Floor Sanding & Fitting Project Gallery

Project Overview

This project in Walworth involved fitting engineered wood flooring with an acoustic underlay across the main floor of a first-floor flat. The clients had an older, worn floor that they wanted to replace with a stylish but practical alternative. They chose a rustic-grade engineered oak for its character and warmth, and our recommendation to use a high-performance acoustic underlay was accepted immediately, given their concern about noise impact on the flat below. The job covered the living room, hallway and two bedrooms.

The Challenge

The main challenge on this project was meeting the building's noise reduction requirements while also keeping the floor height increase to a minimum. High-performance acoustic underlays are thicker than standard foam underlays, which adds height. In this flat, several doorframes had limited clearance and we had to confirm the finished floor height before proceeding to ensure doors would clear the new surface. A couple of doors required the bottoms trimming once the floor was in, which we carried out on site.

Our Approach

• Strip-out: The old flooring was removed and the subfloor inspected for level and stability.
• Door height check: All internal doors were measured against the planned finished floor height to identify which ones would need trimming.
• Acoustic underlay: The specified acoustic underlay was laid and taped at all joints to form a continuous layer, providing both impact sound and thermal insulation.
• Engineered wood fitting: Rustic oak engineered boards were laid using a floating click-lock method, maintaining consistent expansion gaps at all walls and fixed points.
• Door trimming: Two internal doors were planed along the bottom edge on site to clear the new floor level.
• Trims: Matching beading and transition strips were fitted throughout to give a clean finish at all edges.

The Result

The finished floor looked excellent and the acoustic performance was immediately apparent -- the clients noticed a significant reduction in the hollow sound underfoot compared with the previous flooring. The rustic oak character added warmth and personality to the rooms. Engineered wood flooring supply and fit in London typically costs between £35 and £60 per square metre depending on the grade and profile chosen, with acoustic underlays adding a modest premium over standard products. The overall result was a floor the clients were very happy with and that met all the building's requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does all flooring in flats need an acoustic underlay?
Most leases for flats in England and Wales include a requirement for floor coverings to meet a minimum impact sound reduction standard. We always recommend checking your lease before fitting and can advise on underlay specifications that meet typical requirements.

What is rustic grade engineered wood?
Rustic grade boards include a greater number of natural features such as knots, colour variation and grain character. This is different from prime or select grade, which is more uniform. Rustic grade is popular for its warmer and more natural appearance.

Can engineered wood be fitted over underfloor heating?
Yes, engineered wood is generally more stable than solid wood and well suited to use over underfloor heating systems. Board thickness and species affect how efficiently heat transfers through, and we can advise on the best options at the survey stage.

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

Project Overview

This engineered wood flooring installation in Abbey Wood replaced a solid wood floor that had been damaged beyond economical repair by repeated moisture fluctuations. The clients had chosen to move to engineered boards, which have a more dimensionally stable construction and are better suited to homes where humidity levels vary throughout the year. We fitted the new floor across the ground floor of the property, covering the living room, dining area and hallway.

The Challenge

The existing subfloor had been affected by the same moisture issues that had damaged the old solid wood floor. Before the new engineered boards could go down, the subfloor needed to be dried out properly and in some areas replaced where it had deteriorated. We also needed to identify and address the source of the moisture ingress before fitting -- there was no point fitting a new floor on a subfloor that was still damp. The moisture issue turned out to be a failed damp-proof membrane in part of the ground floor, which was treated and sealed before we proceeded.

Our Approach

• Subfloor investigation: Moisture readings were taken across the full area before any work began. Problem areas were mapped and the source of moisture identified.
• Remediation: The failed damp-proof membrane section was treated. Affected subfloor sections were replaced and allowed to dry to an acceptable moisture level before fitting.
• Acclimatisation: Engineered boards were left in the property for several days to adjust to the ambient conditions before fitting began.
• Installation: Boards were glued down to the subfloor rather than floated, which provides a more stable result in an environment with known moisture history. Gluing down also eliminates the hollow sound underfoot that floating installations can sometimes produce.
• Finishing: Expansion gaps were fitted at all walls and covered with matching beading. A final protective oil coat was applied across the whole floor.

The Result

The new floor looked fantastic and the clients immediately noticed how much more stable and solid it felt compared with the old floor in its later years. By addressing the moisture issue properly before fitting, we gave the new floor the best possible start. Engineered wood flooring supply and installation typically runs between £35 and £60 per square metre. The additional work on the subfloor was costed separately and transparently, and the clients felt the overall investment was excellent value given the quality of the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is engineered wood more stable than solid wood?
Engineered wood has a real wood top layer bonded to a core made of multiple layers of plywood or HDF. These layers are laid at opposing angles, which counteracts the natural tendency of wood to expand and contract with moisture changes. This makes it more suitable for ground floors and environments with variable humidity.

Should engineered wood be glued down or floated?
Both methods work well in different circumstances. Gluing down is preferable where the subfloor has a history of moisture issues or where a very solid feel underfoot is required. Floating is faster and makes the floor easier to remove in future if needed. We advise on the best method at the survey stage.

Do you cover Abbey Wood and southeast London?
Yes. We work across southeast London including Abbey Wood, Woolwich, Plumstead and the wider DA and SE postcode areas.

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

Project Overview

This project in Northwest London involved fitting engineered wood flooring along with a full set of flooring accessories to achieve a complete, professional finish throughout the property. The clients had selected the boards themselves and asked us to supply all the accessories -- skirting, beading, threshold strips, and reducer profiles -- and to fit everything as a complete package. The project covered multiple rooms across two floors, each with slightly different subfloor conditions and doorframe configurations.

The Challenge

Managing accessories across a multi-room project requires accurate pre-measurement and coordination to ensure consistent materials throughout. Different rooms also had different transition requirements -- some doorways connected rooms at the same level while others had small height differences that needed reducer strips rather than flat transitions. Matching all accessories to the board tone required careful selection, and a couple of the original samples supplied did not match well enough, so we arranged alternatives before the fit day.

Our Approach

• Pre-fit survey: All rooms were measured and accessory requirements calculated in detail to avoid any shortfalls on the day.
• Subfloor preparation: Any uneven areas were levelled and the subfloor cleaned before fitting began.
• Board fitting: Engineered boards were laid room by room using a floating method, maintaining consistent expansion gaps and staggering joints between rows.
• Skirting installation: Existing skirting was removed and replaced with new matching skirting boards, neatly mitred at corners and scribed to any uneven walls.
• Threshold and transition strips: All doorway transitions were fitted with the appropriate profile -- flat T-bars where floors met at the same height and reducers where there was a step.
• Beading: Floor-to-skirting beading was used in areas where the existing skirting was retained, to cover the expansion gap cleanly.

The Result

The completed project had a consistent, polished look throughout the property. Having matching accessories fitted at the same time as the floor made a significant difference to the finished appearance -- all transitions and edges were neat and intentional rather than an afterthought. Engineered wood floor installation in London costs between £35 and £60 per square metre for the boards and fitting, with accessories and skirting costed separately. The clients were very pleased with the result and the way all elements came together as a single cohesive floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flooring accessories are typically needed for an installation?
Most installations need at minimum some form of edge trim or beading to cover the expansion gap at the walls, and transition strips at all doorways. Skirting boards are fitted where the existing skirting is being replaced. Reducers or ramp profiles are needed where the new floor meets a lower surface such as tiles or carpet.

Do you supply accessories as well as fit them?
Yes. We can supply a full range of accessories that are matched or co-ordinated to the boards. This saves clients the time of sourcing each component separately and ensures compatibility.

Can engineered wood be fitted on the first floor as well as the ground floor?
Yes. Engineered wood is suitable for any floor level. On upper floors, we always check the subfloor condition and recommend an acoustic underlay where noise transmission to the floor below is a concern.

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

Project Overview

This project in Willesden was one of the most varied we have undertaken in a single residential property. The scope included engineered wood flooring installation in the main living areas, vinyl flooring in the kitchen and bathroom, hardwood floor sanding, buffing and lacquering in an existing bedroom floor, and gap filling and staining in the hallway. The clients were doing a full refurbishment and wanted all flooring handled by a single contractor to keep coordination simple and the finished look consistent across the property.

The Challenge

Managing multiple flooring types simultaneously in a single property requires careful scheduling so that wet processes such as staining and lacquering do not hold up other areas or get contaminated by dust from sanding. We planned the sequence carefully: strip-out and subfloor preparation first across the whole property, then vinyl installation in the wet rooms, followed by engineered fitting in the living rooms, and finally sanding, staining and lacquering in the bedroom and hallway after all other work was complete. Keeping the dust from the sanding operation contained was also important given the fresh installations elsewhere.

Our Approach

• Sequencing: A detailed daily schedule was agreed before work began to ensure each trade area was ready before the relevant team moved in.
• Vinyl fitting: Kitchen and bathroom vinyl was cut and laid on prepared subfloors with full adhesive bonding to prevent movement in wet conditions.
• Engineered fitting: Living room engineered boards were laid floating over an acoustic underlay, with expansion gaps maintained throughout.
• Gap filling and sanding: The hallway hardwood received gap filling first, followed by machine sanding once the filler had cured.
• Staining: A warm mid-tone stain was applied to the hallway to tie it visually to the engineered boards in the adjacent rooms.
• Lacquering: All sanded areas received two coats of satin lacquer to complete the job.

The Result

The finished property had a consistent, well-thought-out flooring scheme throughout. The stained hallway bridged the gap between the new engineered boards in the reception rooms and the existing bedroom floor, making the whole ground floor feel connected. The vinyl in the wet rooms was practical and looked sharp. Having one contractor handle everything saved the clients a considerable amount of coordination time and produced a result that felt planned rather than piecemeal. Fitting costs typically run between £35 and £60 per square metre for engineered boards, with sanding and finishing at £25 to £45 per square metre for the restoration elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you handle multiple flooring types in one project?
Yes. We regularly work on properties where different rooms require different flooring solutions. Managing the sequencing and transitions between floor types is something we plan carefully at the survey stage.

What are the benefits of vinyl flooring in kitchens and bathrooms?
Modern vinyl flooring is fully waterproof, easy to clean, warm underfoot and available in a wide range of designs including stone and wood looks. It can also be fitted over most existing subfloors without the height build-up of other options.

Do you work in Willesden and the NW10 area?
Yes. We cover Willesden, Harlesden, Cricklewood, Kilburn and the surrounding north-west London postcodes. Contact us to arrange a free survey.

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

Project Overview

This was a challenging and rewarding wood floor renovation project in Stoke Newington. The floor was a wide-board solid wood installation that had seen years of heavy use and had received no professional maintenance in a long time. Several boards were damaged, there were open gaps throughout, and the surface finish had worn down to bare wood in places. The clients wanted the floor repaired, refinished and stained darker to match a recently updated interior. Our team handled the complete job from board replacement to final staining and lacquering.

The Challenge

Wide-board floors are more demanding to work with than narrow-board floors. The boards move more with seasonal humidity changes, which means gaps are often wider, and the boards themselves are heavier and can be harder to remove and replace without disturbing adjacent boards. Sanding wide boards also requires more attention to keeping the machine flat and level across the width of each board to avoid dishing. Getting the stain to penetrate evenly across both old and new boards required careful surface preparation, particularly on the replacement boards which were newer and had a tighter grain.

Our Approach

• Board replacement: Damaged boards were lifted individually and replaced with matching wide-board timber. New boards were secured with both adhesive and nailing for long-term stability.
• Gap filling: All significant gaps throughout the floor were filled with a sawdust-and-resin compound mixed to match the board colour as closely as possible.
• Sanding: A progressive sanding sequence from coarse to fine grit levelled the repaired areas and prepared the full surface for staining. Extra care was taken on the wide boards to avoid any dishing across the board width.
• Grain preparation on new boards: New replacement boards were lightly abraded by hand before staining to open the grain and encourage even pigment uptake.
• Staining: The agreed dark stain was applied and worked into the grain evenly. A second coat was applied to areas that needed more depth of colour.
• Lacquering: Two coats of hardwearing lacquer completed the job, protecting the stain and producing a consistent surface finish.

The Result

The transformation was considerable. What had been a tired, worn and gapped floor became a striking dark-stained wide-board floor that suited the updated interior perfectly. The repaired sections were not visible under the stain, and the gap filling had closed the most obvious gaps while leaving a natural look. The clients were extremely pleased with the result and described it as one of the best decisions they had made during their renovation. Sanding and refinishing a floor in this condition costs between £25 and £45 per square metre, with board replacement and gap filling costed based on the extent of work needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wide-board floors harder to sand than narrow-board floors?
They require a bit more care, particularly around keeping the sanding machine flat across the board width, but they are not dramatically harder to work with. The main additional consideration is that wide boards move more with humidity changes, so gap filling needs to account for some residual seasonal movement.

How dark can you stain a wood floor?
You can go from a very light honey tone through to an almost black finish depending on the stain and the number of coats applied. We always do a test patch on an inconspicuous area or offcut before committing to the full floor so the client can see exactly what the finished colour will look like.

Do you cover Stoke Newington and north-east London?
Yes. We work regularly in Stoke Newington, Hackney, Islington, Dalston and the wider N and E postcode areas. Contact us to arrange a free survey and quote.

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

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 Lewisham, SE13. The floor had seen years of daily wear and needed attention to restore its 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 conducted to determine the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and select the most appropriate finish for the space.

Our Approach

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

• 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 in Lewisham, SE13 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 in Lewisham, SE13?
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 Lewisham, SE13?
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 Bromley, BR2. The floor had seen years of daily wear and needed attention to restore its 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 conducted to determine the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and select 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 (excl. materials)
• Floorboards - Replacement (incl. materials)
• Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
• Gap Filling
• Gap Filling - Pine Slivers
• Lift & Dispose Carpets or Laminates
• Staining
• 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 in Bromley, BR2 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 in Bromley, BR2?
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 Bromley, BR2?
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 Kensington, W10. The floor had seen years of daily wear and needed attention to restore its 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 conducted to determine the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and select 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 - Fireplace Heart Removal
• Floorboards - Replacement (incl. materials)
• Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
• Gap Filling
• Gap Filling - Pine Slivers
• Reclaimed Floorboards

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 in Kensington, W10 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 in Kensington, W10?
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 Kensington, W10?
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 Hackney, N4. The floor had seen years of daily wear and needed attention to restore its 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 conducted to determine the correct sanding depth, assess board condition, and select the most appropriate finish for the space.

Our Approach

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

• Beading Installation (incl. materials)
• Floorboards - Replacement (incl. materials)
• Floorboards - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
• Gap Filling
• Gap Filling - Pine Slivers
• Skirting Boards Installation (incl. materials)
• Staining
• Stairs Step Fitting (Wooden Floors)

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 in Hackney, N4 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 in Hackney, N4?
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 Hackney, N4?
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