Project Overview
This project in Twickenham involved a full parquet floor restoration in a period property. The scope was substantial: subfloor repairs, replacement of damaged parquet blocks using reclaimed matching timber, gap filling across the whole floor, sanding, and lacquering. The floor had not been touched in many years and needed work at every level before it could be refinished properly.
The Challenge
The initial state of this parquet floor presented a series of challenges. The subfloor and parquet floor had noticeable damage and required repair and fitting in certain areas. The absence of a protective finish left the wood vulnerable to further deterioration, lacking the lustre that defines a well-maintained parquet floor.
The project initiated with meticulous repairs to the subfloor and the fitting of new parquet blocks where needed. To maintain the authenticity and character of the floor, reclaimed parquet blocks were carefully sourced and integrated.
Finding matching reclaimed blocks is one of the more time-consuming parts of parquet restoration. Modern parquet tends to be thinner and cut to slightly different dimensions than Victorian-era original blocks, so off-the-shelf new stock rarely matches well. Sourcing the right reclaimed material took some effort, but it was the only way to achieve a consistent result once sanding was complete.
Our Approach
Subfloor repairs came first. Where boards were soft, damaged, or had movement, we fixed them or replaced the affected sections before anything else. Attempting to lay parquet over a weak subfloor means the blocks will eventually lift or shift, which undoes all the work done above.
Damaged parquet blocks were lifted carefully and the old adhesive cleaned away. The reclaimed replacement blocks were checked for size consistency and trimmed where needed before being glued into place. We used a suitable parquet adhesive and allowed full cure time before any sanding began, which is essential: sanding over fresh adhesive causes the blocks to shift and the surface becomes uneven.
Once all repairs were complete and cured, gap filling was carried out across the whole floor. We used a flexible filler mixed with sanding dust to create a close colour match. This was forced into the joints with a float and allowed to harden.
The main sanding sequence followed: coarse grit to remove old finish and flatten the surface, medium to refine, fine to prepare for finishing. Parquet requires diagonal sanding passes to avoid tearing the cross-grain blocks, with detail sanding at the perimeter and corners. After final vacuuming and tacking, three coats of water-based lacquer were applied with sanding between coats.
The Result
The parquet floor has undergone a substantial transformation. Extensive subfloor and parquet repairs restored stability and structure, giving a solid base for the finishing work. Reclaimed parquet blocks were carefully chosen and fitted, blending with the existing floor to preserve its original character. Gap filling addressed the unevenness and produced a smooth, even surface with no visible gaps. The floor was then sanded to remove all surface damage, and the lacquer brought out the natural warmth and grain of the wood. The finish is durable and provides real protection against daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is reclaimed parquet used for repairs rather than new blocks?
Old parquet blocks are typically thicker and cut from denser, slower-grown timber than modern equivalents. They match existing floors better in terms of dimensions and grain character. Using new blocks alongside old ones usually produces a visible colour and thickness mismatch once sanded, which most clients want to avoid.
How is gap filling done on parquet floors?
For parquet, we typically use a two-part epoxy filler or a flexible product mixed with sanding dust. The filler is worked into the joints with a wide float, allowed to cure, and then removed from the surface in the sanding process. The result is gaps filled at depth but no filler residue left on the block faces.
What does parquet floor restoration cost in Twickenham?
Parquet sanding and lacquering in Twickenham typically costs between £30 and £50 per square metre, depending on the floor's condition, whether block replacement is needed, and the finish chosen. Projects with significant repair work, reclaimed block sourcing, and full subfloor remediation will sit at the higher end of that range.