Floorboards Restoration
Period floorboards restored with dust-free sanding, gap filling and natural finishes.
Under many carpets in Enfield lies a floor waiting to be rediscovered. Old pine has a warmth and depth that modern flooring struggles to copy, and they respond beautifully to careful sanding.
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.
Making the boards sound
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. Creaking boards are secured to the joists.
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
Gaps between boards
Gaps between old boards are common and can cause draughts. We can close them with gap filling using pine slivers or resin. 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. Old-growth pine is denser and more stable than much modern softwood, so a restored floor wears well for years. Buyers also love original features, so a restored floor can add appeal when you come to sell.
Our team works in period homes all over Enfield, from terraces to large townhouses. Most rooms are finished in one to two days, and we work room by room so you can stay at home.
Choosing a finish
Pine looks lovely with a clear oil, or can be darkened with wood floor staining for a more traditional look. Your sanding and finishing is covered by 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
What is the difference between oil and lacquer?
Oil soaks into the timber for a natural look and is easy to spot-repair. Lacquer forms a tougher surface layer that copes well with spills and busy households. We will help you choose at the survey — or read our guide to oil and lacquer.
Can you restore boards that have been painted?
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 floorboard restoration guide for the full process.
Resin or slivers — which is better for gaps?
We fill narrow gaps with a resin and wood-dust mix that matches the boards. Larger gaps are best filled with tapered pine slivers, glued and planed flush. Our gap filling guide compares the two.
Will filled gaps stay closed?
Gap filling is excluded from our service guarantee. Wooden floors expand and shrink with the seasons and with movement in the building, which can open small cracks in the filler. We choose the method that suits your floor best to keep this to a minimum.
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 feel warmer and helps keep dust out.
Can you change the colour of my floor?
Yes. After sanding we lay out colour samples on your own floor so you can see how each shade looks in your light before we commit. Find out more about our staining service.
What our customers say
Scratches gone
“Two dogs had left the lounge floor badly scuffed. A light abrade and new coat of lacquer has made it look new again. Useful advice on felt pads and mats as well.”
Bush Hill Park
Herringbone hallway looks stunning
“The original herringbone in our hall had years of grime and old varnish. Three days later it is flat, smooth and glowing. Everyone notices it as soon as they walk in.”
Enfield Town
Old parquet back to life
“We were ready to rip the parquet out. They replaced the damaged blocks, sanded and lacquered it, and you cannot tell where the repairs are.”
Enfield Town