We recently completed a full floor sanding and restoration project on a Victorian property in KT21, bringing tired original oak boards back to their original character. The homeowner had lived with worn, scratched flooring for years and wanted to restore the period charm without replacing the boards entirely. Over two weeks, we sanded, repaired, and sealed the entire ground floor, transforming the space completely.
Work carried out
- Deep sanding of original oak flooring across 65 square metres
- Identification and repair of cupped and raised boards
- Filling of gaps between boards with matching timber
- Two coat seal with matte finish polyurethane
- Dust containment throughout the property
- Final hand sanding and inspection
About the project
The flooring in this KT21 property had seen considerable wear from daily use. Decades of footfall had created surface scratches, scuffs, and areas where the original finish had worn completely through to bare wood. Several boards showed signs of cupping, a common issue in older properties where moisture levels have fluctuated seasonally. The homeowner was concerned about the extent of damage but wanted to preserve the original boards rather than install new flooring, which would have cost considerably more and lost the character of the period property.
Our approach involved careful assessment of each board before starting work. We used a drum sander for the main floor area, working through progressive grades of sandpaper from 40 grit through to 120 grit to remove the old finish and surface damage without cutting too deeply into the wood. For the cupped boards, we needed to work more carefully, feathering the sander to gradually bring the high edges down without creating dips. Once the floors were smooth and level, we applied a timber filler to the larger gaps between boards, sanding this back flush before applying the protective seal. The matte finish polyurethane we selected complements period properties better than a high gloss, which can look out of place in older homes.
About our KT21 service
KT21 covers an area with a mixture of property ages and types, from Victorian and Edwardian terraces through to interwar semis and modern developments. We work regularly throughout the postcodes in this region, and floor sanding is one of the most common requests we receive. Many properties in KT21 still have original hardwood flooring installed over a century ago, and while this flooring is durable, it often needs restoration rather than replacement. We understand the particular challenges of working in these older properties, including older joists that can flex, boards that have settled unevenly over time, and the structural issues that come with age.
The floor types we encounter across KT21 vary considerably. Victorian and Edwardian properties typically have narrow oak boards laid in various patterns, sometimes with borders or parquet details. Newer properties tend to have wider boards or engineered flooring, which requires different sanding techniques. We have experience with all of these variations and adjust our approach based on the specific floor construction and condition. Dust control is particularly important when working in occupied homes in suburban areas, and we always contain dust carefully to avoid disturbing neighbouring properties.
Frequently asked questions
How much does floor sanding cost?
Sanding costs typically fall between £25 and £45 per square metre, depending on the floor condition, type of wood, and desired finish. Floors in poor condition or with significant repairs needed will be at the higher end of this range. We provide a detailed quote after inspecting the floor in person, as costs depend entirely on what we find once work begins.
How long does the sanding process take?
A typical project takes between three and ten days depending on the floor area and condition. Smaller areas of 20 to 30 square metres can usually be completed in three to four days. Larger floors across multiple rooms may take a week or longer. We always discuss timelines during the initial survey so you know what to expect.
Is floor sanding a dusty process?
Modern sanding equipment produces significant dust, but we use dust extraction systems connected directly to our machines to contain this. We also seal the area being worked on and use air filtration during the process. While some fine dust is inevitable, our containment methods mean the rest of your home remains unaffected by the work.
