Parquet Floor Restoration London | Expert Repair & Refinishing
Parquet Floor Restoration London
Discovering an original parquet floor hidden under carpet is one of the more pleasant surprises a London home can offer. With over 20 years of experience, we restore herringbone, chevron, mosaic and Versailles parquet floors to their original condition, or better. The work covers everything from block repairs and bitumen removal to fine sanding, gap filling and your choice of finish.
- Over 20 years restoring floors across London
- Free, no-obligation quotes
- Fully insured, dust-controlled equipment
- Prices from £25–£45 per sqm
Our Parquet Floor Restoration Process
Every job is different, but our process follows the same proven steps that protect your floor and deliver a lasting result.
1. Assessment and Preparation
We inspect the floor thoroughly before any work begins: checking for loose or damaged blocks, subfloor condition, and the type of existing finish. This assessment determines the sanding sequence and whether repairs are needed first. Rushing this step is the most common cause of poor results; we never do.
2. Repairs: Loose, Missing or Damaged Sections
Any loose blocks are re-bonded or replaced before sanding. Missing sections are sourced to match the existing timber species and dimensions as closely as possible. Reclamation yards are often the best source for period parquet blocks (many London floors date from 1930–1970 and were laid in imperial sizes no longer in production).
3. Coarse Sanding: Levelling the Surface
We start with a coarse grit (typically G24) to level height differences between old and new sections and strip back the existing finish. On parquet, the sanding direction follows the geometric pattern rather than the grain; we work at 45 degrees to the herringbone or chevron, then rotate 90 degrees for the second pass to ensure uniform removal.
4. Gap Filling
After the second sanding pass (G80), we collect the fine dust and mix it with a flexible resin filler. This creates a colour-matched filler that flexes with the wood through seasonal movement, which is far than a generic filler that cracks and lifts. We apply it across the full floor and allow it to cure fully before continuing.
5. Fine Sanding: Preparation for Finish
A third pass with G120 removes the dried filler, refines the surface, and opens the wood grain to accept the finish. At this stage the floor is vacuumed thoroughly: any residual dust trapped under the finish coat will cause adhesion problems and visible blemishes.
6. Application of Finish
We apply the finish in a minimum of two coats, with a light screen between coats using a G150 disc on a slow rotary buffer. This knocks back the "grain raise" caused by the first coat and ensures the final surface is smooth and level. We use Bona, Osmo or Junckers products. No trade-only finishes that limit your future options for maintenance.
7. Final Inspection and Handover
We inspect the floor under raking light before leaving. You receive a written care guide and a recommended maintenance schedule. Allow 12 hours before replacing furniture; 48 hours before heavy foot traffic on water-based finishes.
Parquet Floor Restoration Cost in London
The cost of parquet floor restoration in London typically ranges from £25–£45 per sqm, depending on floor condition, pattern complexity and finish type. A standard Victorian terraced house living room (20–25 sqm) typically comes to £500–£1,100 including materials.
Factors that affect the final price:
- Condition: heavy repairs or bitumen removal add time and cost
- Pattern: Versailles and double herringbone patterns require additional sanding passes
- Finish type: hardwax oil is priced differently to multi-coat varnish
- Staining: colour changes add one full extra sanding and application stage
We provide fixed-price quotes after a free site visit or a photo assessment. No vague estimates, no surprises on the invoice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parquet floor restoration cost in London?
Expect to pay £25–£45 per sqm for a full restoration including gap filling and two coats of finish. Repairs, staining or bitumen removal are quoted separately as they vary significantly by floor.
Can old parquet flooring be fully restored?
In most cases, yes. Original block parquet — particularly the solid timber Merbau, oak and pine floors common in London homes built between 1930 and 1970, and can typically be sanded 3–5 times over a lifetime. As long as the blocks are at least 15mm thick, a full restoration is feasible. Thinner engineered blocks may not be suitable for sanding; we assess this at the quote stage.
How long does the work take?
A typical room (20–30 sqm) takes one full day for sanding and a second day for the final finish coat. Larger areas or heavily damaged floors may require two to three days of work. The floor is usable within 12–24 hours of the last coat depending on the finish used.
Is it worth restoring rather than replacing?
Almost always. A new parquet floor costs £70–£120 per sqm for installation alone, excluding materials. A full restoration of an original floor typically costs £25–£45 per sqm and produces a result that is genuinely superior. Original timber is denser and more dimensionally stable than most modern alternatives.
Do you work dust-free?
Yes. All our sanding machines are fitted with dust extraction units that capture 98%+ of airborne particles. We use vacuum-assisted edge sanders on the perimeter areas. We still recommend covering kitchen appliances and removing soft furnishings from adjacent rooms as a precaution.
Related Services
Parquet restoration is often just one part of a wider floor project. We also carry out:
Areas We Cover
We carry out parquet floor restoration across all London boroughs, including South West London (Wandsworth, Clapham, Battersea, Wimbledon), South East London (Greenwich, Dulwich, Peckham), North London (Islington, Highgate, Muswell Hill), West London (Hammersmith, Chiswick, Ealing) and Central London. We also cover Surrey, Kent and parts of Hertfordshire. Contact us for a travel surcharge estimate for locations outside the M25.