Floor Sanding Culmstock Project Brief
This floor sanding Culmstock project took place in a beautiful period property nestled in the village of Culmstock, just outside Wellington. The home was full of original character features, including traditional oak flooring that had seen years of wear.
The goal was to restore the wood floors to their former beauty, removing the outdated orange tones and signs of damage, and delivering a lighter, more natural finish.
Floor Sanding Culmstock Client Expectations
Our client wanted to retain the charm of their original oak flooring while eliminating the aged and uneven appearance. Years of wear and tear had left the floors with surface scratches, construction scuffs, and clear imprints from former partition walls.
The brief was clear: remove the existing finish, smooth out imperfections, and apply a finish that would lighten the overall look while preserving the natural grain and texture of the wood.
They opted for a natural matt lacquer that would protect the floor while keeping a low-sheen, contemporary look suited to their home’s style.
Floor Sanding Culmstock Process
Inspection and Assessment
Upon arrival, a full inspection of the oak floor was carried out. The boards were generally structurally sound, but the surface had visible issues: old lacquer, deep scratches, colour inconsistencies, and outlines from past walls. Special attention was noted for areas like a cupboard under the stairs and a step into the kitchen that would require hand-detailing.
Sanding
The sanding process began with a slow pass on 40-grit using a belt sander to strip away the existing finish and level out all visible imperfections. The 40-grit pass revealed fresh oak and removed the orange tint, scratches, and wall outlines effectively.
Following this, the floor was sanded with 80 and 120-grit papers to close the grain and smooth the surface. These grits ensured a refined base ready for finishing. Edge sanding was done using 80 and 120-grit, skipping the coarse 40-grit as there was less damage near the skirting boards.
Detail Sanding and Corners
Tight spots like the cupboard under the stairs and the kitchen step couldn’t accommodate larger sanders. These areas were carefully hand-sanded using a palm sander with 60 and 100-grit papers. Corners were scraped and sanded by hand to maintain consistency throughout the floor. These finishing touches ensured every inch of the floor would accept the finish evenly.
Sample and Final Sanding
A sample patch of natural matt lacquer was applied and approved by our client. With their go-ahead, a final pass using the Flexisand machine was completed with 100 and 120-grit mesh pads to blend all sanding work and ensure the floor had an ultra-smooth texture.
Finish Application
The final stage of this floor sanding Culmstock project was the application of the lacquer. On old oak floors with low moisture content, lacquer can soak in quickly, making uniformity a challenge. To manage this, the first coat of lacquer was applied methodically from a tray with a roller, preventing splash marks and ensuring even coverage.
While the first coat dried, the van was loaded to maximise time. Once dry, the grain was lightly buffed back with a mesh screen to create a smooth finish ready for the final layers. Two more coats of matt lacquer were applied, the last one applied slightly thicker to provide long-term durability and a more complete, protective seal.
Floor Sanding Culmstock Final Result
The restored oak floors in this Culmstock home were dramatically transformed. The once dull, orange-toned boards were replaced by a light, clean, and naturally beautiful oak finish. The matt lacquer not only enhanced the natural beauty of the oak but also provided a practical, easy-to-maintain surface ideal for everyday living.
Every detail, from the precise hand-sanding in tight corners to the careful application of lacquer, contributed to a polished result that preserved the historical feel of the home while giving it a fresh, modern twist. The lighter tones made the rooms feel brighter and more spacious, and the consistent grain detail elevated the overall look of the floor.
Summary
This floor sanding Culmstock job was a great example of how original oak floors can be carefully restored to fit modern living while preserving their heritage. The process highlighted the importance of a tailored approach—careful sanding, attention to detail in tight spaces, and methodical finishing—especially in older properties with unique features.
For anyone searching for floor sanding near me, this project showcases what’s possible when restoration is done with care, expertise, and respect for the materials.
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