Rare English Elm Floor Restoration Honiton - Case Study
Project Brief
We had the opportunity to restore this beautiful Elm floor in a 200-year-old cottage in Honiton. Elm flooring is incredibly rare due to Dutch elm disease, and finding Elm in good condition is even more uncommon.
The floor had accumulated years of old polish and wax, resulting in a patchy finish, and the original colour coat was poorly applied, lacking a protective seal.
Our goal was to restore the natural beauty of the Elm floor while meeting our client’s preferences with minimal disruption during the restoration, as the cottage was still being lived in during the work.
Project Scope and Client Expectations
Our client wanted to restore the old Elm flooring by levelling it and applying a dark finish to suit the cottage’s rustic aesthetic. Although we suggested showcasing the natural colour of the Elm, our client was set on a dark finish, which fit the cottage’s character better.
The project required careful restoration to maintain the integrity of the original wood while providing a uniform, darker colour.
Our client also emphasised the importance of maintaining the historical charm of the cottage. The floor needed to look cohesive with the rest of the interior, and the finish had to provide durability without compromising on the authentic, aged feel of the Elm.
Elm Floor Restoration Honiton Process
Initial Assessment and Preparation
Upon inspecting the Elm flooring, we noticed significant unevenness and an inconsistent finish due to years of wax and polish buildup. The preparation involved removing all furniture and covering adjacent surfaces to protect them from dust. We also performed a light cleaning to remove surface dirt and debris. This initial stage allowed us to better assess the condition of the floor and determine the best approach for restoration.
Sanding and Levelling
Given the age of the floor, it was important to sand as little as possible to maintain the original wood. The unevenness of the floor posed a challenge, and we worked carefully to avoid sanding against the grain.
We started with a slow 40-grit sandpaper to remove the old finish and level the surface as much as possible without over-sanding. This was followed by 80 and 120-grit sandpaper to further smooth the floor and prepare it for staining.
Any sections that required extra attention were sanded by hand to avoid excessive sanding of the high parts around the lower areas. Our priority was to preserve the character of the original Elm, including its unique knots and grain patterns.
Edge Sanding and Detailing
The majority of the Elm floor came up well, despite some unlevelled areas. After completing the edges with 40/80/120 grit, we used the flexi sander and palm sander for final passes. As the sanding process progressed, the true colour and texture of the Elm grain began to emerge, revealing the natural beauty of the wood.
This step required a lot of patience, as we wanted to ensure that the edges blended seamlessly with the rest of the floor.
Addressing Challenges
One of the challenges we faced on this Elm floor restoration project was the unlevelled nature of the floor. The cottage’s age meant that the subfloor was not entirely even, and there was no leveling compound used when the floor was originally installed. We had to carefully balance the sanding process to ensure we did not remove too much of the high points while still achieving a consistent finish.
This required a combination of machine sanding and meticulous hand sanding, especially in areas where the drum sander could not reach effectively. The effort paid off as we were able to achieve a more level surface while preserving the original character of the Elm.
Elm Floor Restoration – Staining
Once the floor was fully prepared and sanded to 120 grit, we vacuumed the area thoroughly and put down samples of darker finishes. After some deliberation, our client chose a dark oak finish, which provided a rich colour while still allowing the grain of the Elm to shine through. The staining process involved applying a first coat, which was absorbed quickly due to the dry nature of the old wood.
A second coat was necessary to achieve an even, deep finish that enhanced the visual appeal of the grain while meeting our client’s aesthetic expectations. The dark oak colour complemented the rustic charm of the cottage perfectly, adding warmth and depth to the space.
Elm Floor Restoration – Finishing
After the stain was applied and dried, we proceeded with two coats of matte lacquer. Based on our experience, matte lacquer works best on darker floors as it provides a subtle, elegant finish without excessive sheen. The matte finish enhanced the dark stain while keeping the look natural and understated, in line with our client’s vision.
During the drying period, we noticed our client had steps leading to another room that could benefit from restoration to match the newly finished flooring. We offered to restore them as well, and our client was delighted with the result, especially given the challenge of matching newer Pine to the older Elm floor. This additional work helped create a cohesive look throughout the space, tying the different areas together.
Final Coats and Inspection
To complete the project, we applied a final clear coat to ensure lasting protection. This final layer provided additional durability, helping the floor withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining its beautiful finish. Once the lacquer was fully dry, we conducted a thorough inspection to ensure every detail was up to our high standards. Our client was very pleased with the outcome, and the Elm floor’s transformation was remarkable, especially considering the rarity of Elm floors.
It was a rewarding experience to restore this beautiful flooring, given that most wood floor restorations involve oak, pine, or occasionally maple or beech. In over 16 years of restoring floors, we’ve only encountered an Elm floor like this two or three times, making this project particularly special.
Elm Floor Restoration Honiton – Results
The Elm floor restoration successfully revived the unique character of the Elm flooring, enhancing the rich grain and providing a dark finish that matched the cottage’s aesthetic. Our client was delighted with the results, including the additional step restoration, which blended beautifully with the rest of the floor.
The transformation brought a new level of warmth and elegance to the cottage, making the space feel both refreshed and true to its historical roots. This project stands out as a rare and rewarding experience for our team, highlighting our expertise in working with unique and challenging wood floors.
The dark oak finish not only provided the desired aesthetic but also highlighted the intricate grain patterns of the Elm, creating a stunning visual effect that enhanced the overall ambiance of the cottage. Our client appreciated our attention to detail, particularly in preserving the character of the wood while achieving a modern yet timeless finish.
The additional work on the steps further showcased our commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions that exceed client expectations.
Elm Floor Restoration Honiton – Conclusion
This Elm Floor Restoration case study showcases our meticulous approach to Elm floor restoration, emphasising our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of wood while meeting client expectations for durability and aesthetics. Working on such a rare type of wood was a privilege, and it allowed us to demonstrate our skills in handling both common and uncommon flooring materials.
The success of this project was due to a combination of careful planning, skilled craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for the unique qualities of Elm wood.
If you have a similar project in mind, feel free to contact us for more information on our wood restoration services. Whether you’re looking to restore an antique floor or simply refresh the look of your home, we are here to help bring your vision to life. Our expertise in wood floor restoration ensures that each project is handled with the care and precision it deserves, resulting in beautiful, long-lasting results.
Client Testimonial
Good communication, efficient and friendly and great outcome on reviving a tired wood floor