Parquet Floor Sanding
Specialist parquet sanding that respects the pattern and brings the grain back to life.
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. It is part of our wider floor sanding service, tailored to block floors.
Fixing loose and missing blocks
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
Finishes that suit parquet
Hardwax oil brings out warmth in oak and is easy to refresh in busy areas, whereas a water-based lacquer is ideal for high-traffic hallways. Darker or lighter tones are possible with floor staining, always tested on a sample area first.
Getting parquet flat and even
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 result is a crisp, even pattern with no swirl marks under the finish.
We restore parquet in period houses, flats, schools and church halls across Croydon. For larger buildings, see our public spaces service. We always check for hollow blocks at the survey so repairs are included in your quote.
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. Every restoration is covered by our 3-month service guarantee. Typical costs are on our prices page.
Guide prices
-
Floor sanding & oiling
Dust-free sanding back to fresh timber, finished with two coats of hardwax oil.
from £22 per m²
-
Floor sanding & lacquer
Full sand and three coats of hard-wearing water-based lacquer.
from £24 per m²
-
Parquet sanding & finishing
Multi-direction sanding for block and herringbone floors, with your choice of finish.
from £28 per m²
-
Gap filling
Resin filler or reclaimed pine slivers between floorboards.
from £6 per m²
-
Floor staining
Colour samples on your floor and an even stain before finishing.
from £5 per m²
-
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
Is parquet sanded differently?
Because the blocks run in different directions, we use a multi-direction sanding sequence. Finishing with a planetary or buffing machine removes swirl marks and leaves a flat, smooth surface.
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 guide to preparing your home has more tips.
My parquet is stuck down with black bitumen — is that a problem?
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 check this during the survey and include it in the quote.
Can old parquet be saved?
In nearly every case, yes. We re-glue loose blocks, replace missing ones with matched or reclaimed timber, then sand and finish the whole floor for an even, seamless look. Find out more about parquet floor repairs.
What do you need from us on the day?
We need access to a standard power socket and, ideally, parking near the property. Our machines run on domestic power, and we bring everything else with us.
How many coats of finish do you apply?
We usually apply two coats of hardwax oil or three coats of lacquer. High-traffic areas can have an extra coat for added protection.
What our customers say
Honest advice — no unnecessary work
“I asked for a full sand, but after looking at the floor they said a fresh coat of lacquer would do. Half the price and the floor looks like new. Rare honesty.”
Sanderstead
Fair price, brilliant finish
“Clear quote with no surprises. They explained the oil options without any pressure and the colour sample matched what we wanted perfectly.”
Sanderstead
Great advice on staining
“I had picked a colour from a brochure, but on our pine it would have looked almost black. The samples showed us a better option and the floor looks brilliant.”
Norbury