Oak Floor Sanding Lyme Regis Project Brief
This oak floor sanding Lyme Regis project took place in a beautiful home, where we were tasked with restoring engineered oak flooring in a 7sqm hallway and an 18sqm conservatory. The flooring had endured years of wear, particularly in the conservatory, where the absence of a UV-protective finish caused significant sun bleaching and weakened the lacquer.
The goal was to bring the flooring back to life with a light, natural finish that aligned with the home’s aesthetic. The restoration had to address the discolouration, unevenness, and wear while ensuring a durable, protective finish that could withstand future foot traffic and sunlight exposure.
Project Scope and Client Expectations
Our client wanted to restore the natural beauty of the engineered oak flooring, particularly in the sun-damaged conservatory. They envisioned a light, uniform finish that highlighted the wood’s grain and complemented the open, airy feel of the home.
In the L-shaped hallway, our client emphasised the importance of careful attention to detail, as the space had tight corners, radiator pipes, and a staircase with newly installed carpets. Ensuring a dust-free environment and minimal disruption during the process was also a priority.
The primary challenges included addressing the sun bleaching in the conservatory and managing the tricky layout of the hallway while achieving the client’s desired finish.
Oak Floor Sanding Lyme Regis Restoration Process
Initial Preparation
Our oak floor sanding Lyme Regis project began with thorough preparation. All furniture was removed, and adjacent surfaces were covered to protect against dust. A detailed cleaning of the flooring removed surface dirt, giving us a clear view of the discolouration in the conservatory and the general wear in the hallway.
Sanding the Hallway
We started with the hallway, where the tight L-shaped layout posed challenges. Using a Hummel sander, we addressed as much of the open space as possible before switching to an edging sander for corners and tricky areas. Extra care was taken around the stairs to avoid damaging the newly installed carpet.
The initial sanding pass was done with 40-grit paper to remove the old finish and level the surface. Given the edging marks left by the detailed sanding, we opted for a 60-grit pass with a flexi sander to refine the finish. This approach ensured a smooth, uniform surface across the hallway while preserving the integrity of the wood.
Conservatory Sanding
The conservatory presented its own challenges, primarily due to the sun bleaching that had significantly discoloured the oak. Using 40-grit sandpaper, we carefully sanded away the damaged surface to reveal the oak’s natural tones.
Unlike the hallway, the open layout of the conservatory allowed for quicker progress with the Hummel sander. The sanding process continued with 80 and 120-grit passes, gradually refining the surface and preparing it for finishing.
Applying the Finish
Our client opted for a light, natural look to enhance the oak’s grain. After sanding, the floor was hoovered thoroughly to remove any fine dust, and a primer was applied to achieve the desired tone. Once the primer dried, two coats of a durable matt lacquer were applied to protect the flooring and give it a subtle, elegant finish.
While waiting for coats to dry in one area, we alternated work between the hallway and conservatory to maintain efficiency. The lacquer application in the conservatory highlighted the golden hues of the oak, creating a beautiful, cohesive look across both spaces.
Managing Seasonal Challenges
Since this oak floor sanding Lyme Regis project was conducted during summer, the heat posed risks during the finishing process. High temperatures can cause lacquers to flash dry, leaving streaky finishes. To counter this, we added a small amount of water to the primer to slow the drying process. This step ensured a smooth application and prevented uneven results.
The sanding stage was critical to the success of this oak floor sanding Lyme Regis project, especially in addressing sun bleaching.
Final Result
Our oak floor sanding Lyme Regis finished project was a stunning transformation. In the hallway, the tight, detailed areas blended seamlessly with the open sections, creating a smooth, uniform appearance.
The conservatory, once heavily sun-bleached, now shone with a light, golden hue that accentuated the oak’s natural grain.
The matt lacquer provided a durable, low-sheen finish that was both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The client was thrilled with the outcome, noting how the restored flooring enhanced the overall atmosphere of the home.
Oak Floor Sanding Lyme Regis Summary
This oak floor sanding Lyme Regis project highlights the transformative power of professional wood floor restoration. By addressing challenges such as sun bleaching and tight layouts, we were able to deliver a flawless finish that aligned with our client’s vision.
The careful balance of detailed craftsmanship and efficient workflow ensured both spaces were restored to their full potential. The light, natural finish not only revived the oak’s natural beauty but also provided the durability needed for years to come.
Client Testimonial
Great service, professional job, flexible, clean and tidy and always on time. I’d definitely recommend them for future work.
For any wood flooring queries please contact us on 07891 268265 or by visiting our Contact Page
Yes, you can refinish oak floors yourself, but it requires time, skill, and the right equipment. Mistakes can lead to uneven sanding or poor finishes, so hiring a professional ensures the best results.
The best grit sandpaper for oak depends on the stage of sanding:
- Starting Grit: Use 40-60 grit for initial sanding to remove old finishes and level the surface.
- Intermediate Grit: Follow with 80-100 grit to smooth the surface and prepare for finishing.
- Finishing Grit: Use 120-150 grit for the final pass to achieve a smooth, polished surface ready for staining or sealing.
Always sand in stages, moving from coarse to fine grit, to achieve the best results on oak floors.
The best finish for oak wood depends on your preference. Matt lacquer offers durability with a natural look, while oil enhances the grain and warmth. Hard wax oil provides a balance of protection and a natural feel.
Oak floors can typically be sanded 3 to 5 times over their lifespan, depending on the thickness of the wood. Solid oak floors allow more sanding than engineered oak, which has a thinner wear layer. Always consult a professional to assess your floor’s condition before sanding.
For this oak floor sanding Lyme Regis project, we used a matt lacquer finish to enhance the natural beauty of the oak while providing a durable, low-sheen protective layer. This finish is ideal for maintaining a subtle, elegant look while ensuring the flooring can withstand daily wear and sunlight exposure, especially in spaces like the conservatory.