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Floor Sanding & Fitting Project Gallery

All Projects Renovations Installations

6  |   Chingford  |   December 2025

Professional parquet floor sanding and restoration in Chingford, E4. Our team filled the gaps, sanded, buffed and lacquered the parquet back to a clean, even finish with the natural timber character fully restored.

Case studies

Before the Work

The parquet floor at this Chingford, E4 property had accumulated years of wear. Surface scratches and a dull, patchy finish had dulled the appearance of what was clearly a good quality original floor. Gaps had also opened between the blocks — a common issue in East London properties where older parquet was laid directly onto a screed or timber subfloor that has since moved slightly with age. The full condition of the timber, block adhesion, gap sizes and finish were assessed during the initial site visit before any work was agreed.

Floor condition before work, Chingford Floor condition before work, Chingford

Our Approach

Before sanding began, the gaps between parquet blocks were filled using a flexible wood filler, colour-matched to the timber to blend into the finished floor rather than read as visible repairs. Filling before sanding is important — it allows the filler to be sanded flush with the surface rather than applied as a cosmetic top-up after the fact.

With gaps filled and cured, the floor was sanded using a rotary machine working in the direction that best followed the block pattern. Parquet requires more care than straight-run floors because the blocks run in multiple directions — sanding with the wrong approach leaves visible cross-grain scratches that show clearly under lacquer. The surface was then buffed with a fine pad to create a consistent, smooth base before lacquering.

Three coats of water-based lacquer were applied, with a light sand between each coat. Water-based lacquer dries quickly, has minimal odour and does not yellow over time — practical advantages in a lived-in home.

The Result

 

The restored parquet floor looks as it should — clean, even and full of the natural warmth that makes this type of floor worth preserving. The grain and colour variation across the blocks is clearly visible now that the old build-up of finish has been removed. Gaps are filled and flush, the lacquer coat is smooth and consistent, and the edges and transitions complete the room properly. All work was signed off by the client on the day. Typical costs for parquet sanding and restoration in East London range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on block condition, gap filling requirements and finish selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is parquet flooring common in Chingford and the E4 area? Yes. A large proportion of properties in Chingford and across East London were built in the interwar and postwar periods, and many still have their original parquet floors beneath carpets or later coverings. These floors are almost always worth restoring — the timber is typically good quality and the blocks, once properly sanded and finished, outlast most modern flooring alternatives.

How do you fill gaps in parquet without it looking obvious? We use a flexible wood filler that is colour-matched to the species and tone of the timber. The filler is applied before sanding so it can be levelled flush with the surface during the sanding process. Under a coat of lacquer, well-matched gap filling is not noticeable at normal viewing distance.

How many times can parquet be sanded? Most original parquet blocks are thick enough to be sanded several times over their lifetime. Typical block thickness is 18 to 22mm, which allows for multiple full restorations. We check block thickness and condition during the initial survey so we can give an honest assessment before any work begins.

Do you carry out parquet restoration in Chingford and nearby areas? Yes. We work regularly across E4 and the surrounding postcodes including Highams Park, Walthamstow, Woodford and Loughton. Call us on 020 88309782 or book a free site visit to discuss your parquet floor.

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5  |   Crystal Palace  |   December 2025

Professional floor sanding and restoration in Crystal Palace, SE19. Our team lifted and replaced damaged floorboards with reclaimed timber, filled the gaps, then sanded, buffed and lacquered the whole floor to a clean, even finish throughout.

Case studies

Before the Work

The floorboards at this SE19 property were in mixed condition. Some sections showed standard wear — surface scratches, gaps and a finish that had dulled over years of daily use. Other sections had boards that were too damaged to restore and needed to be lifted and replaced before any sanding could take place. Crystal Palace has a high concentration of Victorian and Edwardian terraces, and original floorboards in these properties vary considerably in condition depending on how they have been maintained and what has been laid over them in the intervening decades. A thorough assessment was carried out during the initial visit to map the full extent of the work before anything was agreed or priced.

Our Approach

The damaged floorboards were lifted first and disposed of cleanly. Reclaimed floorboards were sourced and installed onto the existing joists in their place — reclaimed timber is the right choice for this type of work because it is already aged and dimensionally stable, meaning it sits naturally alongside the original boards without standing out once sanded and finished. New timber in an old floor rarely blends as well.

With the replacement boards in place and secure, gaps across the wider floor were filled using a flexible wood filler mixed with the dust from the first sanding pass — this produces a colour match that is far closer to the surrounding timber than any off-the-shelf product. The floor was then sanded progressively through finer grits, buffed smooth, and finished with three coats of water-based lacquer with a light sand between each coat.

The Result

 

The finished floor reads as one consistent surface throughout. The reclaimed boards sit flush with the original timber, the grain and colour variation blend naturally across the whole floor, and the lacquered finish is smooth and even from wall to wall. Edges and visible transitions were completed cleanly so the room looks properly restored rather than patched. All work was signed off by the client on the day. Typical costs for floorboard restoration including board replacement in South East London range from £25 to £45 per square metre for sanding and finishing, with board replacement quoted separately depending on the extent of work required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are reclaimed floorboards the right choice for Victorian properties in Crystal Palace? In most cases, yes. The majority of period properties in SE19 and across Crystal Palace were built between 1880 and 1920, and their original floorboards are typically pine or Douglas fir of a width and thickness that is difficult to match with new timber. Reclaimed boards from the same era are already aged, dried and stable, which means they blend far more naturally with the surrounding original floor once sanded and finished. New timber tends to shrink slightly as it acclimatises, opening gaps that then need filling again.

Can badly damaged floorboards always be replaced rather than the whole floor? Usually, yes — provided the joists beneath are in good condition and the surrounding boards are structurally sound. Selective board replacement combined with a full sand and finish is a cost-effective way to restore a floor that has isolated areas of damage without replacing everything. We assess each case individually and will always tell you honestly if full replacement is the more practical option.

How much does floor restoration with board replacement cost in Crystal Palace? Sanding and finishing in the SE19 area typically runs from £25 to £45 per square metre. Board replacement — whether with reclaimed or new timber — is quoted as a separate cost based on the number of boards and the sourcing required. We provide a full written breakdown after a free site visit so there are no surprises on the day.

Do you cover Crystal Palace and the surrounding SE19 area? Yes. We work regularly across SE19 and the nearby postcodes including Gipsy Hill, Norwood, Penge and Sydenham. Call us on 020 88309782 or book a free site visit to discuss your floor.

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

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5  |   Fulham  |   September 2025

How we transformed severely scratched engineered flooring in Fulham, including areas deeply gouged by heavy piano legs. Using professional-grade restoration techniques, we removed surface blemishes and expertly blended in deeper damage to bring the floor back to life.

Case studies
  • Newly Restored Engineered Oak Flooring
  • All piano marks on the floor are gone. Thank you FlooringFirst
  • Deep marks from piano wheels, fixed by FlooringFirst
  • Deep Scratches on Oak Engineered Flooring Fixed by FlooringFirst
  • Engineered Oak Flooring with scratches for Restoration

Project Overview

This project involved restoring a solid engineered oak floor in a London living room. The floor had accumulated years of daily wear — surface scratches across the main walking routes, and deeper structural damage in one concentrated spot where a large piano had stood for an extended period. The client wanted to avoid a full replacement and was keen to see how much of the original character could be saved.

Engineered Oak Flooring with scratches for Restoration

The Challenge

Upon inspection, the floor displayed a combination of superficial scuffs and deep gouges in high-traffic and load-bearing areas. The most significant damage was located beneath the piano, where the legs had left visible, concentrated indentations over time.

Engineered flooring comes with a wear layer of varying thickness — typically between 3mm and 6mm on quality boards. Before any sanding begins, that wear layer has to be measured carefully. Sand too aggressively and you risk breaking through to the core. The piano indentations added a further complication: simple sanding alone would not be enough to level them out.

Deep Scratches on Oak Engineered Flooring Fixed by FlooringFirst

Our Approach

We started with a detailed inspection under raking light to map every scratch, scuff, and indentation. This let us prioritise areas that needed filler work before sanding started.

The piano leg depressions were treated first. We applied a two-part wood filler, colour-matched to the oak, building it slightly proud of the surface so that subsequent sanding could bring it flush. The filler was left to cure fully — rushing this step leads to shrinkage and a visible repair. Once set, we feathered the edges with a detail sander so the repair blended into the surrounding grain.

With the deep repairs done, we moved to the main floor. We used a Bona belt sander with a fine-to-medium sequence, working with the grain throughout. Because engineered wear layers are thinner than solid wood, we kept passes controlled and checked depth regularly. The surface scratches came out cleanly through this process.

After sanding, we buffed the entire floor with a fine mesh pad to create a consistent surface ready for finishing. The client opted for a mid-sheen water-based lacquer, which was applied in three coats with light sanding between each. Water-based products dry quickly, have low odour, and do not yellow over time — a practical choice for a frequently used living room.

Newly Restored Engineered Oak Flooring

The Result

Following the restoration, the floor exhibited a dramatic improvement in both appearance and feel underfoot. All surface scratches were eliminated, and the areas previously damaged by the piano legs were expertly filled and blended to match the surrounding finish.

The client commented that the floor looked better than it had in years. Total project time was two days: one for repairs and sanding, one for the three lacquer coats. The floor was ready for light use 24 hours after the final coat.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can engineered flooring be sanded?
That depends on the thickness of the wear layer. Most quality engineered boards have a 3mm to 6mm layer, which allows between one and three full sandings. Boards with a 2mm layer can usually only be lightly buffed rather than properly sanded. We always check wear layer depth before quoting, so there are no surprises.

Can piano or heavy furniture indentations be repaired without replacing boards?
In most cases, yes. If the indentation has not cracked the board or compressed the wood fibres beyond repair, a two-part filler approach works well. The repair is not invisible under close inspection, but at standing height and in normal light it is not noticeable. If the board is severely crushed, board replacement is the cleaner option.

What does engineered floor restoration cost in Fulham?
For a standard living room, floor sanding and restoration typically runs between £25 and £45 per square metre in London, depending on the condition, finish choice, and whether any board repairs are needed. Repair work such as filler treatment for deep marks is usually quoted as a separate fixed cost on top of the sanding rate.

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

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7  |   Kensington  |   September 2025

Watch us how we transformed these Versailles Oak Panels in Kensington to their perfection and how we restored Walnut Mosaic Fingers to their original look

Case studies
  • Freshly Restored Floors by Flooring First
  • Walnut Mosaic Fingers Before Restoration
  • Scratches on Versailles Panels
  • Deep Scratch on Versaille Oak Flooring Before Restoration
  • Amazing Result after FlooringFirst brought new life to this floor
  • The Richest Colours You Can Get Out Of Walnut Mosaic Fingers Flooring
  • 5 Star Flooring Restoration by FlooringFirst

Project Overview

This restoration project covered two distinct and historically significant parquet styles in a single property: Versailles oak panels and walnut mosaic finger parquet. Both required careful, sympathetic treatment to bring them back to the standard the client expected. Projects combining different parquet formats are less common and require switching approach mid-job, so planning was essential before work began.

Worn Walnut Mosaic Fingers Before Restoration

The Challenge

The original flooring comprised two distinct styles: a classic walnut mosaic finger parquet and elegant Versailles oak panels. Over time, both had suffered noticeable wear and tear, diminishing their visual appeal and structural integrity.

In the walnut mosaic area, the surface showed multiple scuff marks and scratches, with visible dullness due to accumulated grime and fading finish. The parquet blocks had shifted slightly in places, and some sections were uneven or loose, clear signs of age and prolonged use.

The Versailles panels presented a different set of problems. The geometric pattern of these panels means that sanding must follow the grain of each section separately, or cross-grain scratches become visible in the finish. Previous coats of finish had also darkened unevenly, making some sections appear blotchy.

Scratches on Versailles Panels before Restoration

Our Approach

We began with the walnut mosaic area. Loose and shifted blocks were lifted, cleaned, and re-glued with a suitable parquet adhesive before anything else happened. Trying to sand over a loose or uneven block risks catching the sander and damaging the block edge, so this preparation step was not optional.

Once the blocks were secure and adhesive cured, we sanded the walnut mosaic using a rotary machine fitted with fine abrasive, working in the direction that best followed the finger pattern. Walnut is a dense hardwood and holds its grain well, so it responds cleanly to careful sanding. The surface came up with good colour contrast and natural depth.

The Versailles panels were handled differently. We used a combination of a drum sander along the main grain direction and a detail sander for the internal mitre sections of each panel. This takes longer than sanding a straight-run floor, but it is the only way to avoid visible scratch patterns across the grain. Each panel was treated individually and checked before moving on.

Both floor areas were finished with a hard-wax oil chosen to complement the different tones of oak and walnut without making one look artificially darker than the other. Two coats were applied, with a light buff between coats.

Amazing Result after FlooringFirst brought new life to this floor

The Result

Following a complete restoration process, the transformation of both the Walnut Mosaic Finger Parquet and the Versailles Oak Panels is nothing short of remarkable. The walnut mosaic flooring has been revived with renewed depth and richness. Each individual finger block was cleaned, re-secured, and refinished, restoring the natural warmth and contrast of the walnut grain. The surface is now smooth, even, and finished with a durable, low-sheen protective coat that improves both appearance and longevity.

The Versailles panels, meanwhile, regained their geometric clarity and the warm honey tones that define good-quality oak. The client described it as looking "the way it must have looked when it was first laid."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can walnut parquet and oak Versailles panels be finished with the same product?
It depends on the desired result. Walnut is naturally darker than oak, so the same oil or lacquer will read differently on each. We typically choose a neutral or lightly tinted finish that works across both species, then adjust by applying an additional coat to the lighter areas if needed to balance the tones.

How do you handle loose parquet blocks before sanding?
Loose blocks are lifted, the old adhesive is cleaned from both the block and the subfloor, and they are re-glued with a specialist parquet adhesive. We then weight them and allow full cure time before sanding. Sanding over loose blocks causes uneven results and can crack the block edges.

What does parquet restoration cost in Kensington?
Parquet sanding and finishing runs from around £30 to £50 per square metre in Kensington, depending on species, pattern complexity, and condition. Versailles panels and other geometric formats typically fall at the higher end because of the time required to sand them correctly without cross-grain marks.

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

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7  |   Hendon  |   June 2025

Professional vinyl flooring installation in Hendon, NW4. Our experienced team refitted and levelled the existing floorboards, self-levelled the fireplace hearth, and laid the new vinyl to a flat, clean finish throughout.

Case studies

This project involved floor sanding and restoration at a property in NW4, NW4 1SA. The client required a professional service and chose us after reviewing local options. Work was carried out by our experienced team with minimal disruption to the household.

Before the Work

Floor condition before work, NW4

Floor condition before work, NW4

The property in Hendon, NW4 required a thorough assessment before any work could begin. Several floorboards had shifted and were flexing underfoot, the fireplace hearth sat proud of the surrounding floor level, and surface damage was visible across the main walkways. Floor condition, subfloor stability and the full scope of work were agreed with the client during the initial site visit before anything was touched.

Our Approach

We started by refitting and re-gluing the loose floorboards, bringing them back flush and securing them properly. The boards were then sanded level with the surrounding floor areas to remove the height differences that had built up over time. The fireplace hearth was treated with a self-levelling compound to bring it flush with the rest of the room — a critical step to prevent the vinyl from bridging or cracking at that transition point. Once the subfloor was flat, stable and consistent throughout, we laid the new vinyl using Osmo MS TRADE Wood Flooring Adhesive, a professional-grade product that provides a firm, flexible bond well suited to older timber subfloors. All edges and transitions were finished cleanly throughout.

The Result

The finished floor is flat, stable and consistent from wall to wall. The vinyl sits without movement or bridging, the fireplace hearth transitions cleanly into the main floor, and the previously loose boards are secure and silent underfoot. All work was completed to specification and signed off by the client on the day with no snagging required. Typical costs for this type of combined subfloor preparation and vinyl installation in North West London range from £25 to £45 per square metre, depending on area size, condition and the vinyl product selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does vinyl need a perfectly flat subfloor? Yes. Vinyl will follow the shape of whatever is underneath it. Any unevenness, board edges or level changes will show through over time, and high spots will cause premature wear. Proper subfloor preparation is what determines how long the finished floor lasts.

Can loose floorboards be fixed without replacing them? In most cases, yes. Where boards have simply shifted or the adhesive has failed, re-gluing and re-securing them is usually sufficient. Boards that are split, badly warped or structurally compromised may need replacing, but this is less common than it appears.

How much does vinyl floor installation cost in Hendon or NW4? For a project involving subfloor preparation and vinyl installation in North West London, costs typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre, depending on the extent of preparation work, area size and the vinyl product selected. We provide a full written quote after a free site visit with no obligation.

Do you cover Hendon and nearby areas? Yes. We work regularly across NW4 and the surrounding postcodes including Brent Cross, Golders Green, Mill Hill and Cricklewood. Call us on 020 88309782 or book a free site visit to discuss your project.

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

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5  |   Chiswick  |   January 2025

Professional engineered wood floor sanding and restoration in Chiswick, W4. Our team lifted existing carpets, prepared the subfloor, fitted parquet, then sanded, buffed and lacquered the engineered floor to a clean, even finish with doors, beading and thresholds completed throughout.

Case studies

Before the Work

The property in Chiswick, W4 required a thorough assessment before work could begin. Existing carpets were in place over sections of the floor and needed lifting before the full condition of the engineered boards beneath could be properly evaluated. Wear layer depth was measured carefully — the critical check before sanding any engineered floor — and the subfloor was assessed for stability and levelness ahead of the parquet fitting and ply preparation work. The full scope, including door trimming, beading and thresholds, was agreed with the client during the initial visit.

 

The property required a detailed assessment before work could begin. Floor condition, subfloor stability and the scope of work across each room were all agreed with the client during the initial visit.

Our Approach

Existing carpets and laminates were lifted and disposed of cleanly to give full access to the floor beneath. The subfloor was prepared with 9mm ply to create a flat, stable base for the parquet fitting that followed. Parquet was then fitted without a border across the agreed areas before the sanding work began.

Door frames were undercut to allow the boards to slide cleanly underneath, and doors were trimmed to the correct clearance height over the new floor level. The engineered floor was then sanded using a controlled fine-to-medium sequence, working with the grain throughout and checking depth regularly, given the thinner wear layer typical of engineered boards. The surface was buffed smooth before three coats of water-based lacquer were applied, with a light sand between each coat. Beading was fitted along the perimeter and thresholds were installed at all room transitions to complete the job properly.

The Result

The finished floor is clean, even and consistently finished from wall to wall. The engineered boards have been brought back to life, the parquet sits flat and secure, and every edge, doorway and transition is neatly completed. All work was signed off by the client on the day. Typical costs for engineered floor sanding and restoration in West London range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on floor condition, wear layer thickness and the finish selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is engineered wood flooring well-suited to Chiswick properties? Chiswick has a mix of large Edwardian and Victorian terraces, purpose-built flats and newer riverside developments, and engineered wood suits all of them well. It is more dimensionally stable than solid wood in response to changes in temperature and humidity — particularly relevant in older W4 properties where underfloor heating is common and original subfloors have often moved over time. It also comes in a wide range of species and finishes, making it easy to complement both period and contemporary interiors.

Can engineered flooring be sanded if carpet has been laid over it? Yes, provided the wear layer is thick enough and the boards beneath are in reasonable condition. The key is checking the wear layer depth before committing to sanding — carpets can sometimes mask boards that have already been sanded previously and have little material left. We always measure before quoting, so there are no surprises.

How much does engineered floor sanding cost in Chiswick? Sanding and restoration in the W4 area typically ranges from £25 to £45 per square metre, depending on floor condition, wear layer thickness and the finish chosen. Subfloor preparation, parquet fitting and door trimming are priced separately based on the scope of work. We provide a full written quote after a free site visit with no obligation.

Do you cover Chiswick and the surrounding W4 area? Yes. We work regularly across W4 and the nearby postcodes, including Turnham Green, Gunnersbury, Kew and Strand on the Green. Call us on 020 88309782 or book a free site visit to discuss your floor.

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

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3  |   Battersea, Clapham Junction  |   December 2024

Professional floor sanding and restoration in Battersea, SW11. Our team restored this wood floor floor using dustless sanding equipment and quality finishes. The result is a clean, smooth surface that will last for years.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Battersea, SW11. 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:

  • 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:

Wood Floor floor after sanding work in SW11 Wood Floor floor after sanding work in SW11 Wood Floor floor after sanding work in SW11

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

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3  |   Battersea, Clapham Junction  |   November 2024

Professional floor sanding and restoration in Battersea, SW11. Our team restored this wood floor using dustless sanding equipment and quality finishes. The result is a clean, smooth surface that will last for years.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Battersea, SW11. 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 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:

  • Skirting Board Removal

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:

Wood Floor floor after sanding work in SW11 Wood Floor floor after sanding work in SW11 Wood Floor floor after sanding work in SW11

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

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3  |   Crystal Palace  |   October 2024

Professional floor sanding and restoration in Crystal Palace, SE19. Our team restored this laminate floor using dustless sanding equipment and quality finishes. The result is a clean, smooth surface that will last for years.

Case studies

Project Overview

This project involved the professional sanding and restoration of an existing wood floor at a property in Crystal Palace, SE19. 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 - Sand, Buff & Lacquer
  • Gap Filling
  • Lift Carpets or Laminates
  • Thresholds & Fitting (inc. materials)
  • Slivers for Wider Gaps Closing
  • Floorboards for Repairs/ Replacement

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:

Laminate floor after sanding work in SE19 Laminate floor after sanding work in SE19 Laminate floor after sanding work in SE19

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

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4  |   South Norwood  |   October 2024

Discover the transformation of our client’s flooring in South Norwood through professional restoration services. See how we revitalised a worn-out floor into a beautiful, cohesive space that enhances any home.

Case studies

Project Overview

This South Norwood project covered a full floorboard restoration in a residential property. The scope included replacing damaged boards, gap filling throughout, sanding, and applying a lacquer finish. New thresholds were fitted at doorways, and the boards were staggered during installation to improve both the look and the structural performance of the floor.

Floorboards before restoration in South Norwood

The Challenge

The client's floor was showing significant signs of damage, with several floorboards cracked or warped. Gaps were evident, and the overall appearance was dull. The flooring did not have the cohesive look the client was after, and it required a comprehensive restoration to address both function and appearance.

South Norwood properties of this age often have Victorian-era softwood floorboards that have moved and dried out considerably over the decades. Gaps between boards are common and can be considerable. A floor in this condition is draughty, collects dirt easily, and does not look good once a finish is applied because the gaps read as dark lines across the surface.

Floorboards before restoration showing gaps

Our Approach

The first step was a thorough assessment of which boards could be saved and which needed replacing. Cracked and warped boards were lifted and set aside. Replacement boards were sourced to match the existing dimensions and were fitted with the boards staggered, which distributes any movement more evenly across the floor and looks better once finished.

Once the new boards were in, the entire floor was sanded using a drum sander, working along the grain from one end of the room to the other. This process removed the surface layer of old finish, grime, and minor imperfections, leaving a clean and even timber surface throughout.

Gap filling came next. We used a mixed-wood filler, which is made by combining fine sanding dust from the floor with a flexible filler compound. This produces a colour-matched fill that moves slightly with the boards through seasonal changes. Rigid fillers tend to crack in gaps over time. The mixed approach is more durable and blends into the floor more naturally.

After the filler dried, we buffed the surface smooth and applied a hard-wearing lacquer in three coats. Each coat was allowed to dry and then lightly abraded before the next was applied. New thresholds were fitted at all doorways to complete the work.

Floorboards after restoration in South Norwood

The Result

The transformation was substantial. The newly installed and lacquered floorboards exude warmth and character, with a consistent finish throughout. The gaps are filled, creating a much more cohesive surface, while the new thresholds add a neat finish at doorways. Staggering the replacement boards improved the visual balance of the floor and reinforced its durability. The client now has a floor that looks well-kept and will be easier to maintain going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gap filling method for old floorboards?
The most durable approach is a flexible, mixed filler made using fine sanding dust from the actual floor. This creates a colour-matched fill that can flex slightly as the boards move with changes in humidity. Rigid fillers, including some off-the-shelf products, tend to crack and fall out over time, particularly in older floors where movement is greater.

Do all damaged floorboards need replacing, or can they be repaired?
Many can be salvaged. Light cracks, cupping, and surface damage can usually be addressed through sanding. Boards with deep splits, severe warping, or structural damage are better replaced. We assess each board individually rather than assuming replacement is needed, because matching old timber is not always straightforward and avoiding unnecessary work keeps costs down.

What does floorboard sanding and restoration cost in South Norwood?
A full restoration covering sanding, gap filling, and two or three coats of lacquer typically runs between £25 and £40 per square metre in South Norwood and the wider South London area. Board replacement is charged separately based on the number of boards and sourcing difficulty.

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

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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

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