Floorboards Repairs
Split, rotten and loose floorboards replaced and secured in Harrow, with matched reclaimed timber.
Saving your original floorboards
Period floorboards have usually been lifted many times for pipes and cables, and few of those boards went back down neatly. Split ends, rotten sections near radiators, short patched pieces and boards that bounce underfoot are all common. Our Harrow team repairs these problems properly, so the floor is sound and ready to restore.
Our floorboard repair work
Swapping damaged boards for reclaimed ones of the same width and thickness
Securing loose and squeaky boards to the joists
Replacing short patch pieces with full-length boards
Checking and reinforcing joists where boards have sagged
Finding the right timber
Floorboard widths and thicknesses vary from house to house, so off-the-shelf boards rarely fit. We use reclaimed boards wherever we can, cut and planed to suit, so the repair has the same age and grain as the rest of the floor. We then usually move on to a full floorboard restoration, sanding the floor back to fresh timber.
What about the gaps?
Gaps between old boards are common and can be draughty. We can close them with gap filling, using slivers or resin depending on the gap. Because floorboards move with the seasons, gap filling is not covered by our service guarantee, and we always explain this before work starts.
Fixing boards from above and below
Most movement comes from fixings that have lost their grip or joists that have dried out and moved. Boards are secured with modern fixings set below the surface, so they are hidden once the floor is finished. If a section feels springy, we lift a board to inspect the joists and strengthen them where necessary. The result is a floor that feels solid underfoot and stays quiet.
Why repairs come first
Sanding a floor with loose or damaged boards gives an uneven result and can make problems worse. Sorting the boards first means the sanding machines work on a flat, stable surface and the finish lasts longer. If you are planning a restoration, see our guide to restoring Victorian floorboards.
Part of our repairs service
Floorboard repairs are part of our wood floor repairs. Our guide on squeaky floorboards and how to fix them explains the usual causes. Every job starts with a free survey and a fixed written quote.
Guide prices
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Floorboard replacement
Matched reclaimed or new boards fitted and blended in.
from £35 per board
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Parquet block repairs
Loose or missing blocks re-laid and matched to the existing floor.
from £45 per m²
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Squeaky floor fix
Secure loose boards and joists to stop creaks.
from £120 per room
Guide prices — we confirm a fixed price after a free survey.
Questions about floorboards repairs
Can you fix squeaky floorboards?
Squeaks usually come from loose boards rubbing against nails or joists. We screw loose boards down into the joists and fix any loose noggins below. Read about causes and fixes.
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.
Will repairs stand out?
We source matching new or reclaimed timber of the same species and width. Once the floor is sanded and finished, repairs blend in. Learn more about wood floor repairs.
How should I prepare the room?
Empty the room where possible and take down curtains that reach the floor. We can help move heavy furniture if we know in advance. Our preparation checklist has more tips.
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.
Resin or slivers — which is better for gaps?
Smaller gaps are filled with resin mixed with fine sanding dust, so the colour matches. Larger gaps are best filled with tapered pine slivers, glued and planed flush. Our gap filling guide compares the two.
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