Floorboards Restoration
Period floorboards restored with dust-free sanding, gap filling and natural finishes.
Original floorboards are one of the best features of a period home. Old pine has a warmth and depth that modern flooring struggles to copy, and with the right care they can look superb again.
Restoring floorboards is one of the most popular parts of our floor sanding work. We combine repairs, dust-free sanding and finishes that suit period properties. Our guide to restoring Victorian floorboards covers the process in depth.
Repairs come first
Over a century of use, boards get cut for pipes and cables, split or loosened. Our floorboard repairs service replaces damaged boards with reclaimed timber of the same age. Loose boards are re-fixed to stop creaks.
Our process
Old gripper rods, staples and tacks removed; nails punched down
Loose boards fixed and damaged boards replaced
Dust-free sanding back to fresh timber
Gaps filled where needed
Your chosen finish in multiple coats
Dealing with gaps
Gaps between old boards are common and can cause draughts. Our gap filling service uses resin filler or pine slivers. Please note that floors move with the seasons, so gap filling sits outside our guarantee.
Why restore rather than replace?
Keeping the original floor preserves the character of a period property. Restoration is also usually much cheaper than replacing the floor, and far less disruptive. Slow-grown period pine is often harder wearing than new boards. Original floors are a popular feature with buyers.
We regularly restore boards in Victorian terraces, Edwardian semis and converted flats across Harrow. Most rooms are finished in one to two days, and we work room by room so you can stay at home.
Choosing a finish
A natural hardwax oil keeps the honey tones of old pine, while a matt lacquer gives extra protection. The sanding and finishing comes with our 3-month service guarantee. See before-and-after examples in our projects.
Guide prices
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Floor sanding & oiling
Dust-free sanding back to fresh timber, finished with two coats of hardwax oil.
from £22 per m²
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Floor sanding & lacquer
Full sand and three coats of hard-wearing water-based lacquer.
from £24 per m²
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Parquet sanding & finishing
Multi-direction sanding for block and herringbone floors, with your choice of finish.
from £28 per m²
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Gap filling
Resin filler or reclaimed pine slivers between floorboards.
from £6 per m²
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Floor staining
Colour samples on your floor and an even stain before finishing.
from £5 per m²
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Stairs stripping & restoration
Paint and varnish removal, repairs and finishing of treads and risers.
from £45 per step
Guide prices — we confirm a fixed price after a free survey.
Questions about floorboards restoration
Why is gap filling not guaranteed?
Our 3-month guarantee does not cover gap filling. Wooden floors expand and shrink with the seasons and with movement in the building, which can open small cracks in the filler. We use the most suitable method for your floor to keep this to a minimum.
Oil or lacquer — which should I choose?
Hardwax oil gives a natural, matt look and can be refreshed in patches. Water-based lacquer sits on top as a hard-wearing film that copes well with spills and busy households. We recommend the right one at the survey — or read our guide to oil and lacquer.
Why do you test stain colours on my floor?
Every timber takes stain differently. A colour that looks warm on a card can turn out much darker on pine, so testing on your own boards is the only reliable way to choose.
Can you stain a floor darker or lighter?
Yes. After sanding we apply test patches on your timber so you can see how each shade looks in the room before we commit. Find out more about our staining service.
Does gap filling make a room warmer?
It usually makes a real difference. Gaps between floorboards let draughts rise from under the floor. Filling them makes rooms cosier and stops dirt collecting between boards.
Are my original floorboards worth sanding?
Yes — original boards often hide beautiful timber under old paint and varnish. We knock down protruding nails, replace split boards and sand back to fresh timber. Read our guide to Victorian floorboards for what to expect.
What our customers say
Great with our dogs around
“We wanted something that would cope with a lively dog. Their advice on a durable lacquer was spot on and it has held up brilliantly so far.”
Wealdstone
Love our new darker floor
“We were after a smoky grey-brown tone. They put down several samples on our own boards and helped us choose. The finished colour is even and rich.”
Pinner
Excellent work in our hall
“The team fitted the work around our weekly bookings, finished on schedule and left the hall spotless. The hall feels bright and welcoming again.”
Hatch End