Ideally try to move damage boards out of site by swapping them with better quality boards elsewhere in the room (since it can be difficult to match new floorboards old) If you buy new boards that are thicker than the current floor then use the sander to even them out. If they are too thin then you can raise them by putting small pieces of wood between the new board and the joist.

Although often talked up as a nightmare task, sanding floorboards is a relatively straightforward task and the final effect is well worth the effort. However there are some important factors to bear in mind:

• It is a loud and dusty job so make sure you wear some form of ear protection and a face mask.
• Minimise dust by opening windows to create a through draught.
• Use masking tape to seal around doors to adjoining rooms.
• Empty dust bags regularly and carefully (dust can explode)
• Hire a large sander for the main parts of the floor plus a hand held, edging, sander in order to do the edges of the floor and any tricky corners. Ensure that the sander comes with a variety of grades of belt (you start off by using the most abrasive level to remove any old paint and ingrained dirt, gradually moving to increasingly fine grades for a perfect finish.)
• Keep up a steady rhythm while sanding the floor. If the sander is not moving but the belt is engaged you will be wearing a indentation into the boards (especially if you are using one of the coarser grades) this can leave you with an unsightly ‘groove’ on the finished floor which is difficult to disguise and will collect dirt.

When varnishing the floor select a good quality and hard wearing varnish and apply at least three coats. Sweep the floor regularly as dirt (and even animal hair) can act as an abrasive.