Frequently Asked Questions

To get the answer to any of the questions you might have, all you need to do is give us a call on 020 3404 4979. Our lines are open around the clock, so it's never a bad time to call! Of course, there are many common questions we're asked time and again, and which have simple answers. Without further ado then, our most Frequently Asked Questions:

Wood Floor Sanding – Frequently Asked Questions

We have gathered some of the Most Commonly Asked Questions for our Wood Floor Sanding Service. In this document you can find all their answers because we want to help you understand our service better. If there are some additional questions you would like to ask, our operators will gladly assist you!

Will there be much dust? Is the floor sanding a noisy process? Is it better to decorate the rooms after all floors are sanded? Do I have to clear the room before the arrival of the floor sanding technicians? How long does the floor restoration usually take? Is gap filling recommended and how do you do it? Can you change the hue of the floor? How many finish options can I choose from? How long will my refurbished floor last for?

Will there be much dust?

Quick answer: No, the machines we use are 98% dust free.

All sanding machines make enormous amount of dust. However, the high-end floor sanding machines we use have a dedicated extraction unit attached. With its help, 98% of the produced dust is extracted. Thereafter, a special industrial vacuum cleaner is used for several hours to remove any dust left. We recommend you remove all electronic devices that might be dust-sensitive in order to protect them from the tiny amount of dust that will get out into the air.

Is the floor sanding a noisy process?

Quick answer: Yes, the floor sanding machines are very powerful and noisy.

The process of punching in nails before the sanding and the sanding process itself are noisy. All technicians will be wearing hearing protectors. However, when the doors are well shut, the noise in the room next door will not be unpleasant. When it comes to working hours, we are flexible, so we can work around your schedule and help you avoid any conflicts with your neighbours.

Is it better to decorate the rooms after all floors are sanded?

Quick answer: No.

It is up to you and your decorators to take the decision because it can be done either way. However, we believe it's much easier to remove any dust left from the sanding from a freshly painted(dry) wall. Besides, removing paint from sanded wood flooring is not that easy task.

Do I have to clear the room before the arrival of the floor sanding technicians?

Quick answer: Yes.

• Floor coverings:

We have to examine the condition of the flooring in order to provide you with an exact quote. Sometimes, the repair work that has to be performed on the wood flooring forms a considerable part of the total cost for the restoration. The technicians will take a look at your floors during the on-site consultation. This is why all floor coverings such as carpets have to be removed from the floors. We provide carpet removal service in addition to our floor restoration services. You can leave the hard work to the professionals, if you don't want to remove the coverings by yourself.

• Bulky items such as furniture:

All bulky items will have to be removed from the rooms that will be sanded. If there is an item you can't move or simply don't want to do it by yourself, we can send professional movers. They will make sure your your property is prepared for the sanding procedure. You can check out our prices page for the additional charges we have. It's important to know that you must wait for at least 36 hours before you return all furniture to its proper places. The floor finish needs time to fully harden and protect your floors for years to come.

How long does the floor restoration usually take?

Quick answer: 1-3 days per average size room.

Each wood floor is unique due to the many factors that determine its condition: traffic, wood type, etc. However, even the smallest rooms require more than a day to be completely sanded, sealed and finished. On average, most of the jobs we perform take about two days. If your property have multiple rooms or floors that need to be repaired, the sanding process might take longer. The technicians will provide you with an information about the approximate timing when they visit you for a on-site consultation. It will be great, if the sanded areas remain traffic-free during the time we completely finish our work. The technicians can work during night time, if requested and possible.

Is gap filling recommended and how do you do it?

Quick answer: Yes, we strongly recommend filling all gaps and we perform it. We use resin & sawdust or wood slivers.

There are two ways to fill the gaps at your wood flooring - with resin and sawdust or with wood slivers:

• Gap Filling with Resin

This method consists of mixing clear resin filler with saw dust that has been collected during the sanding. A thick putty is created that has exactly the same colour as your flooring. The mixture is applied with a spatula over the entire wood floor. The method is perfect for filling the gaps on parquet flooring where the gaps are usually less than 4mm wide.

• Gap Filling With Wood Slivers/Strips

Wood slivers are used for filling gaps wider than 5mm and up to 12mm. Reclaimed wood can also be used. Gap filling with slivers is more time-consuming than using resin and sawdust because every sliver must be placed separately and have to be adjusted for the size and form of each gap. However, floors with wood slivers are more durable than these with resin.

Gap filling is important for many reasons. It prevents dust and dirt from falling between the floorboards where it can be extremely difficult to reach and clean the dirt. Moreover, if sealed professionally, insects will hardly invade your property from underneath the floor. In addition, gap filling makes your wooden floor looks more beautiful.

Can you change the hue of the floor?

Quick answer: Yes, we can stain every kind of wood flooring.

When your floor is completely sanded, we can perform a small test with different stains on your floor, so you can choose the one that suits your home best. We offer a wide variety of water based stains you can choose from.

How many finish options can I choose from?

Quick answer: Three - Lacquer, Wax and Oil.

Lacquer is often the best choice when it comes to floor finishing. It's the most durable finishing option. We use high-end water-based lacquers from Bona and Junkers. They are eco-friendly, good looking and odour free. They are often used in high traffic areas such as: museums, pubs, hotels and showrooms. You can choose from three different shades – satin, gloss and matt. Wax and Oil can also be applied on places with less traffic because they are not as durable as the water-based Varnish. However, they might be hard enough for many homes.

How long will my refurbished floor last for?

Quick answer: Lacquer – 7 to 10 years before re-coating, Oil and Wax – Regular re-coating every 18 to 36 months.

There are multiple factors determining the longevity of every floor. It's impossible to predict the exact time your floors will have to be refurbished once again. However, if cared properly, floors finished with water-based Varnish should last for at least seven years. Floorings finished with modern oil and wax have to be re-coated every once in a while to preserve the wood underneath for as long as possible. Areas with humid air must be treated more often.