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c/diy-home-projectsmarymorganmarymorgan1mo agoProlific Poster

Rented a floor sander for my oak stairs, now I'm split on hiring it out

I tackled a two-story staircase in my 1920s house outside Columbus last month. Renting that 90 pound drum sander for $85 a day seemed like the budget move, but the corners and risers took me almost 18 hours across two weekends. My left knee still aches, and I had to buy a $40 edger attachment because the rental shop's unit was worn down. A neighbor who does refinishing quoted me $450 for the same job, which covers his time and material, but I can't tell if my finish looks pro or just okay. I keep going back and forth on whether the savings are worth the physical toll and the risk of gouging. Anyone else take on a big sander job solo and regret it, or did your results beat paying someone? How do you judge when a DIY job crosses the line into dumb stubbornness?
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pat_murray16
Same thing on my place last fall. Paid the guy 400 and my knees still thank me.
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