How Much Does Floor Sanding Cost in London - 2026 Guide

If you’re wondering how much it costs to sand and restore your wooden floors in London, you’re not alone. Pricing can vary depending on the size, condition, and type of your flooring — but understanding the typical costs can help you budget confidently and avoid surprises.

At FlooringFirst, we’ve been sanding floors across London for over 20 years. This guide breaks down average prices, cost factors, common scenarios, and tips to get the best value for your project.

Average Floor Sanding Prices in London (2026)

Here’s a general overview of what most homeowners can expect to pay for professional sanding and restoration services in London:

Note: Minimum charges may apply for smaller projects (e.g. £400–£600). All quotes include dust-free sanding and professional finishing.

What Affects the Cost of Floor Sanding?

Several key factors influence the final price of a floor sanding project, and understanding them can help you make more informed decisions when planning your renovation:

• Floor Size – The bigger the area, the lower the cost per square metre tends to be. Larger rooms require fewer setup transitions and less edging work, which improves efficiency. Clients with open-plan spaces or full-property projects usually benefit from discounted rates.

• Floor Condition – Floors in poor condition may need extensive preparation before sanding can begin. Deep gouges, pet stains, or worn finishes require heavier sanding, and may even need replacement boards, which adds labour time and materials.

• Type of Finish – Standard water-based lacquers are quick-drying and cost-efficient, while oil-based finishes or coloured stains require more layers, longer drying time, and careful application. Each of these factors increases cost.

• Repairs Needed – If your floor has gaps between boards, loose planks, or uneven surfaces, we may need to fill, level, or even replace sections before sanding. These preparatory steps are essential for a flawless result but add to the overall cost.

• Access & Furniture Removal – Homes with narrow staircases, restricted access, or heavy furniture may need extra time for setup and logistics. If we need to move large items or protect adjacent areas, this adds a small surcharge to cover labour.

• Room Shape – Straightforward, square rooms are quicker to sand than narrow corridors, L-shapes, or rooms with many corners, radiators, or built-ins. The more complex the layout, the more detail sanding is required.

• Type of Wood – Each species of wood reacts differently to sanding. Softer woods like pine require gentler passes to avoid damage, while harder woods like oak take more effort to sand evenly. Some exotic woods may need special sanding belts or sealers, which slightly increases the cost.

Example Scenarios

To help put pricing in context, here are three typical client projects we've handled in London. These examples show how cost is influenced by floor type, size, condition, and chosen finish:

1. Victorian Flat in Hackney – Living Room (18m² Pine floor)
This period flat had original pine floorboards that were lightly worn and structurally sound. The client opted for a clear satin lacquer to preserve the traditional look. Minimal prep was needed, making this a quick, cost-effective project.
Estimated Cost: £400–£450

2. Two-Bed Flat in Fulham – Parquet Flooring (35m²)
This flat featured classic herringbone parquet with minor gaps and a few loose blocks. We carried out repairs, followed by sanding and application of a rich stain and satin lacquer. Parquet requires more precise edge work, so labour time was higher.
Estimated Cost: £1,000–£1,200

3. Edwardian Home in Wimbledon – Hallway & Lounge (45m² Oak floor)
These high-traffic oak floors had deep scratches and uneven wear from years of use. We performed a deep sand, followed by an oil-based finish for a warm, natural tone. The work spanned over two days due to drying time and edge detailing.
Estimated Cost: £1,200–£1,500

How to Save Money on Your Floor Restoration

• Bundle Rooms – If you’re planning to sand multiple rooms, it’s more cost-effective to do them in a single visit. By scheduling all areas together, you avoid paying repeated setup and minimum job charges. Many clients save 10–20% this way, and it also reduces the overall disruption to your home.

• Prep Ahead – Time is money. By clearing furniture, rugs, and delicate items ahead of our arrival, our team can start work immediately. This helps avoid additional charges for delays and protects your belongings. If needed, we can help with heavy lifting — but advance prep saves you time and labour costs.

• Go Natural – Staining and custom finishes can add £3–£5/m² or more to your final bill. If your floor already has beautiful natural grain (like oak or pine), sticking with a clear lacquer or natural oil not only saves money, but also highlights the wood’s original character.

• Ask for Off-Peak Availability – Some days of the week are less busy than others. If your schedule is flexible, ask about weekday or mid-month slots, which are often more affordable. You may be able to save on labour without compromising quality.

• Choose a Consistent Finish – Using one type of finish throughout your project (e.g. satin lacquer in every room) speeds up the process and reduces product waste. Mixing finishes (like oil in one room, lacquer in another) increases material costs and time, both of which add to your bill.

Is Floor Sanding Worth It?

Absolutely. Wood floor sanding is one of the most cost-effective ways to add value and beauty to your home. It restores the natural look of your floors, removes years of wear and tear, and extends their lifespan by decades when properly maintained.

Professional sanding also eliminates uneven patches, squeaks, and minor structural issues. And because we use 99% dust-free equipment, there’s no disruption to the rest of your home — no plastic sheeting or messy clean-ups.

DIY vs. Professional Floor Sanding: What’s the Real Cost?

Hiring a professional may seem more expensive at first glance, but DIY sanding comes with hidden costs:

In short: DIY is for risk-takers. Hiring experts ensures better results, faster, and safer for your floors.

Get a Personalised Quote – Free & Fast

Every floor is different. We provide:

• Free site visits across all London boroughs

• No-obligation quotes tailored to your exact space

• Expert advice on finishes, colours, and care

Book a free site visit or call us at 020 8830 9782 to get started.