Project Overview
St Johns the Evangelist Church in Bromley approached us for a large-scale parquet floor restoration covering 5,000 square feet of original wood block flooring. The church had been planning the project for some time, wanting experienced contractors who could handle the scale without disrupting services. We were commissioned to sand, gap fill, and refinish the entire floor to commercial-grade standard.
The Challenge
A project of this size in a public building brings its own set of difficulties. The floor had years of accumulated wear from daily foot traffic, regular events, and general use. Gaps had opened up between the blocks, the finish was dull and flaking in patches, and the surface had lost the consistency you want to see across a floor of this quality. Because parquet blocks are laid in a herringbone pattern at 45 degrees, sanding against the grain would have caused damage rather than resolved it. Planning the correct sanding sequence across 5,000 square feet, while keeping disruption to the church to a minimum, required careful scheduling and a clear method from the start.
Our Approach
Floor Inspection
Before any machinery was brought in, we carried out a thorough inspection of the full floor. Every section was assessed for loose blocks, significant gaps, and areas of more serious surface damage. This stage determined exactly what preparation work was needed before sanding could begin.
Gap Filling
All gaps between the parquet blocks were filled using a mixture of natural resin and wood dust. This method is the preferred approach for gap filling on wood floors because the resin remains slightly flexible when cured, meaning it will not crack or shrink back over time. The filled surface was left to fully harden before we moved on.
Multi-Stage Sanding
We worked through a multi-stage sanding programme, starting with coarser grits to remove the old finish and surface damage, then working progressively finer to achieve a smooth, even surface across the full 5,000 square feet. For parquet, the direction of each sanding pass is critical, so we carefully followed the grain of each section rather than working in a single direction across the floor.
Refinishing with Commercial-Grade Lacquer
Once sanding was complete, the floor was coated with Pallmann Pal-X Trend, a two-component lacquer designed specifically for heavy-traffic environments. It provides hard-wearing protection that is appropriate for a building used by the public on a daily basis. Multiple coats were applied, with light buffing between each one, to achieve a consistent and durable finish.
The Result
The finished floor looks completely different from how it appeared when we started. All surface imperfections were removed, the gaps are no longer visible, and the parquet pattern reads clearly across the whole space. The church now has a floor that is protected for years of continued heavy use. For commercial sanding projects of this kind in the Bromley area, pricing typically runs from around £25 to £45 per square metre depending on the condition of the floor and the finish specified.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a commercial floor sanding project of this scale take?
A 5,000 square foot project requires several days of continuous work. We plan the schedule to minimise the number of sessions needed and to allow each coat of finish to cure properly before the next one is applied. The total duration depends on the condition of the floor and the number of coats required.
Can parquet floors be sanded as many times as solid wood floors?
Parquet blocks are generally shallower than solid timber planks, so the number of times they can be fully sanded is more limited. However, a professional assessment will confirm how much material remains and what sanding approach is appropriate. Many parquet floors can be fully restored without reaching that limit.
What finish is best for a church or public building floor?
A two-component oil-based or water-based commercial lacquer is the standard choice for public premises. Products like Pallmann Pal-X Trend are designed for exactly this kind of environment and provide the durability needed to withstand daily foot traffic without requiring frequent maintenance.