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.
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.
What a floorboard restoration includes
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
Two or three coats of oil, lacquer or stain
Dealing with gaps
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.
Keep your period floor
Original boards are part of the history of your home, and reclaimed pine of the same age is hard to match with new timber. It is normally quicker and more affordable than new flooring, too. Slow-grown period pine is often harder wearing than new boards. 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 Cobham, from terraces to large townhouses. A typical room takes one to two days and you can stay at home throughout.
Finishes for period floors
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. Browse our projects for examples of restored boards.
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 do you test stain colours on my floor?
Oak, pine and other woods all react to stain in their own way. 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.
Should I oil or lacquer my floor?
Oil soaks into the timber for a natural look and is easy to spot-repair. 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.
Can you restore boards that have been painted?
Yes — original boards often hide beautiful timber under old paint and varnish. We punch down nails, replace split boards and sand back to fresh timber. Read our guide to Victorian floorboards for what to expect.
Why is gap filling not guaranteed?
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 use the most suitable method for your floor to keep this to a minimum.
How do you fill gaps between floorboards?
We fill narrow gaps with a resin and wood-dust mix that matches the boards. Wider gaps get thin pine slivers glued in and sanded flush. Our gap filling guide compares the two.
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.
What our customers say
Floorboards transformed
“From the survey to the final coat the team were punctual, tidy and genuinely cared about the result. There was virtually no dust and the floor looks incredible.”
Weybridge
Professional from start to finish
“The team fitted the work around our weekly bookings, finished on schedule and left the hall spotless. The hall feels bright and welcoming again.”
Stoke d'Abernon
Herringbone hallway looks stunning
“Our 1930s herringbone hallway had years of grime and old varnish. Three days later it is flat, smooth and glowing. Visitors always comment on it now.”
Claygate