Solid Wood Restoration
Deep scratches, worn patches and tired finishes removed from solid hardwood floors in Harrow.
A solid hardwood floor is a long-term investment that rewards good care. However worn the surface looks, there is normally fresh timber just beneath it.
We work with oak, maple, walnut, beech, merbau and other hardwoods using dust-free sanding equipment and finishes suited to each timber. It is one of the core parts of our floor sanding service.
Common problems we fix
Scratches and scuffs from everyday wear
Worn, grey traffic lanes through doorways
Peeling or yellowed old varnish
Water damage and black stains around plants and sinks
Boards that have cupped or lifted slightly
From survey to final coat
We start with a free survey, then prepare the room and secure anything loose. Badly damaged sections are replaced as part of our engineered and solid floor repairs. Multiple sanding passes level the floor and remove every trace of the old finish.
Choosing the finish
You can choose a natural oil for easy upkeep, or a tough lacquer for busy family rooms. For a change of colour, wood floor staining can be added before the protective coats. Our guide on oil or lacquer helps you decide.
Hardwoods we work with
Each timber needs a slightly different approach. Dense maple needs careful final sanding to avoid visible marks. Walnut and cherry darken naturally and look best with a clear finish, while merbau and other exotic timbers contain natural oils that affect how finishes bond. We choose abrasives and products to suit your floor.
We also restore solid floors in offices, schools and community buildings, working around opening hours. Ask us about weekend and holiday working for commercial sites. A restored solid floor can easily last another decade or more before it needs sanding again.
Most rooms are finished in one to two days, with light foot traffic possible after a few hours. Furniture can usually go back after 24–48 hours.
After the work is done
Every restoration comes with our 3-month service guarantee, plus written aftercare advice. Oiled floors can be refreshed with a simple re-oil rather than another full sand. Guide costs are 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 solid wood restoration
How many times can a solid wood floor be sanded?
A solid wood floor can be sanded many times over its life. Each sand removes only a fraction of a millimetre when done properly, which is why period floors are still going strong after a century.
Can you sand an engineered wood floor?
In most cases, yes — as long as the top wear layer is 3 mm or more. We check the wear layer during the free survey, often by lifting a threshold strip or a floor vent. Our engineered floor guide explains more.
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.
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.
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 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.
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