Floor sanding

What it involves

First we strip the old lacquer and the worn top layer of the wood. We do it in several passes, each with finer sandpaper, until the surface is smooth. Gaps and small chips are filled with putty, and then we sand once more. Finally we apply lacquer or oil.

When it is a good choice

• The floor is worn through, scratched or has gone dark.
• The old lacquer is flaking or coming off in patches.
• You want to change the colour of the floor without replacing the boards.

Good to know

The room has to be empty, so the furniture must be moved out before we start. The whole job takes a few days including the drying of the finish, and the exact time depends on the area and on the lacquer or oil you choose. Not every floor can be sanded, because the layer of wood has to be thick enough. If the floor is badly damaged, see also parquet renovation.