Floor Sanding & Fitting Project Gallery

Project Overview

This Fulham SW6 property had engineered wood flooring that had been in place for several years and was showing significant surface wear. The boards had developed scratches, the original finish was dull and uneven, and some areas close to the kitchen had started to look noticeably worse than the rest. The client wanted the floor sanded back and refinished to restore its appearance without the cost of replacement.

The Challenge

Sanding engineered wood floors requires more care than sanding solid timber. The wear layer on an engineered board is thinner than on solid wood, so there is less margin for error. Taking off too much material can expose the core layers beneath the veneer, which cannot be finished to a satisfactory standard. We needed to determine the exact thickness of the veneer on this particular product before agreeing to sand it. The floor had a 4mm hardwood veneer, which was sufficient to allow a careful light sand and refinish. Any thinner and we would have advised a different approach.

Our Approach

Veneer Depth Assessment

Before any sanding began, we checked the veneer thickness carefully at the edge of the floor where a board had been partially lifted for inspection. Confirming there was enough material to work with is the most important first step when sanding engineered floors.

Light Sanding Programme

We used a light sanding programme designed specifically for engineered boards, working with finer starting grits than we would typically use on solid wood. This removes the damaged surface layer without cutting deeply into the veneer. Multiple passes with increasing fineness brought the surface to a smooth, consistent condition ready for finishing.

Edge and Detail Work

The edges of the floor close to the skirting and around the doorways were worked by hand using orbital sanders and scrapers to ensure a consistent result across the whole room. These areas are easy to miss or rush, and inconsistency here is immediately obvious on a finished floor.

Finish Application

A hard-wearing lacquer was applied in three coats to provide good protection for daily use. The product was chosen to complement the natural tone of the oak veneer without adding a heavy or artificial sheen to the surface.

The Result

The floor looked noticeably better once the old finish had been removed and the new lacquer applied. The scratches were gone, the colour was even, and the boards looked consistent across the whole room. The client was pleased to have saved the cost of replacement and noted that the floor looked better than it had for several years. Engineered floor sanding in London typically runs from £25 to £40 per square metre, depending on the condition and the veneer depth available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can an engineered floor be sanded?
This depends entirely on the thickness of the veneer. A 2mm wear layer generally allows one careful sand. A 4mm or 6mm layer can be sanded two or possibly three times over the lifetime of the floor. We assess each floor individually before committing to a programme.

What are the signs that an engineered floor needs refinishing rather than replacing?
If the finish is dull, scratched, or worn through but the boards themselves are structurally sound and the veneer is undamaged, refinishing is almost always the better option. It costs significantly less than replacement and produces excellent results when done correctly.

Does sanding void the manufacturer warranty on engineered flooring?
This varies between manufacturers. Some specifically include sanding and refinishing within the product's expected lifecycle, while others have conditions attached. We advise checking the specific warranty terms before proceeding. In most cases, after the initial warranty period, the floor can be refinished without restriction.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This Wimbledon SW20 property had original pine floorboards that had been covered for years and recently exposed by the current owners. The boards were in reasonable structural condition but were heavily discoloured, had an old finish that had worn unevenly, and needed a stain applied to achieve the darker tone the client wanted before varnishing. The project covered the main living room and hallway.

The Challenge

Staining a floor after sanding sounds straightforward but getting a consistent result across a whole room requires careful preparation. Pine is a particularly absorbent and variable timber. It has hard grain lines and soft grain patches that take stain at very different rates. Without proper preparation, these differences become exaggerated and the floor ends up with a patchy, uneven colour rather than the consistent tone the client wants. The floor also had a previous stain in places, which meant the boards needed to be sanded back uniformly before any new colour work could be done.

Our Approach

Full Strip Back

We started with a thorough multi-stage sand, working from coarser grits to completely remove all remnants of the old finish and any existing stain. The goal at this stage is to get back to bare, consistent wood across the entire floor, which is the only way to guarantee a uniform result with staining.

Board Repairs and Gap Filling

Before staining, we addressed any gaps between boards and secured a couple of boards that had become slightly loose. Filling gaps at this stage is important because unfilled gaps will absorb stain differently and look dark and inconsistent in the finished floor.

Stain Application

The stain was applied evenly across the whole floor in the direction of the grain, working in manageable sections to keep a wet edge and avoid lap marks. The client had chosen a mid-dark oak tone that complemented the rest of the room's interior. A second coat was applied to deepen the colour to the agreed shade.

Varnish Coats

Once the stain was fully dry, three coats of a hard-wearing polyurethane varnish were applied. This protects the stain from wear and provides the durable, easy-to-clean surface finish the client needed for a busy family home.

The Result

The finished floor bears no resemblance to the tired, discoloured boards we started with. The stain colour is even and consistent throughout, and the varnish gives a clean, durable surface. The client was particularly pleased with how the darker tone had pulled the room together visually. Floor sanding and finishing in the Wimbledon area typically costs between £25 and £45 per square metre, with staining adding a small amount to the overall price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the colour be changed after staining and varnishing?
Yes, but it requires a full sand back to bare wood before a different stain can be applied. Going darker is straightforward. Going lighter requires removing the existing stain entirely through sanding, which takes more time. We always advise testing stain colours on an inconspicuous area before committing to the full floor.

How long does a stained and varnished floor last before it needs redoing?
A well-applied varnish in a domestic setting typically lasts five to ten years in high-traffic areas and considerably longer in rooms with less use. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping with a suitable wood floor product will extend the life of the finish significantly.

Is pine a good floor to sand and stain?
Pine is one of the most common floor timbers in London properties and sands and stains well when prepared correctly. It is softer than hardwoods such as oak, so it will show more wear over time, but a good varnish provides adequate protection for most domestic uses. Many clients prefer pine precisely because of its character and grain.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Haringey, N6. The floor had seen years of daily wear and was in need of attention to bring it back to a quality finish. Our team carried out a full assessment before starting work, checking for any boards that needed attention alongside the main sanding and finishing work.

Before the Work

Before work began, the floor showed typical signs of wear. Surface scratches, dull patches, and general finish deterioration were present. A thorough survey was carried out to plan the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and choose the most appropriate finish for the space.

Our Approach

The following services were carried out as part of this project:

• Floorboards - Fireplace Heart Removal
• Floorboards - Replacement (incl. materials)
• Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
• Gap Filling
• Gap Filling - Pine Slivers
• Lift & Dispose Carpets or Laminates
• Stairs - Sand & Seal

The Result

Once the sanding and finishing process was complete, the floor was transformed. The wood grain was opened up and brought back to life, the surface was smooth and even, and the new finish provided lasting protection. The client was left with a floor that looked, and performed, as good as new.

Photos of the completed work:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor sanding take?
Most residential sanding jobs are completed in one to two days, depending on floor size and condition. Lacquering or oiling adds further drying and curing time, which we factor into the job schedule.

Do I need to vacate the property during sanding?
Modern dustless sanding equipment keeps dust to a minimum, but we recommend keeping pets and young children clear of the area during the work. Most clients remain in their property throughout.

How much does floor sanding cost in London?
Prices typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on floor condition, finish type, and any repair work required. Gap filling and board replacement are priced separately if needed.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Wandsworth, SW18. The floor had seen years of daily wear and was in need of attention to bring it back to a quality finish. Our team carried out a full assessment before starting work, checking for any boards that needed attention alongside the main sanding and finishing work.

Before the Work

Before work began, the floor showed typical signs of wear. Surface scratches, dull patches, and general finish deterioration were present. A thorough survey was carried out to plan the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and choose the most appropriate finish for the space.

Survey photos showing the floor condition before work:

Our Approach

The following services were carried out as part of this project:

• Hardwood - Sand, Buff & Oil
• Staining

The Result

Once the sanding and finishing process was complete, the floor was transformed. The wood grain was opened up and brought back to life, the surface was smooth and even, and the new finish provided lasting protection. The client was left with a floor that looked, and performed, as good as new.

Photos of the completed work:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor sanding take?
Most residential sanding jobs are completed in one to two days, depending on floor size and condition. Lacquering or oiling adds further drying and curing time, which we factor into the job schedule.

Do I need to vacate the property during sanding?
Modern dustless sanding equipment keeps dust to a minimum, but we recommend keeping pets and young children clear of the area during the work. Most clients remain in their property throughout.

How much does floor sanding cost in London?
Prices typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on floor condition, finish type, and any repair work required. Gap filling and board replacement are priced separately if needed.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This Mortlake SW14 property had original hardwood floorboards throughout the first floor. The boards had been in place for many years and were showing signs of significant surface wear, with the existing finish scratched through in the heavily trafficked areas and the colour looking faded and inconsistent. The client wanted the floor sanded, stained to a richer colour, and finished with a durable lacquer.

The Challenge

This project involved both staining and refinishing, which requires the preparation to be particularly thorough. Any variation in how the boards absorb the stain will be visible in the finished floor, so the sand needs to be consistent right across the room. The floorboards also had some gaps that needed addressing before work started, as unfilled gaps absorb stain at a different rate and create obvious dark lines in the finished colour. There were also a few boards in the hallway area that had developed some surface checking, which required careful treatment before staining to prevent the cracks from showing through the finish.

Our Approach

Inspection and Repairs

We started with a full assessment of the floor condition. Loose boards were fixed down, gaps between boards were filled with a resin and sawdust mix, and the surface checking on the affected boards was treated before sanding began. Carrying out repairs before sanding rather than after gives a much better result as the repaired areas blend into the sanded surface cleanly.

Full Sand Back

The floor was sanded back to bare wood in stages, working from coarser to finer grits across the whole area. The goal was a completely uniform, bare surface with no remnants of the old finish. Only from this base can a stain be applied evenly.

Staining

The chosen stain was a warm mid-brown tone that the client had selected to complement the property's interior. We applied it in the direction of the grain, maintaining a wet edge throughout to avoid any lines or patches in the colour. A second coat was applied in the hallway area, where the boards had a slightly more open grain and needed the extra depth of colour.

Lacquer Finish

Three coats of a hard-wearing lacquer were applied over the dried stain, with light buffing between each coat. The result is a surface that protects the stain and provides good resistance to everyday wear and spills.

The Result

The transformation was striking. The floor came from a worn, faded surface to a richly coloured, even finish that suited the property well. Gaps and surface damage had been addressed, and the lacquer gave a clean, protective finish throughout. The client was very pleased with the result. Wood floor sanding and refinishing in SW14 and the surrounding area typically costs between £25 and £45 per square metre, with staining adding a modest increment to the overall price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a stained and lacquered floor need before it can be walked on?
The floor can usually be walked on carefully after 24 hours from the final coat. However, for normal furniture use, we recommend waiting at least 48 to 72 hours. Full cure is typically reached after five to seven days, during which time rugs and heavy furniture should be kept off.

Will staining the floor make it harder to maintain?
Stained and lacquered floors are maintained in exactly the same way as any lacquered floor. Regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping with a wood-safe cleaner are all that is needed. The lacquer protects the stain, so the colour does not fade with normal cleaning.

Can I change the stain colour in future if my tastes change?
Yes. The floor can be sanded back and restained to a different colour at any time, as long as there is sufficient board thickness remaining. Going to a darker shade is straightforward. Going lighter requires a more thorough sand to fully remove the existing colour from the wood fibres.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This Fortis Green property had original hardwood floorboards that had sustained a fair amount of damage over the years, including several boards that were beyond simple restoration and needed replacing, along with significant gaps throughout, surface wear, and loss of finish. The project involved a combination of board replacement, gap filling, full sanding, and refinishing to bring the floor back to a consistent, well-finished standard.

The Challenge

Renovation and repair work on older floors is always more complex than a straightforward sand and finish because you are dealing with the floor's history rather than starting from a blank canvas. Matching replacement boards to the existing timber is one of the more difficult parts, as the original floorboards in older properties are often a specific width, species, or grade that does not correspond directly to anything currently available off the shelf. Getting a close enough match that the repaired sections are not immediately obvious after sanding is a key part of the craftwork on projects like this.

Our Approach

Assessment and Board Replacement

We started with a full inspection of every board to determine which ones could be restored through sanding and gap filling, and which were too damaged or structurally compromised to keep. The boards requiring replacement were carefully removed and new boards were sourced to match as closely as possible in species, width, and thickness. These were fitted and secured in place before any sanding began.

Gap Filling

Once all board replacements were complete, the gaps throughout the floor were filled with a resin and sawdust mixture. This was collected during the first sanding pass to ensure the colour of the fill matched the existing timber. All gaps were properly filled and left to cure before progressing to the finishing sanding stages.

Multi-Stage Sanding

The full floor was sanded in stages, working from coarser grits to progressively finer ones. The replacement boards were blended into the existing floor surface during this process, and by the time the final fine-grit pass was complete, the new and old boards read as a consistent, unified floor surface.

Refinishing

Two coats of a hard-wearing lacquer were applied to protect the floor and provide a consistent finish across the whole area. The finish was chosen to complement the natural colour of the timber and give a clean, durable surface for everyday use.

The Result

The renovation was successful in bringing a worn and damaged floor back into good condition. The replaced boards blend well with the original ones, the gaps are gone, and the finished surface looks consistent and well-protected. The client was pleased with both the end result and the way potential problems had been identified and dealt with at the start. Renovation and repair work in London is typically priced alongside standard sanding rates of £25 to £45 per square metre, with additional costs depending on the extent of board replacement required.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you match replacement boards to an older floor?
We source materials from specialist timber suppliers who stock reclaimed and period-matched flooring. The match is rarely perfect until the floor has been sanded, at which point the age difference in the timber becomes much less noticeable. The grain and colour tend to blend well under a consistent finish.

Is it worth repairing an old floor rather than replacing it entirely?
In most cases, yes, particularly with older properties where the original boards have character that modern replacements cannot replicate. Repair and renovation is also significantly cheaper than full replacement. We always provide an honest assessment of whether renovation will achieve the result the client wants before any work begins.

How long does a floor renovation like this take?
A project combining board replacement, gap filling, and full sanding and finishing typically takes two to three days for a standard room, depending on the extent of repairs needed. We always give a realistic timeline after the initial assessment.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Hackney, E5. The floor had seen years of daily wear and was in need of attention to bring it back to a quality finish. Our team carried out a full assessment before starting work, checking for any boards that needed attention alongside the main sanding and finishing work.

Before the Work

Before work began, the floor showed typical signs of wear. Surface scratches, dull patches, and general finish deterioration were present. A thorough survey was carried out to plan the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and choose the most appropriate finish for the space.

Survey photos showing the floor condition before work:

Our Approach

The following services were carried out as part of this project:

• Beading Installation (incl. materials)
• Door Frame Trimming
• Gap Filling
• Lift & Dispose Carpets or Laminates
• Parquet - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
• Parquet Floor Fitting - No Border
• Staining
• Subfloor Preparation (ply 12 mm)
• Thresholds & Fitting (inc. materials)
• Unfinished Solid Oak Stair Nosing, 80 x 20 mm, 0.9 m
• Staining change ( Teak )

The Result

Once the sanding and finishing process was complete, the floor was transformed. The wood grain was opened up and brought back to life, the surface was smooth and even, and the new finish provided lasting protection. The client was left with a floor that looked, and performed, as good as new.

Photos of the completed work:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor sanding take?
Most residential sanding jobs are completed in one to two days, depending on floor size and condition. Lacquering or oiling adds further drying and curing time, which we factor into the job schedule.

Do I need to vacate the property during sanding?
Modern dustless sanding equipment keeps dust to a minimum, but we recommend keeping pets and young children clear of the area during the work. Most clients remain in their property throughout.

How much does floor sanding cost in London?
Prices typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on floor condition, finish type, and any repair work required. Gap filling and board replacement are priced separately if needed.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in West Kensington, W14. The floor had seen years of daily wear and was in need of attention to bring it back to a quality finish. Our team carried out a full assessment before starting work, checking for any boards that needed attention alongside the main sanding and finishing work.

Before the Work

Before work began, the floor showed typical signs of wear. Surface scratches, dull patches, and general finish deterioration were present. A thorough survey was carried out to plan the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and choose the most appropriate finish for the space.

Survey photos showing the floor condition before work:

Our Approach

The following services were carried out as part of this project:

• Floorboards - Replacement (incl. materials)
• Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
• Furniture Moving
• Gap Filling
• Staining
• Front door concrete removal
• Kitchen/ Corridor Tiles Lift & Dispose

The Result

Once the sanding and finishing process was complete, the floor was transformed. The wood grain was opened up and brought back to life, the surface was smooth and even, and the new finish provided lasting protection. The client was left with a floor that looked, and performed, as good as new.

Photos of the completed work:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor sanding take?
Most residential sanding jobs are completed in one to two days, depending on floor size and condition. Lacquering or oiling adds further drying and curing time, which we factor into the job schedule.

Do I need to vacate the property during sanding?
Modern dustless sanding equipment keeps dust to a minimum, but we recommend keeping pets and young children clear of the area during the work. Most clients remain in their property throughout.

How much does floor sanding cost in London?
Prices typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on floor condition, finish type, and any repair work required. Gap filling and board replacement are priced separately if needed.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Wandsworth, SW15. The floor had seen years of daily wear and was in need of attention to bring it back to a quality finish. Our team carried out a full assessment before starting work, checking for any boards that needed attention alongside the main sanding and finishing work.

Before the Work

Before work began, the floor showed typical signs of wear. Surface scratches, dull patches, and general finish deterioration were present. A thorough survey was carried out to plan the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and choose the most appropriate finish for the space.

Survey photos showing the floor condition before work:

Our Approach

The following services were carried out as part of this project:

• Floorboards - Replacement (incl. materials)
• Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
• Gap Filling
• Gap Filling - Pine Slivers
• Staining
• Toilet Flooring Repair/ Restoration
• Stairs - Sand, Stain & Seal

The Result

Once the sanding and finishing process was complete, the floor was transformed. The wood grain was opened up and brought back to life, the surface was smooth and even, and the new finish provided lasting protection. The client was left with a floor that looked, and performed, as good as new.

Photos of the completed work:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor sanding take?
Most residential sanding jobs are completed in one to two days, depending on floor size and condition. Lacquering or oiling adds further drying and curing time, which we factor into the job schedule.

Do I need to vacate the property during sanding?
Modern dustless sanding equipment keeps dust to a minimum, but we recommend keeping pets and young children clear of the area during the work. Most clients remain in their property throughout.

How much does floor sanding cost in London?
Prices typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on floor condition, finish type, and any repair work required. Gap filling and board replacement are priced separately if needed.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Camden, WC1X. The floor had seen years of daily wear and was in need of attention to bring it back to a quality finish. Our team carried out a full assessment before starting work, checking for any boards that needed attention alongside the main sanding and finishing work.

Before the Work

Before work began, the floor showed typical signs of wear. Surface scratches, dull patches, and general finish deterioration were present. A thorough survey was carried out to plan the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and choose the most appropriate finish for the space.

Our Approach

The following services were carried out as part of this project:

• Parquet - Sand, Buff & Oil
• Congestion& ULEZ charge ( per day)

The Result

Once the sanding and finishing process was complete, the floor was transformed. The wood grain was opened up and brought back to life, the surface was smooth and even, and the new finish provided lasting protection. The client was left with a floor that looked, and performed, as good as new.

Photos of the completed work:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor sanding take?
Most residential sanding jobs are completed in one to two days, depending on floor size and condition. Lacquering or oiling adds further drying and curing time, which we factor into the job schedule.

Do I need to vacate the property during sanding?
Modern dustless sanding equipment keeps dust to a minimum, but we recommend keeping pets and young children clear of the area during the work. Most clients remain in their property throughout.

How much does floor sanding cost in London?
Prices typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on floor condition, finish type, and any repair work required. Gap filling and board replacement are priced separately if needed.

Have a similar project? Call us on 020 88309782 or Book a Free Site Visit