Parquet Floor Sanding
Careful, multi-direction sanding for herringbone, chevron and block parquet in Cobham.
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 become obvious once a finish is applied.
We sand parquet in carefully planned passes, finishing with fine abrasives so the pattern looks crisp and even from every angle. This is a specialist branch of our floor sanding services.
Before we sand: repairs and re-laying
Loose blocks are common in older parquet, especially near doorways and radiators. Our parquet repairs team re-bonds loose blocks and sources matching reclaimed timber for any gaps. You can read more in our guide to parquet restoration.
Every parquet pattern
Classic herringbone
Chevron
Brick bond and basket weave blocks
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. Borders and corners are finished by hand-held machines so the whole floor looks consistent. 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 Cobham. Bigger spaces are covered by our services for public spaces. Every survey includes a check for loose blocks, so repairs and sanding can be planned together.
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.
Aftercare
Oiled parquet benefits from a re-oil every few years, which avoids the need for a full sand. Our restoration work comes with a 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
Do I need to empty the room?
Empty the room where possible and take down curtains that reach the floor. If you need help with heavy pieces, let us know when booking. Our preparation checklist has more tips.
What does floor sanding cost per square metre?
Prices depend on the floor area, condition, repairs needed and the finish you choose. Our price list shows typical starting prices, and the free survey gives you a fixed written quote.
What about the black adhesive under old parquet?
Black bitumen was a common adhesive for parquet laid before the 1970s. It is not a problem for sanding, but loose blocks need cleaning back and re-fixing with a compatible adhesive. We look at it at the survey and include it in the quote.
Can old parquet be saved?
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.
How do you sand parquet without damaging it?
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.
How many coats does a floor need?
We usually apply two coats of hardwax oil or three coats of lacquer. Busy hallways and commercial floors can have an extra coat for added protection.
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