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. Because the blocks run in different directions, a standard approach can leave cross-grain scratches that become obvious once a finish is applied.
Our Epping team uses a multi-direction sanding sequence and fine final abrasives so the pattern looks crisp and even from every angle. It is part of our wider floor sanding service, tailored to block floors.
Getting the floor sound first
Loose blocks are common in older parquet, especially near doorways and radiators. We lift and re-bed them, and replace missing blocks with matched or reclaimed timber through our parquet floor repairs service. Our parquet restoration guide explains what is involved.
Every parquet pattern
Classic herringbone
Chevron and French-style parquet
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. If you would like a different tone, we can add wood floor staining before the final coats.
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. Edges are finished with detail sanders so borders and corners match the centre of the room. 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 Epping. 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. Full dust extraction keeps the rest of the house clean while we work.
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. Typical costs are 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
Is my parquet floor worth restoring?
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.
Do you need electricity and water?
We need access to a standard power socket and, ideally, parking near the property. Our machines run on domestic power, and we bring all tools, materials and dust sheets.
How do you sand parquet without damaging it?
Parquet runs in several directions, so we sand it in stages at different angles. A final pass with a fine-grit buffer removes swirl marks and leaves an even surface ready for oil or lacquer.
How many coats of finish do you apply?
Oiled floors normally get two coats, and lacquered floors three. Busy hallways and commercial floors can have an extra coat for added protection.
Is the finish safe once it is dry?
Yes. We use low-VOC oils and water-based lacquers that are safe for children and pets once fully dry. We suggest keeping pets out of the room for the first 24 hours, and trim claws to help the finish last.
What about the black adhesive under old parquet?
Black bitumen was a common adhesive for parquet laid before the 1970s. It does not stop us restoring the floor, 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.
What our customers say
Stairs and hall look fantastic
“We had the hallway floor and stairs done at the same time so everything matches. A really tidy team and the price was fair.”
Coopersale
Engineered floor sanded beautifully
“Another company told us our engineered floor could not be sanded. These guys checked the wear layer and found plenty to work with. It looks like it was laid yesterday.”
Ongar
Decking looks much better
“The deck looks warm and rich again. We had to rebook once because of rain, which is understandable, and they rearranged quickly. Happy with the result.”
Epping