none wrote:

I would like to sand the floorboards in my lounge and then stain
them/polish them so that they are smooth and reasonably light in
colour - not dark mahogany, more teak or oak!

I need to hire a sander, and I believe I also need to hire a second
'edge' sander.

Yes

Would this be the correct approach?

A few more steps:

a) Take everything out of room

b) Remove any nail heads you can see sticking up, or better, knock them
below the surface (they will tear up the sandpaper pdq)

c) Seal doors with tape to avoid entire house being filed with dust

d) Avoid rupturing yourself carrying the very heavy sander to-and-from car

e) Get loads of sandpaper from the hire shop on sale or return; you'll
need plenty because they rip very easily

1. carefully sand the floor.
.....going only with direction of the grain, naturally

2. hoover up and wipe away all sawdust and dust.
3. wipe of the floorboards with a damp cloth.
4. stain the floor boards with the appropriate colour of wood stain