Solid Wood Restoration
Deep scratches, worn patches and tired finishes removed from solid hardwood floors in Croydon.
One of the great advantages of solid hardwood is that it can be restored again and again. Even floors that look beyond help — grey, deeply scratched or patchy — usually have plenty of life left.
We work with oak, maple, walnut, beech, merbau and other hardwoods with dust-free machines and finishes matched to the species. It is one of the core parts of our floor sanding service.
Signs your floor needs restoring
Scratches and scuffs from everyday wear
Worn, grey traffic lanes through doorways
Peeling or yellowed old varnish
Water marks and dark stains
Boards that have cupped or lifted slightly
Our process
We start with a free survey, then prepare the room and secure anything loose. Where boards are split or rotten, we replace them through our solid floor repairs service. We then sand in several stages, from coarse to fine, until the surface is flat and clean.
Finishing touches
Hardwax oils give a natural look and are simple to maintain, while water-based lacquers offer the strongest protection. For a change of colour, wood floor staining can be added before the protective coats. Read our oil or lacquer guide for help choosing.
Timbers we restore
Each timber needs a slightly different approach. Dense maple needs careful final sanding to avoid visible marks. Exotic species such as merbau need finishes that bond well with their natural oils. We choose abrasives and products to suit your floor.
Solid floors in schools, offices and halls get the same careful treatment, scheduled around your timetable. Out-of-hours working can be arranged for businesses. A restored solid floor can easily last another decade or more before it needs sanding again.
Most rooms are finished in one to two days, with light foot traffic possible after a few hours. Furniture can usually go back after 24–48 hours.
After the work is done
Every restoration comes with our 3-month service guarantee, plus written aftercare advice. To keep an oiled floor looking its best, book a maintenance re-oil every few years. See our prices for typical costs.
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 solid wood restoration
Can engineered floors be sanded?
In most cases, yes — as long as the top wear layer is 3 mm or more. We check the wear layer during the free survey, often by lifting a threshold strip or a floor vent. Our guide to sanding engineered floors explains more.
How should I clean an oiled floor?
Vacuum or sweep regularly and mop with a damp, well-wrung mop and a pH-neutral wood soap. Avoid steam mops and bleach or multi-surface sprays. Read our care guide for a simple routine.
How many times can a solid wood floor be sanded?
Solid timber floors can be sanded again and again. Each sand removes only a very thin layer when done properly, so a well-kept floor will last generations.
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.
Oil or lacquer — which should I choose?
Hardwax oil gives a natural, matt look and can be refreshed in patches. Lacquer forms a tougher surface layer that copes well with spills and busy households. We recommend the right one at the survey — or read our guide to oil and lacquer.
Do you offer floor staining?
Yes. After sanding we apply test patches on your timber so you can see how each shade looks in the room before we commit. Find out more about wood floor staining.
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