Parquet Floor Sanding
Careful, multi-direction sanding for herringbone, chevron and block parquet in Harrow.
A parquet floor can last a century or more if it is sanded and finished properly. With grain running in several directions, careless sanding leaves swirls and scratches that show up as soon as the finish goes on.
We sand parquet in carefully planned passes, finishing with fine abrasives so the pattern looks crisp and even from every angle. It is part of our wider floor sanding service, tailored to block floors.
Fixing loose and missing blocks
Loose blocks are common in older parquet, especially near doorways and radiators. We lift and re-bed them, and replace missing blocks with matched or reclaimed timber through our parquet floor repairs service. Our parquet restoration guide explains what is involved.
Every parquet pattern
Herringbone and double herringbone
Chevron and French-style parquet
Basket weave and brick bond
Mosaic panels and borders
Oil or lacquer on parquet?
Oil gives parquet a soft, natural sheen and can be spot-repaired, while a matt water-based lacquer gives maximum protection in hallways and kitchens. Darker or lighter tones are possible with floor staining, always tested on a sample area first.
The right sanding sequence
Over the years parquet blocks can lift, dip and wear unevenly, especially in hallways. Diagonal passes level the floor first, then finer abrasives remove the marks left behind. Edges are finished with detail sanders so borders and corners match the centre of the room. The aim is a flawless surface that shows the pattern at its best.
We restore parquet in period houses, flats, schools and church halls across Harrow. Bigger spaces are covered by our services for public spaces. We always check for hollow blocks at the survey so repairs are included in your quote.
A typical parquet floor takes two to three days from start to finish. We work with dust-free extraction throughout, so the rest of your home stays clean.
Keeping parquet looking good
A maintenance re-oil every couple of years keeps an oiled parquet floor looking fresh. Every restoration is covered by our 3-month service guarantee. See guide costs on our prices page.
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 parquet floor sanding
Are your oils and lacquers pet-friendly?
They are. We use low-VOC oils and water-based lacquers that are safe for families and pets once cured. We suggest keeping pets out of the room for the first 24 hours, and trim claws to help the finish last.
Is parquet sanded differently?
Parquet runs in several directions, so we sand it in stages at different angles. Finishing with a planetary or buffing machine removes swirl marks and leaves an even surface ready for oil or lacquer.
What do you need from us on the day?
A normal plug socket and parking close by is all we need. Our machines run on domestic power, and we bring all tools, materials and dust sheets.
How many coats of finish do you apply?
Oiled floors normally get two coats, and lacquered floors three. Busy hallways and commercial floors can have an extra coat for added protection.
Can you fix parquet with missing blocks?
Almost always. We re-glue loose blocks, replace missing ones with matched or reclaimed timber, then sand and finish the whole floor so the repairs disappear. Find out more about parquet floor repairs.
My parquet is stuck down with black bitumen — is that a problem?
Many older parquet floors were laid on bitumen adhesive. It is not a problem for sanding, but loose blocks need cleaning back and re-fixing with a compatible adhesive. We check this during the survey and include it in the quote.
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