Floor Sanding & Fitting
Book Free Visit Price Guide 020 88309782
Monday - Friday 07:30 - 17:30, Saturday 07:30 - 16:00
cs@flooringfirst.co.uk
020 88309782
Monday - Friday 07:30 - 17:30, Saturday 07:30 - 16:00
cs@flooringfirst.co.uk
  • Book Free Visit
  • Home
  • Floor Sanding
  • Floor Fitting
  • Floor Repairs
  • Aftercare
    • Wooden Floors
    • Cleaning & Polishing
    • Re-Oiling Wooden Floors
    • Vinyls & Linoleum
    • Vinyl Floor Polishing
    • Get a Quote...
  • For Businesses
  • Gallery
  • Service Guide
  • Shop
  • Book Free Visit

See Few Examples of Our Works

Floor Sanding, Solid, Parquet & Laminate Floor Fitting

Gallery

See Our Floor Works

WHY CHOOSE US
CASE STUDIES
PRICE GUIDE
OFFERS
GALLERY
ASK EXPERT
WHY CHOOSE US
CASE STUDIES
PRICE GUIDE
OFFERS
GALLERY
ASK EXPERT

Floor Sanding & Fitting Project Gallery

All Projects Renovations Installations

3  |   Earls Court  |   1 June 2021

Laminate flooring was newly laid in Earl's Court, SW5, improving the space with a clean and practical finish. The installation was completed with precise board placement, tidy edges, and careful detailing for a neat, well-balanced result ready for everyday use.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional installation of laminate flooring at a property in Earl's Court, SW5. The client required a quality floor that would stand up to daily use and complement their interior. Our fitting team assessed the subfloor condition, carried out any necessary preparation work, and fitted the new floor to a high standard.

Before the Work

Prior to installation, the existing floor covering was inspected and the subfloor was prepared to ensure it was flat, dry, and suitable for the new laminate. Any existing floor covering was lifted and disposed of cleanly before the fitting work began.

Our Approach

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

  • Door Frame Trimming
  • Laminate Floor Installation

The Result

The completed laminate installation looked clean and finished throughout. Joins are tight, edges are neat, and the floor sits flat and stable. Beading and threshold strips were fitted where required to complete the job properly. The client was pleased with both the quality of the work and the appearance of the new floor.

Photos of the completed work:

Laminate floor after fitting work in SW5 Laminate floor after fitting work in SW5 Laminate floor after fitting work in SW5

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does laminate installation take?
Most fitting jobs are completed within one to two days. Larger areas or more detailed layouts such as herringbone patterns take longer due to the additional cutting and positioning involved.

Do I need underlay?
Yes, underlay is required for most floor types and helps with insulation, sound deadening, and levelling minor subfloor imperfections. We can supply and fit appropriate underlay as part of the installation.

How much does floor fitting cost in London?
Fitting costs typically range from £35 to £60 per square metre depending on floor type and complexity. We provide a full written quote before starting any work.

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

Close
6  |   Kensington  |   1 June 2021

A hardwood floor in Kensington, W8 was brought back to a clean, natural look using modern dustless sanding methods. Surface wear was removed and the timber carefully refinished, resulting in a smooth, well-balanced finish suitable for everyday use.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Kensington, W8. 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:

Floor condition before work at W8 Floor condition before work at W8 Floor condition before work at W8

Our Approach

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

  • Furniture Moving
  • Hardwood - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
  • Stairs - Sand & Seal
  • Thresholds & Fitting (inc. materials)
  • Solid Oak Scotia Beading, Lacquered, 19x19 mm, 2.0 m

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:

Hardwood floor after sanding work in W8 Hardwood floor after sanding work in W8 Hardwood floor after sanding work in W8

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

Close
4  |   Islington  |   1 June 2021

A hardwood floor in Kensington, W8 was brought back to a clean, natural look using modern dustless sanding methods. Surface wear was removed and the timber carefully refinished, resulting in a smooth, well-balanced finish suitable for everyday use.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Islington, EC1V. 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:

Floor condition before work at EC1V

Our Approach

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

  • Extra Day Surcharge
  • Furniture Moving
  • Hardwood - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
  • Moving Furniture Back

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:

Hardwood floor after sanding work in EC1V Hardwood floor after sanding work in EC1V Hardwood floor after sanding work in EC1V

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

Close
3  |   Southfields  |   1 June 2021

These floorboards in Southfields, SW18 were refreshed using modern dustless sanding techniques. Signs of wear were carefully addressed, resulting in a smooth, clean surface with a neat, well-balanced finish ready for daily use.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Southfields, 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.

Our Approach

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

  • Floorboards - Replacement (incl. materials)
  • Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
  • Gap Filling
  • Pine Slivers ( 30 lm) supply & fit

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:

Floorboards floor after sanding work in SW18 Floorboards floor after sanding work in SW18 Floorboards floor after sanding work in SW18

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

Close
4  |   Leyton  |   1 June 2021

A parquet floor in Leyton, E10 was carefully reworked using modern dustless sanding techniques. Surface wear was removed and the wood blocks were refinished, creating a smooth, clean look with a neat, well-balanced finish ready for everyday use.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Leyton, E10. 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:

Floor condition before work at E10 Floor condition before work at E10 Floor condition before work at E10

Our Approach

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

  • Doors Plus Frame Trimming (per door)
  • Furniture Moving
  • Gap Filling
  • Kitchen Plinths Trimming
  • Lift & Dispose Hardwood Flooring
  • Parquet - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
  • Parquet Floor Fitting - No Border
  • Skirting Board Removal
  • Skirting Boards Installation (incl. materials)
  • Staining
  • Subfloor Preparation (ply 3.6 - 6.0 mm)
  • Thresholds & Fitting (inc. materials)
  • Oak Parquet Flooring Blocks, Natural, 70x350x20 mm

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:

Parquet floor after sanding work in E10 Parquet floor after sanding work in E10 Parquet floor after sanding work in E10

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

Close
6  |   Northwest London  |   1 June 2021

A parquet floor in North West London, NW3 was carefully reworked using advanced dustless sanding techniques. Signs of wear were removed, revealing a smooth, refreshed surface with a natural, long-lasting finish.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in North West London, NW3. 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:

Floor condition before work at NW3 Floor condition before work at NW3 Floor condition before work at NW3

Our Approach

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

  • Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
  • Gap Filling
  • Parquet - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
  • Thresholds & Fitting (inc. materials)

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:

Parquet floor after sanding work in NW3 Parquet floor after sanding work in NW3 Parquet floor after sanding work in NW3

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

Close
10  |   Hither Green  |   1 May 2021

Sanding and sealing with lacquer finishes are both processes that enhance the durability and beauty of an engineered wood floor and protect it from potential issues. Check out the amazing results achieved for this engineered wood floor in Hither Green.

Case studies
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 4
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 5
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 6
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 7
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 8
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 9
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 10
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 11
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 12
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in Hither Green 13

Project Overview

This engineered wood floor in Hither Green had accumulated years of surface wear and was beginning to show scratches, dull patches and scuff marks that were spoiling the appearance of an otherwise good-quality floor. Engineered wood floors can be sanded and refinished just like solid wood, though the number of times this can be done is limited by the thickness of the hardwood top layer. In this case, the floor had plenty of wear layer remaining, making a full sanding and lacquering the correct solution. The result returned the floor to a condition that looked and felt brand new.

Engineered wood floor being sanded in Hither Green

The Challenge

Engineered floors require more caution during sanding than solid boards because there is less material to work with above the ply core. Applying too aggressive a grit or making too many passes removes too much of the hardwood lamella and can expose the plywood beneath. The initial grit selection has to be carefully judged: coarse enough to remove the old finish and surface imperfections efficiently, but not so heavy that it cuts through the wear layer before the job is done. The sanding equipment used needs to be correctly set up for the thickness of the top layer and checked regularly during the job to confirm progress.

Engineered floor mid-sanding process in Hither Green

Our Approach

Pre-sanding assessment. We checked the wear layer depth at several points across the floor before starting. This confirmed there was sufficient material to proceed with a full sand.

Controlled sanding sequence. The floor was sanded using a sequence of grits starting at medium rather than coarse, given the engineered construction. This approach takes slightly longer but is the right method for protecting the wear layer. Multiple passes at increasing fineness brought the surface to a smooth, even finish throughout.

Edge sanding and detailing. The perimeter was worked with an edge sander and the corners finished by hand to ensure the whole floor was consistent.

Lacquer application. Two coats of lacquer were applied with adequate curing time between coats. Lacquer was the chosen finish because of the high level of traffic in the main living areas of this property. The hard film it creates is the most effective protection for an engineered floor in daily use.

Detail of engineered wood floor sanding in Hither Green

The Result

The finished floor was smooth, bright and well-protected. All the scratches and scuff marks had been removed, the colour of the wood came back to life under the lacquer, and the surface felt solid and even underfoot. The owners now have a floor that looks as good as it did when it was first installed. With proper care and periodic maintenance, engineered floors can be kept in this condition for many years before needing another sanding cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know whether my engineered floor can be sanded?
The key factor is the thickness of the hardwood wear layer on top. Most engineered floors have a layer of between 3mm and 6mm. If the layer is at least 3mm, a light sand is usually safe. A professional can measure the thickness before starting and advise on what is possible.

Is lacquer the best finish for an engineered wood floor?
Lacquer is a very practical choice for high-traffic areas because it creates a hard, durable surface film. Oil finishes are also suitable and give a more natural look, but they need re-applying more often. The right choice depends on use and personal preference.

How long before I can use the floor after lacquering?
Most lacquers are touch-dry within a few hours and can take light foot traffic after around 24 hours. Full hardness is usually reached after five to seven days. During this period, avoid dragging furniture across the surface.

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

Close
11  |   Pimlico  |   1 May 2021

Engineered wood floors are easy to maintain in perfect condition. A few small repairs, thorough sanding and a couple of layer of oil finish, turned this worn engineered wood floor in Pimlico into something suitable for a magazine cover.

Case studies
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 1
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 2
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 3
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 4
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 5
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 6
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 7
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 8
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 9
  • Engineered wood floor sanding, repair and re-oiling in Pimlico 10

Project Overview

This engineered wood floor in Pimlico had been in place for several years and was beginning to show a range of problems: a handful of damaged boards, gaps opening between others, and a finish that no longer offered any meaningful protection. The owner wanted the floor restored to a standard fit for a Pimlico flat, and the combination of targeted board repairs, gap filling and a full sand and re-oil achieved exactly that. The total scope of work was larger than a straightforward refinish but smaller than a full floor replacement, and the result justified the decision to restore.

Engineered wood floor before repair and sanding in Pimlico

The Challenge

The combination of repairs, gap filling and refinishing on an engineered floor is more technically demanding than any one of those tasks in isolation. The repaired boards need to sit perfectly flush with the surrounding floor before sanding, or the sanding machine will either leave a ridge at the junction or sand through the new board more quickly than the surrounding original material. The gap filling compound also needed to be applied carefully to avoid contaminating the surface of the boards on either side of the gap, which would show up as patchy discolouration under the oil finish. Getting all three elements right in the correct sequence is the difference between a tidy, professional result and one that looks patchwork.

Damaged boards identified before repair in Pimlico

Our Approach

Board repairs first. Damaged boards were removed and replaced with matching engineered boards. Any boards that were simply loose or squeaking were re-secured with flooring adhesive and left to cure before sanding began.

Gap filling. Gaps between boards were filled with a flexible resin compound mixed with wood dust to match the floor colour. The filler was applied, allowed to cure, and then lightly sanded flush with the surface.

Sanding. The floor was sanded using a controlled sequence of grits appropriate for engineered wood. Starting with a medium grit to remove the old finish and flatten all repairs, progressing to fine grits for a smooth, consistent surface throughout. Edge sanding completed the perimeter.

Oil finish application. An oil finish was applied in two coats. Oil was chosen because it penetrates into the wood's structure rather than sitting on top, providing protection from within and giving a natural, warm appearance that suits the character of the property.

Sanding the engineered wood floor in Pimlico

The Result

The repaired and refinished floor looked clean, uniform and well-maintained. The replacement boards blended effectively after sanding, the gaps were eliminated, and the oil finish gave the whole surface a warm, natural appearance. The owner now has a floor that is structurally sound, properly protected and considerably more attractive than it was when we arrived. Oil finishes do need re-applying periodically, but maintenance is straightforward and does not require any sanding between top-up coats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can damaged engineered boards be replaced without replacing the entire floor?
Yes, in most cases. As long as matching boards can be sourced, individual damaged boards can be removed and replaced. The whole floor is then sanded, which ensures a uniform appearance across old and new boards.

What is the difference between oil and lacquer for engineered floors?
Lacquer sits on top of the wood as a hard film, while oil penetrates into the grain. Lacquer is more scratch-resistant in the short term; oil looks more natural and is easier to maintain and spot-repair. Both are suitable finishes depending on the use and preference of the owner.

How often does an oiled engineered floor need maintenance?
In a well-used residential property, an oiled floor usually benefits from a maintenance oil coat every one to two years. This does not require sanding; the existing oil is lightly buffed and a new coat applied on top.

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

Close
17  |   Bow  |   1 May 2021

Vinyl flooring grows in popularity because of its durability, affordable price and great look. For this Bow project we have achieved perfect results and fitted a beautiful vinyl herringbone pattern floor that resembles the beauty of a real parquet floor.

Case studies

Project Overview

This fitting project in Bow involved the installation of a luxury vinyl floor in a herringbone pattern across the main living areas of a residential property. The clients had selected a vinyl product designed to replicate the look of real wood parquet and wanted the classic herringbone layout that is popular in period London interiors. Modern luxury vinyl flooring has improved dramatically in quality and realism, and a well-installed herringbone vinyl floor can be a very attractive and practical alternative to real parquet at a significantly lower cost. Fitting costs for vinyl in London typically run from £35 to £60 per square metre for a standard installation, though herringbone layouts require additional time due to the precision involved in setting out the pattern.

Room before vinyl flooring installation in Bow

The Challenge

A herringbone pattern is the most layout-sensitive of all floor designs. If the starting point is not precisely set, the pattern will drift visibly towards one wall by the time you reach the other side of the room. Setting out requires careful measurement of the room's geometry, identifying the true centre point and establishing a perfectly square reference grid before any plank is clicked into place. This room also had several doorways and an alcove that required the pattern to be carefully cut and maintained through the transitions without losing the herringbone rhythm. Getting the cut at each doorway to align correctly with the incoming planks took considerable care.

Subfloor preparation before vinyl installation in Bow

Our Approach

Subfloor preparation. The existing subfloor was checked for levelness and any high spots were addressed. Vinyl flooring is less forgiving than carpet over subfloor irregularities, because imperfections can telegraph through the planks and cause the clicks to work loose over time.

Setting out the pattern. We measured the room carefully and established the central axis and reference lines in pencil before starting. The first planks were laid from the centre outward to ensure the pattern was balanced on both sides of the room.

Laying the planks. The click-together vinyl planks were laid progressively outward from the centre, cutting each perimeter plank precisely to maintain the herringbone angle at the edges. Doorways and transitions were handled individually to ensure clean, tight joins.

Finishing touches. Beading was fitted around the perimeter to cover the expansion gap and give a clean edge. Threshold strips were fitted at doorways to protect the cut edges of the floor and provide a tidy transition to other floor surfaces.

Herringbone vinyl floor being laid in Bow

The Result

The finished floor looked considerably better than the clients had anticipated. The herringbone pattern ran consistently and crisply across the whole room, the perimeter beading gave a neat finish to the edges, and the threshold strips looked tidy at each doorway. The floor had the visual impact of a real parquet floor at a fraction of the cost, and the vinyl material is far more resilient to spills and moisture than real wood, which is a practical benefit in a busy London home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is professional fitting necessary for herringbone vinyl, or is it a DIY job?
The click system makes the planks themselves easy to handle, but achieving a precise herringbone layout requires accurate setting-out that most DIY installers struggle with. A pattern that starts slightly off-square will visibly skew by the time it reaches the far wall. Professional fitting ensures the pattern looks right across the whole room.

Can luxury vinyl herringbone be fitted over existing flooring?
In many cases yes, provided the existing floor is sound, level and firmly bonded to the subfloor. Vinyl should not be fitted over a floor that has any give or movement, as this will cause the click joints to work loose over time.

How does luxury vinyl compare to real parquet in terms of durability?
Vinyl is generally more resistant to moisture and spills than real wood and does not require any sanding or refinishing over its lifetime. Real wood parquet, however, can be sanded and restored many times and tends to last much longer overall. The right choice depends on the client's budget and priorities.

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

Close
8  |   St. Albans  |   1 May 2021

The proper and regular upkeep for engineered wood flooring consists of occasional sanding and refinishing to remove all scratches and ensure lasting protection for the floor. See how much of a difference a professional refinishing service can make - take a look at our recent St Albans project.

Case studies
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans 1
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans 2
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans 3
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans 4
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans 5
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans 6
  • Engineered wood floor sanding and lacquering in St Albans 7

Project Overview

This engineered wood floor in St Albans had accumulated significant surface wear over the years and had reached the point where the old lacquer finish offered little protection and the floor simply looked tired. The owners contacted us for a professional sanding and relacquering service to restore the floor to its original condition. Engineered wood floors can be sanded and refinished when the wear layer above the ply core is thick enough, and in this case there was sufficient material to carry out a full sand. The project was completed with minimal disruption and the results were exactly what the owners were looking for.

Engineered wood floor before sanding in St Albans

The Challenge

One of the most important aspects of sanding an engineered wood floor is controlling the amount of material removed. The top hardwood layer on this floor was sufficient for a full sand, but the operation still required careful machine setup and consistent passes to avoid removing too much material in any one area. The previous finish had also been applied quite thickly in places, meaning the initial passes needed to be thorough enough to cut through the old lacquer completely, without going too deep into the underlying wood. Achieving a completely even surface across a full room, including the areas near walls where the large drum sander cannot reach, is always a test of technique.

Surface of engineered floor before sanding in St Albans

Our Approach

Condition assessment. We checked the thickness of the wear layer at several points and confirmed the floor could take a full sand. We also noted the areas of heaviest wear and the state of the previous finish to plan the grit sequence appropriately.

Main floor sanding. Starting with a medium grit to cut through the old finish and surface imperfections, we worked progressively through finer grits to produce a smooth, consistent surface. The advanced sanding equipment used collects the vast majority of dust during the process, leaving very little residue to clean up afterwards.

Edge and corner work. The perimeter was sanded with an edge sander, and corners were completed by hand scraper to ensure no finish remained near the walls.

Lacquer finish. Two coats of lacquer were applied with full curing time between coats. The lacquer creates a hard, clear film on the surface that protects against scratches and everyday wear while allowing the natural appearance of the wood to show clearly.

Sanding the engineered floor in St Albans

The Result

The floor looked completely renewed after the sanding and lacquering. The surface was even and smooth throughout, the lacquer gave a clear, consistent sheen, and all the scratches and scuff marks from the previous years of use had been removed. The owners were very pleased with the outcome, and the floor is now well-protected for many years of continued use before another sand will be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my engineered floor has enough wear layer left for sanding?
The safe way to check is to have a professional measure the thickness of the top layer before starting. Most engineered floors with a 3mm or thicker wear layer can take at least one full sand. Floors with a 2mm layer can usually manage a light buff and re-coat but not a full sand.

Does professional sanding equipment create a lot of dust?
Modern professional sanding equipment is fitted with dust extraction systems that collect most of the material during sanding. There is always some fine dust that settles in the room, but the quantity is significantly less than older belt sander systems, and a quick clean-up is all that is needed after the job.

How long does a professional sanding and lacquering job take?
A standard room of 20 to 30 square metres typically takes one day for sanding and the application of the first lacquer coat, and a second visit the following day for the final coat. The floor can usually be walked on lightly within 24 hours of the last coat.

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

Close

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30
  • 31
  • 32
  • 33
  • 34
  • 35
  • 36
  • 37
  • 38
  • 39
  • 40
  • 41
  • 42
  • 43
  • 44
  • 45
  • 46
  • 47
  • 48
  • 49
  • 50
  • 51
  • 52
  • 53
  • 54
  • 55
  • 56
  • 57
  • 58
  • 59
  • 60
  • 61
  • 62
  • 63
  • 64
  • 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77

Have a similar project?

Call us on 020 88309782 or book a free site visit

Book Free Site Visit

Our Flooring Company

Contacts & Showroom Book Free Site Survey About Our Flooring Company Join Our Team Work as a Contractor

Service Information

Terms of Service Terms of Sales Deliveries & Charges Cookie Settings Returns Policy Privacy Policy

Help

FAQs Case Studies Sitemap Glossary
𝕏
FlooringFirst! Services
158 Coles Green Road
London, NW2 7HW
T: 020 88309782
Floor Sanding Services: Central London, East London, Near London, North London, Northwest London, Southeast London, Southwest London, West London
Wood Floor Installation Service: Central London, East London, Near London, North London, Northwest London, Southeast London, Southwest London, West London

  • Flooring Services
  • Floor Sanding
    • Wood Floor Staining
    • Wood Floor Gap Filling
    • Commercial Floor Sanding
    • Engineered Floor Sanding & Refinishing
  • Wood Floor Fitting
    • Parquet Floor Installation
    • Laminate Floor Installation
    • Engineered Wood Floor Installation - Supply & Fit
    • Solid Wood Floor Fitting - Supply & Fit
    • LVT Floor Installation - Supply & Fit
  • Floor Repairs
    • Parquet Floor Repair and Restoration
    • Engineered Wood Floor Repairs
    • Wood Floor Scratch Repair
    • Floorboards Replacement
  • Care & Maintenance
    • Re-Oiling & Recoating Oiled Floors
    • Vinyl & Linoleum Cleaning
    • Hardwood Floor Buffing
    • Wood Floor Polishing
  • Shop
  • Shop
  • Gallery
  • Service Guide
  • Bookings
  • Book Free Survey
  • Service Advice
  • Product Advice