Kingston Floor Restoration With Lacquer Finish

This Kingston property presented a typical challenge for period homes in the area: original hardwood floors that had deteriorated over decades and needed professional restoration. We carried out full sanding and applied a protective lacquer finish to bring the timber back to life while preserving the character of this Victorian property.

Work carried out

• Three stage sanding process using progressive grits
• Dust extraction throughout, minimising disruption to the property
• Surface preparation and inspection for damage
• Application of protective lacquer finish in satin sheen
• Curing period and final inspection

About the project

The customer had lived in this Kingston home for several years but the wooden floors had been covered with carpet, which masked significant wear patterns and minor surface damage. Once we removed the covering, the extent of the work became clear. The floorboards showed dark staining from moisture exposure, fine scratches from years of foot traffic, and uneven colouring across different rooms. The finish had completely worn away in high traffic areas, leaving the bare timber exposed and vulnerable.

Our approach was methodical rather than aggressive. We started with a coarse grit to remove the old finish and level out the worst damage, then progressed to medium and fine grits to achieve a smooth, even surface. The challenge here was managing dust in a property where the customer needed to remain in the home during works. We used industrial extraction equipment connected directly to our sanders, capturing up to 95 per cent of the dust before it could settle on surfaces elsewhere. After sanding was complete, we applied two coats of water based lacquer finish in a satin sheen, which the customer preferred over a high gloss. This provides excellent protection while maintaining a natural appearance.

About our Kingston Floor Restoration With Lacquer Finish service

Kingston contains a mix of property types, predominantly Victorian and Edwardian terraces with period features intact. Many were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with solid oak or pitch pine floorboards that are genuinely worth restoring rather than replacing. We regularly work on properties from this era, and understand the particularities of older timber. The floors we encounter have usually absorbed decades of domestic life, which means they need careful handling during sanding to avoid gouging the grain or creating flat spots. Newer properties in the area tend to have engineered timber or laminate, which require different approaches and cannot be sanded to the same extent.

The area also includes conversions and renovations where original floors have been removed and replaced with modern alternatives. When we work on authentic period boards, we take time to assess the timber type and condition before deciding on the finishing coat. Lacquer finishes work particularly well in Kingston homes because they're quick drying, low odour, and provide a durable protective layer without the strong smell associated with traditional oil based varnishes. This matters in properties where families and pets need to return to the space quickly after treatment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does floor sanding cost per square metre?

Sanding costs typically run between £25 and £45 per square metre, depending on the current condition of the floor, the timber type, and what finishing coat you choose. A floor that's heavily soiled or damaged may take longer and fall at the higher end of that range. Once we've inspected your property, we can provide a fixed price for the work.

How long does sanding and lacquering take?

A typical project takes between 3 and 5 days for a medium sized property. Sanding itself usually accounts for 2 to 3 days, depending on floor size and condition. The lacquer finish then needs 24 to 48 hours to cure fully before the space can be used normally. We schedule projects to keep disruption to a minimum.

Is your sanding process dust free?

We use industrial extraction equipment on all machines, which captures the majority of dust at source. This isn't a dust free process in absolute terms, but it's far cleaner than traditional methods. We also seal off doorways and maintain negative air pressure in the work area to prevent dust migration to other rooms.