Floorboard Sanding in Kingston

We recently completed a comprehensive floor sanding project in Kingston for a Victorian terraced property that had suffered decades of wear, staining and neglect. The owner wanted to restore the original character of their hardwood floors without the expense of full replacement. Our team spent five days on site, carefully sanding back multiple layers of old finish and surface damage to reveal the quality timber underneath.

Work carried out

• Initial inspection and assessment of floor condition
• Furniture removal and protection of wall edges and skirtings
• Dust containment setup using temporary barriers and extraction systems
• Coarse sanding with 40 grit abrasive paper
• Medium sanding with 80 grit abrasive paper
• Fine sanding with 120 grit abrasive paper
• Hand sanding of edges and corners
• Vacuuming and tack wiping to remove all dust particles
• Application of two coats of water based polyurethane finish
• Final inspection and minor touch ups

About the project

This particular property presented several challenges common to Kingston's older housing stock. The floors had been covered with carpet for approximately 20 years, during which time moisture had accumulated underneath, causing cupping in certain areas. There was also evidence of previous water damage near the kitchen, which meant we had to work carefully to avoid further opening of the grain during the sanding process. The floorboards themselves were traditional pine, approximately 25 millimetres thick, which gave us confidence that multiple sanding passes were achievable without risk of breakthrough.

Our approach involved starting with a lower grit abrasive than we might normally use, simply because of the amount of old finish and discoloration that needed removing. We progressed methodically through the grits to achieve a smooth, uniform surface. Throughout the work we maintained continuous dust extraction, which meant the client could remain in the property during sanding, though we did recommend they stay upstairs with windows closed. The finished floor came up beautifully, and the client opted for a matte water based finish rather than a gloss, which better suits the period character of their home.

About our Kingston service

Kingston has been our operating area for nearly fifteen years now, and we've developed a strong understanding of the properties across the town. The mix is genuinely diverse. You get Victorian and Edwardian terraces in the conservation areas, many with original pine or oak boards that respond extremely well to sanding. There are also 1920s and 1930s semis, typically with slightly narrower boards, and plenty of post war housing where the floors tend to be a bit more variable in quality. In recent years we've also worked on several new build developments where the flooring has needed attention due to construction site debris or installation issues.

The timber types we encounter most frequently in Kingston are pine, oak and occasional walnut or elm in the oldest properties. We're equipped to handle all of these, though each requires slightly different approaches in terms of grit progression and finishing products. We've noticed that many Kingston homeowners are increasingly interested in restoring original floors rather than replacing them, which makes sense both economically and from a conservation standpoint. We always advise clients to have realistic expectations about what sanding can achieve, and we're honest if a floor is beyond reasonable restoration.

Frequently asked questions

How much does floor sanding typically cost?

Sanding costs range from £25 to £45 per square metre, depending on the current floor condition, the size of the area, and access difficulty. A heavily soiled or damaged floor will be at the higher end. Smaller rooms cost slightly more per square metre due to setup and breakdown time. We provide a detailed quote after viewing the property.

How long does sanding take?

A typical residential floor takes between four to six working days for sanding and finishing. This depends on total area, number of rooms, and whether we're working around existing furniture. For a 50 square metre ground floor, you'd normally expect five days. We'll give you a specific timeline once we've assessed the work.

Will there be dust everywhere?

We use industrial dust extraction connected directly to our sanding equipment, which captures approximately 95 percent of dust at source. We also set up temporary barriers between rooms. Some fine dust inevitably settles, so we recommend removing items that can't be wiped clean, but you won't experience the mess associated with older sanding methods.