Hiring a floor sanding and polishing company feels straightforward until you start getting quotes that vary wildly, read reviews that contradict each other, and wondering whether the cheapest option is going to leave your floors worse than when they started.
The good news is that choosing the right company doesn’t have to be a guessing game. There are clear, practical things to look for, and just as importantly, some clear warning signs to watch out for.
Don't Just Go With the Cheapest Quote
It’s tempting to go straight for the lowest price, especially when quotes can vary by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for the same job. But in the floor sanding world, a suspiciously low quote usually means something has been left out or cut back.
Some companies price low to win the job and then add on charges once work has started. Others cut corners on products, using cheaper finishes that won’t hold up over time. Timber floor sanding and polishing is skilled, labour-intensive work, and a price that seems too good to be true generally is.
That doesn’t mean you should go with the most expensive option either. Getting two or three quotes from reputable companies gives you a realistic picture of what the job should cost. If one quote sits well below the others, ask specifically what’s included and what isn’t before making any decisions. A written, itemised quote protects you from surprises once work begins.
Check Experience and Past Work
Floor sanding is a trade that takes years to get right. The difference between an experienced operator and someone without a solid track record shows up in the finished result, particularly in how evenly the floor is sanded, how cleanly the edges are done, and how smoothly the final coats are applied.
Look for a company with a solid track record and real examples of completed work. Abacus Flooring, for example, publishes before and after photos and has a history of reviews across Google that give a clear picture of the standard of work and customer experience. A pattern of recent, consistent reviews carries far more weight than a handful of old ones.
Confirm They're Properly Insured
This one is non-negotiable. Any professional floor sanding company operating in Sydney should hold current public liability insurance. If something goes wrong during the job, whether that’s damage to your floors, your home, or an injury on site, you need to know you’re covered.
Don’t be shy about asking for proof of insurance before signing anything. A reputable company will have it ready to provide without hesitation. If a company can’t or won’t show their insurance documentation, that’s a clear sign to look elsewhere.
Red Flags Worth Knowing
Knowing what to avoid is just as useful as knowing what to look for.
Be cautious of any company that:
- Quotes without actually inspecting your floors in person
- Asks for a large upfront deposit before any work has started
- Can’t provide references or show examples of past work
- Is vague about which products they use and why
- Uses pressure tactics to get you to sign quickly
A trustworthy floor sanding company will take the time to inspect your floors before quoting, explain their process clearly, and give you a written quote that breaks down exactly what’s included.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
Asking a few direct questions can tell you a lot about how professional a company really is before any work begins. Here are some questions you should ask:
- How many coats of finish will be applied and what product will be used?
- How long will the floors need to dry for before I can walk on my floors again?
- Can you help move my furniture or is that my responsibility?
- Is the quoted price fixed or subject to change once the job starts?
Clear, confident answers to all of these are a good indicator of a company that knows what it’s doing and is worth trusting with your floors.
The Right Company Is Worth the Time It Takes to Find
A poor sanding job can be costly to fix, whether that’s a refinish that needs redoing or floors that wear unevenly because the wrong products were used. Rushing the decision to save time or a few hundred dollars could end up costing more in the long run.
Taking the time to compare quotes, check reviews, ask the right questions, and confirm insurance puts you in a much stronger position to make a choice you’ll be genuinely happy with for years to come.
If you’re in Sydney and want a team with a proven track record, transparent pricing, and decades of experience working on Sydney’s timber floors, get in touch with Abacus Flooring to book a free quote.