Floorboard Sanding Taunton Project Brief
This floorboard sanding Taunton project involved restoring two bedrooms, a hallway, and a staircase in a period home. The floors had seen years of wear and needed gap filling, sanding, and refinishing to bring them back to life.
Unlike a recent job in the same area that was completed in a single large room, this project was more challenging due to the multiple rooms and the intricate staircase. Despite the complexity, the entire restoration was successfully completed in just two days.
Our client’s primary goal was to restore the original character of the pine floorboards while ensuring a durable and easy-to-maintain finish.
Floorboard Sanding Taunton Client Expectations
Our client had a clear vision for the project:
A seamless and smooth finish across all areas, including the stairs.
Full gap filling to prevent drafts and create a polished look.
A natural and durable hard wax oil finish to protect the wood while maintaining its character.
Minimal disruption during the restoration process.
A high-quality result that would justify investing in another room’s restoration in the near future.
Floorboard Sanding Taunton Process
Repairs and Gap Filling
Before sanding, the entire floor was assessed for structural repairs. Fortunately, there were no major issues, just a few loose boards that needed securing.
All gaps were filled using pine fillets and expanding adhesive, ensuring a stable and draft-free surface.
Once dry, the excess fillets were cut off with a multi-tool, and the floor was swept and hoovered.
A sawdust and resin mix was applied in two coats to fill any small imperfections and create a uniform surface.
Sanding the Floorboards
With the repairs and gap filling complete, sanding began using a Hummel floor sander:
80-grit sandpaper was used first, followed by 120-grit to achieve a smooth finish.
Some areas, such as the hallway, required sanding against the grain due to the layout of the boards.
The hardest part of the process was carrying the heavy sander up and down the steep staircase, even after dismantling it into lighter components.
By the end of the first day, the main floor areas were sanded, the edges detailed, and the surface prepared for finishing.
Restoring the Staircase
On the second day, the focus shifted to the staircase restoration, which required detailed, hands-on work:
All paint and tar residue were carefully scraped away.
A Festool palm sander, connected to a dust extraction system, was used with 80-grit sandpaper to refine the surface.
Extra care was taken to smooth the risers and treads, ensuring no scrape marks remained.
Once the stairs were fully prepared, the final corner detailing upstairs was completed, and all equipment was moved downstairs to make way for the finishing stage.
Applying the Hard Wax Oil Finish
With the sanding complete, the floors were hoovered to remove all dust and debris before applying the first coat of hard wax oil.
In the bedrooms and hallway, the oil was applied with a blade and wiped off methodically.
The staircase was treated using a large paintbrush, followed by buffing with a rag to ensure an even, rich finish.
As the first coat dried, the van was packed with all equipment, preparing for the final finishing stage.
Final Coating and Completion
The top coat of hard wax oil was applied using a roller, creating a thicker protective layer that would provide enhanced durability while maintaining a natural, low-sheen finish.
The drying time was approximately six hours, after which the floors would be ready for light use.
Floorboard Sanding Taunton Final Result
The floorboard sanding Taunton project resulted in a stunning transformation of the original pine floors and staircase.
The gaps were completely filled, creating a smooth, uniform look.
The sanding process enhanced the natural grain, bringing the floors back to life.
The hard wax oil provided a beautiful, durable finish, offering long-term protection.
The staircase restoration preserved its historic charm while making it more visually appealing.
The entire job was completed on schedule, and our client was so impressed with the results that they have already scheduled another bedroom floor restoration in the future.
Floorboard Sanding Taunton Summary
This floorboard sanding Taunton project showcases the impact of expert sanding, filling, and refinishing techniques in transforming aged pine floors into stunning, durable surfaces.
Full gap filling and minor board repairs ensured a stable foundation.
Precision sanding techniques brought out the beauty of the wood.
A hard wax oil finish provided a natural look with long-lasting protection.
Efficient project management allowed the job to be completed within two days.
The combination of careful preparation, skilled sanding, and expert finishing resulted in a beautifully restored period floor that our client was thrilled with.
Client Testimonials
See more of our Taunton Services and Case Studies here Wood Flooring Taunton
Floorboard Sanding Taunton FAQ
The best way to sand floorboards is to start with a coarse grit (40-60) to remove old finishes and level the surface, followed by medium (80) and fine grit (120) for a smooth finish. Use an edging sander for corners and finish with a vacuum and protective coating.
It depends on the condition of the floor and the size
Yes, gaps in floorboards should be filled before sanding to create a smooth, uniform surface and prevent drafts. Common methods include using pine fillets, resin and sawdust mix, or flexible fillers, depending on the floor’s condition and movement.
