Floor Sanding - simple yet skilled

Renovating a floor begins with removing the old layers of sealant – oil, wax, lacquer or varnish – back to smooth bare wood. Sanding machines use paper of various grades to strip, level and smooth the surface of the wooden floor.
A level finish is essential for the adherence of stains and varnishes. So we also use edging sanders and fine handtools for a smooth surface over the entire floor. Uneven areas are prone to wear, hold dirt and are difficult to clean.
This technique works on all kinds of solid wood floors: hardwood (oak, beech or walnut) or softwood (pine, yew or Douglas fir). It also applies to engineered floors (those with a layer of hardwood over ply); strip floors; herringbone; parquet blocks; mosaic and even cork.
As for those nasty traces of old Victorian lacquer on the floor - such as black bitumen - their days are numbered. With the latest floor sanding technology, we remove every trace.
Work may also include repairing - or replacing - any damaged boards. Gaps in the floor may also be filled.
Once sanded, a floor is ready for staining, if desired - and then the final essential stage: applying a sealant to protect the floor surface and give a hard wearing finish.
Sounds simple? Essentially yes, but floors vary so much: in their wood, their condition and their previous treatment. So you need the allround services of a specialist company to assess the floor, give you the best advice – and do the perfect job.       

We love wooden floors and believe that they are worth all the investment in money and aftercare you put into them.
So, when we work together, we ask of you:
time
…. to consider your household or commercial needs – and the kind of floor you want.
tolerance
… modern floor sanding is very efficient, but some jobs cannot be rushed without cutting corners.
You will experience a degree of disruption from your usual routine, with rooms possibly out of use for several days.
patience
… as in any building/construction job, the more thorough the preparation, the better the surface - and the better the end result.
Once the floor is in the right condition for staining and sealing, we apply the requisite number of coats – and allow adequate time for the finish to dry and create a seal for maximum protection.
a long term view
.. a restored floor is a major project. How long do you want it to last? And how much is it worth to you?
Investing in a restored floor gives great returns in terms both of adding value – and years of pleasure and satisfaction.

If the floor is in a commercial area with heavy traffic, what balance do you require between functionality - resistance to feet - and the need for it to continue to look good?

Three things you need to consider
You want a new floor? Great! But do take a little time to think carefully about what you want:

The use of your floor

Where is it situated and what kind of use will it be getting? Will it be a showpiece? Or subject to normal family wear? Do you have enthusiastic children? Any pets who may discharge their furry and sloppy selves? Or even bring in little gifts from the garden?

How houseproud are you? Do you want the floor to stay pristine and beautiful (will you ask guests to remove their shoes..?) or are you flexible?

It’s possible to restore a wooden floor on the cheap – if you’re not bothered about the end result. You get what you pay for. Spend more and you’ll get a better job: right first time – with the peace of mind from knowing that it will last for many years.

So much depends on the current state of the floor, the degree of repair necessary - and whether you want it stained or left as it is.

We can help you budget by a personal visit and free assessment.
We have to see your floor in person. We have guideline prices depending on the size of rooms but floors vary so much in age, condition and their eventual use.

We can answer all your questions and give you the restoration package you need.

Do you want an easy life? A hard-wearing floor that requires little maintenance? Or one on which you can lavish a little TLC?

A lacquered floor can withstand harsh treatment and look good for years. Floors treated with wax or oils have a beautiful and natural look - but will need a refresher coat once or twice a year. 

What do you expect from your floor polishing company?

A professional firm who know their job

Wood Floor Refreshing Co. have been in the business for 20 years and have restore hundreds of floors in domestic and commercial settings. We are friendly and reliable with numerous satisfied customers.

Our floor restoration staff are qualified in sanding techniques and use of machinery. They are full members of the National Wood Floor Association - NWFA.

Many of the best sealants are only available to members of the trade - and our staff are fully trained in their application.

Sanding is a dusty and noisy process. The older-style drum sanders can spread dust that lingers for days. Not a welcoming atmosphere for returning members of your family, your staff or your customers.
 We use modern cylinder machines with a unique dust collection system. The collection bags are kept outside the rooms and take 98% of all dust.
We also use dust covers and mask off doors and windows.

We examine your floors and assess the wood and its previous treatment. 
We’ll cover all the vital points: the feel of the room; the overall look you wish to create; the amount of potential traffic; the degree of aftercare you are prepared to devote to your floor…
Then we’ll recommend the best treatment for restoration - and the most suitable materials for your particular needs. Today’s market has a bewildering variety of traditional and modern stains and sealers. Whether natural or artificial, wax or lacquer, we’ll demonstrate their qualities – to help you make your choice for the floor you want.

A job will need at least a full day, with multiple rooms or larger areas taking several days. The areas to be sanded must be kept free from heavy traffic. We’ll give you an estimate of timings for all aspects of the job during your free assessment.

Work within your budget

We have set prices for every job in the floor restoration process. Whatever your budget, we can meet it with a tailor-made programme.
You’ll have no nasty extra costs - you’ll know exactly what you will be paying.

Boards vary a lot: in their age, the type of wood - and the age of the tree when felled.   
Some jobs are straightforward but when they aren’t, we’re up for any challenge. A 1930s parquet floor in a London office building had an area of blocks missing. We were unable to find the right replacement blocks in the capital, so put out a search among our extensive network of reclaimed wood suppliers.
We eventually tracked down suitable blocks from a demolished mews in Nottingham. Unfortunately, they were twice the required size, so we had to cut each one in half by hand. But all the effort was worth the end result. The company now has a beautiful period floor to complement its 21st century glass partitioned offices. A great place to work.

A complete aftercare service

And when we’ve cleared up, given a final vacuum and bade you farewell? Your beautiful new floor will not have to fend for itself. Just call us for advice on the right aftercare to maintain its looks for years to come.

  For a truly professional job - contact us today!

Believe us, it isn’t. Sanding is a job for trained professionals.
Yes, you can go to a hire shop and bring home a drum sanding machine. If you can manage to carry it into the house. Have a strong friend in reserve -they’re heavy beasts.
Then, if your back is up to it, you can start sanding… Floors are rarely even and you may find that those bumps won’t come out. And what about the edges and those awkward corners? Time for a hands and knees job..
How will you judge the amount of previous sanding the floor has had? Your inexperience may lead you to remove not only the layer of sealant - but too much of the wood. Once it’s gone, even we can’t put it back for you.
So please spare us another of these distressing remedial jobs. You end up with a damaged floor, a wasted weekend, aching muscles – and extra expense. Your partner may not be amused, either.
Wooden floors vary immensely - in the timber and the treatment they’ve been subjected to over decades and centuries. So get a free assessment from us. We’ve worked on the lot - so know how to deal with them.      

    Take no chances with your floor - call in the professionals