Floor Sanding Frome Project Brief
This week’s featured project took place in the historic town of Frome, Somerset, where we carried out an extensive floor sanding Frome job on a 50sqm chevron-patterned engineered oak floor. The restoration covered both a living room and kitchen, each in separate areas of the home.
Our client opted to go on holiday during the restoration, knowing that the process would involve extended drying times and restricted access to the living spaces.
Floor Sanding Frome Client Expectations
The homeowners wanted to rejuvenate their relatively new oak chevron flooring, which had suffered from daily wear and lacked proper surface protection. Their key request was to retain the beautiful natural grain of the oak while applying a strong, durable lacquer finish that could withstand family life.
They understood the importance of applying multiple build coats for protection and expected a seamless finish that would enhance the aesthetics of their open-plan living area.
Floor Sanding Frome Process
Initial Assessment
The floor had a previous finish that was underperforming—it had not received sufficient build coats during its initial treatment. Many people overlook the importance of proper lacquer layering. A minimum of three coats is essential to create a protective film that prevents damage from foot traffic and furniture.
Given that this was an engineered oak floor, and the exact depth of the wear layer was unknown, we opted for a safe starting point: sanding with an 80-grit abrasive using our precision equipment. This approach was gentle enough to preserve the integrity of the floor while removing the old, patchy finish and surface scratches.
Edge and Corner Work
Once the body of the floor was sanded to perfection, we focused on the perimeter. All edges were sanded using 80- and 120-grit abrasives. There were numerous corners to hand-scrape and sand, especially around two large radiators, which required detailed work with palm sanders and corner tools.
Lacquer Application
Chevron flooring presents unique challenges when it comes to lacquer application due to the alternating pattern and changing direction of the wood grain. Unlike plank flooring, where application follows a single direction, wood floor sanding on chevron requires methodical planning to avoid patchiness.
The first coat of lacquer was applied generously and quickly to maintain a consistent wet edge. This step was crucial to ensure the finish dried uniformly without visible overlaps. Due to the rainy weather, windows couldn’t be opened to speed up drying, and with the central heating turned off while the clients were away, drying times were significantly extended.
We remained on-site into the evening, patiently waiting for each coat to dry fully before applying the next. A total of three coats of high-quality lacquer were applied—ensuring the floor received maximum protection and a rich, even finish.
Floor Sanding Frome Final Result
The first coat of lacquer was applied generously and quickly to maintain a wet edge throughout, even with the chevron pattern complicating the process. Because it was raining and windows couldn’t be opened for ventilation, drying times extended significantly. With the heating also off in the vacant home, it took until late evening to complete all three coats. Despite the delay, the results were worth the effort.
The final finish delivered everything the client hoped for and more. The lacquer provided a consistent, satin sheen that beautifully highlighted the unique angles and craftsmanship of the chevron pattern. The floor’s grain detail was fully revealed and protected beneath the high-build lacquer layers, transforming the space into something worthy of a high-end showroom.
Additionally, the enhanced protective surface means that minor scratches will affect only the lacquer and not the oak itself. This makes maintenance much easier over time, as a simple polish can often remedy superficial damage. The transformation wasn’t just cosmetic—it dramatically improved the floor’s durability and the practicality of the living space.
Summary
This floor sanding Frome project demonstrates the benefits of expert intervention on a modern chevron oak floor. By using professional-grade sanding tools and high-quality lacquer finishes, the previously worn and patchy surface was turned into a durable and visually striking feature.
The job also highlights the importance of applying the correct number of lacquer coats and understanding the unique challenges of patterned flooring like chevron. The result was a floor that not only looked beautiful but offered long-term protection and ease of maintenance.
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