save Money

Many homeowners will want to save as much money as possible when renting equipment such as a floor sander. Following these helpful tips can help them stick to their budget and complete the flooring project efficiently.

Choose the right size and type of floor sander. Homeowners will want to rent a wood sanding machine that works best for the size of the floor and the type of sanding that’s needed. Renting a sander that’s too big or powerful can be more expensive and may cause damage to the floor.
Plan carefully. It’s recommended that homeowners plan their floor sanding project by preparing a list of needed materials, expected duration, and the scope of the project. This can help them avoid paying extra for extending the rental period.
Opt for self-pickup and return. If possible, homeowners can choose to pick up and drop off the floor sander on their own to save money. This can help avoid delivery and pickup fees.
Get multiple estimates. It’s recommended that homeowners shop around and look into as many rental companies as possible to find a price that works best for their needs and budget.
Consider off-peak rental times. Some rental companies may offer discounts or reduced rates during off-peak times, such as during the winter months or in the middle of the week.
Only rent what’s needed. Some rental companies may offer rental packages that include add-ons and floor sander accessories. Homeowners are advised to consider exactly what is needed for their project and only rent what they need to reduce rental costs.
Use the sander with care. Damaging the floor sander can lead to additional charges when the sander is returned to the rental company.

Questions to Ask a Floor Sander Rental Company

Asking the right questions about how much it costs to rent a sander for wood floors can help homeowners make informed decisions about which sander to rent for their flooring project.

What type of floor sander do I need?
Do you offer any promotions or special deals for renting a machine during the off-season?
How much do you charge to rent a floor sander?
Can I review the rental contract in advance?
Do you supply safety gear or additional accessories?
What if I need to extend the rental period?
Do you charge extra for delivery and pickup?
Can I pick up and drop off the floor sander on my own?
Do you provide training about how to use the floor sander?
Do you include maintenance services with the rental fee?
Am I responsible for repairs?
What is the return process?
What type of warranties or guarantees do you offer?
How can I leave a review?

FAQs

Questions about floor sander rental rates, additional fees, and ways to save on rental costs are common concerns for those interested in renting a floor sander. Knowing the answers to some frequently asked questions can provide homeowners with important information.

Q. How long does it take to sand a floor with a sander?

It takes approximately 5 hours to make three sanding passes on a 140-square-foot floor. Typically, the older the floor, the longer it will take to sand and refinish.

Q. Is it worth sanding your own floors?

Sanding floors can be worth it if a homeowner has some DIY skills and is working on a small to medium-size flooring project. Homeowners will want to take into account their floor sanding abilities and budget before tackling this project. If they have any doubts about completing the sanding project within a reasonable amount of time, they can always hire a professional. Paying hardwood floor refinishing costs for a professional floor sanding service can be well worth it to ensure the floors look their best. Whether a homeowner chooses to use one of the best hardwood floor sanders to sand the floor on their own or hire one of the best hardwood refinishing companies, floor sanding is a cost-effective and efficient way to transform worn-out floors and breathe new life into a space.

Q. What time of the year should you sand floors?

Homeowners will want to consider when it’s the most humid in their area and avoid that time of year. The temperature of the home will ideally be between 65 and 75 degrees while the floor is being sanded and for 30 days after the refinishing project is completed. Spring and fall are the optimal seasons to tackle a floor sanding project.

Q. Should I wash the floor before sanding it?

Floors need to be repaired, cleaned, and mopped thoroughly before sanding.

Q. Can you walk on sanded floors?

About 3 to 4 hours after sanding and refinishing, a floor can be walked on with stocking feet. Furniture can be replaced after 48 hours, and area rugs can be returned to the floor after a week of curing time has passed.

Floor Sander Hire, The Flooring Girl, Bona