Restore Your Wooden Floors to Their Former Glory
Transform tired, scratched, and worn wooden floors with professional sanding and refinishing services across North London and Hertfordshire. Alba Decor's expert floor restoration brings new life to your floors at a fraction of replacement cost, using dust-controlled sanding and premium finishes.
Why Sand & Refinish Your Floors?
Wooden floors are a valuable asset in any property, but daily wear takes its toll. Scratches from furniture, pet damage, water stains, and general wear can make beautiful floors look tired and neglected. Professional sanding and refinishing restores their original beauty while being significantly more cost-effective than replacement.
Floor Replacement Costs
- ✗ £40-80 per m² for new solid wood
- ✗ Removal and disposal of existing floors
- ✗ Potential subfloor repairs needed
- ✗ 1-2 weeks disruption minimum
- ✗ Loss of original character and patina
- ✗ Environmental waste of good timber
Professional Refinishing
- ✓ £15-25 per m² typical cost
- ✓ Preserves original floors and character
- ✓ Removes scratches, stains, and wear
- ✓ 2-3 days total project time
- ✓ Sustainable choice - no waste
- ✓ Can change color with staining
Floor refinishing is particularly valuable in North London's period properties, where original Victorian and Edwardian floors represent significant historical and monetary value. These floors, often over 100 years old, can be restored to look better than new while maintaining their authentic character and charm.
Our Professional Floor Restoration Process
Professional floor sanding requires specialized equipment, experience, and systematic approach. Our process ensures optimal results while minimizing dust and disruption to your home.
Room Preparation
All furniture is removed and rooms are sealed with dust barriers to contain the majority of sanding dust. We inspect floors for protruding nails, loose boards, or damage that needs addressing before sanding begins.
Initial Coarse Sanding
The first pass uses coarse grit (40-60) to remove old finishes, deep scratches, and level uneven boards. This aggressive sanding removes the damaged surface layer and creates a uniform base for subsequent passes.
Medium & Fine Sanding Passes
Progressive sanding with medium (80-100 grit) and fine (120-150 grit) papers removes scratches from previous passes and creates the smooth surface needed for finishing. Each pass removes the marks from the previous grit.
Edge Sanding & Detail Work
Specialized edge sanders reach areas the main machine can't access - around radiators, in corners, and along skirting boards. Hand sanding ensures consistent finish right to the room edges.
Dust Extraction & Cleaning
Our industrial dust extraction system captures 95% of sanding dust at source. Thorough vacuuming and tack cloth cleaning removes remaining particles, ensuring perfect adhesion for the finish coats.
Staining (Optional)
If color change is desired, wood stain is applied evenly across the entire floor. Multiple coats may be needed for deeper colors. Stain must dry completely before sealing begins.
Three Coats of Finish
We apply three coats of premium floor finish - typically polyurethane lacquer or hard-wax oil. Each coat is allowed proper drying time and lightly abraded between coats for optimal adhesion and durability.
Floor Finish Options
The choice of floor finish affects both appearance and performance. We work with premium brands including Pallmann, Bona, and Osmo to provide finishes suited to your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Polyurethane Lacquer
The most durable option for high-traffic areas. Creates a protective film on the wood surface that resists scratches, water, and daily wear. Available in matte, satin, or gloss sheens.
Hard-Wax Oil
Penetrates wood fibers rather than forming a surface film. Provides natural appearance and feel while offering good protection. Popular choice for those wanting to maintain wood's natural character.
Choosing the Right Finish
High-traffic areas (hallways, kitchens) benefit from polyurethane's durability. Bedrooms and living rooms can use either finish based on aesthetic preference. Period properties often suit hard-wax oil for authentic appearance. We'll recommend the best option based on your specific needs and usage patterns.
Setting Realistic Expectations
While floor sanding can dramatically improve appearance, it's important to understand what can and cannot be achieved. Honest assessment during quotation prevents disappointment and ensures you make informed decisions.
What We Can Fix
- ✓ Surface scratches and scuff marks
- ✓ Most water stains and discoloration
- ✓ Worn and damaged finish
- ✓ Minor dents and dings
- ✓ Uneven sheen and patchy areas
- ✓ Pet scratches (if not too deep)
Limitations to Consider
- • Natural gaps between boards remain
- • Deep gouges may still be visible
- • Black water stains may not fully remove
- • Wood grain and natural variation preserved
- • Very thin floors may not sand well
- • Engineered floors have limited sanding depth
Period Property Considerations
Victorian and Edwardian floors often have character features like gaps between boards, natural wear patterns, and color variation that are part of their charm. We preserve these authentic characteristics while removing damage and applying protective finishes. The goal is restoration, not perfection.
Timeline & Investment
Typical Project Timeline
- Day 1: Preparation, coarse and medium sanding
- Day 2: Fine sanding, edge work, first coat application
- Day 3: Second and third coats with drying time
- +24 hours: Light foot traffic allowed
- +48 hours: Furniture can be moved back
- +7 days: Full cure, normal use
Room Size Impact: A typical living room (4m x 5m) takes 2 full days. Larger rooms or multiple rooms extend the timeline proportionally.
Cost Factors
- Room Size: Charged per square meter
- Wood Condition: Heavily damaged floors need more work
- Finish Type: Premium finishes cost more
- Staining: Color changes add to timeline and cost
- Access: Difficult access may affect pricing
- Furniture Moving: We can arrange if needed
Typical Investment: £15-25 per m² for standard sanding and three-coat finish. Staining and premium finishes may increase costs.
Maintaining Your Newly Refinished Floors
Proper maintenance extends the life of your floor finish and keeps floors looking their best. Simple precautions and regular care prevent premature wear and maintain the investment you've made in restoration.
Protection Measures
- Furniture Pads: Use felt pads under all furniture legs
- Entry Mats: Place mats at doorways to trap dirt and grit
- Area Rugs: Protect high-traffic areas and under dining tables
- Humidity Control: Maintain 30-50% relative humidity
- Prompt Cleanup: Wipe spills immediately
Regular Maintenance
- Daily: Sweep or vacuum to remove grit
- Weekly: Damp mop with wood floor cleaner
- Monthly: Deep clean with appropriate products
- Annually: Professional assessment and maintenance
- 5-7 Years: Consider refresh sanding and recoating
What to Avoid
- • Never use steam mops or excessive water
- • Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
- • Don't drag furniture across floors
- • Prevent pet nails from scratching surfaces
- • Don't ignore spills or standing water
Restore Your Floors to Their Former Glory
Transform your tired wooden floors with professional sanding and refinishing. Get a free assessment and quote to discover how we can bring new life to your floors at a fraction of replacement cost.
Serving Barnet, Enfield, Watford, St Albans, Harrow, Stevenage and throughout North London & Hertfordshire
95% dust-free sanding • Premium finishes • Period property specialists • Realistic expectations