Oak Herringbone Restoration Bristol Case Study
Project Brief
This oak herringbone floor restoration project in Bristol was one of the largest floor sanding projects we’ve undertaken, covering a total of 200 square meters across the property. The restoration involved extensive sanding, gap filling, colouring, and protective finishes, aiming to create a resilient, modern appearance with a silver-grey oil tint and matte lacquer finish.
Project Scope and Requirements
Requirements were to restore the oak herringbone flooring across multiple rooms on the ground floor and Oak floor upstairs across multiple rooms; adding a silver-grey coloured oil and finishing with three coats of matte lacquer. To make sure the colour and finish aligned with the client’s vision, we arranged an on-site consultation prior to starting the work, during which James applied sample colours directly to the floor and left sample boards for the client to review across different rooms and lighting conditions.
Preparation and Initial Sanding Process
Our first step was to prepare the entire downstairs area for uniformity, as the flooring extended without breaks between rooms. A continuous finish would ensure consistency and avoid visible transitions in colour or texture.
- Day 1: First Sanding– We began the restoration by sanding the entire 200 sqm surface using a sequence of 40, 80, and 120 grit on our sanding machine. Working one room at a time ensured complete focus on detail.
- Day 2: Edging and Gap Filling– The next day, we focused on the edges, carefully repeating the sanding sequence along each room’s perimeter. We then mixed high-grit sawdust with resin, using this mixture to fill gaps between the herringbone boards. Once applied, the resin was left to dry.
- Day 3: Finishing Sanding– Once the resin filler was fully set, we conducted a final sanding pass over the entire floor with a 120-grit to achieve a perfectly smooth finish. This final sanding was followed by vacuuming, leaving the floor ready for the colour treatment.
Applying the Silver-Grey Oil
On the fourth day, we began applying the silver-grey oil finish, a critical step to achieving the desired aesthetic. We used a trowel blade to apply the oil evenly and then buffed it with a white pad. Once buffed, the floor was hand-wiped with a rag to remove any remaining oil residue.
The challenge here was in applying the oil across multiple rooms without any breaks to ensure a seamless, even finish. Each room was carefully oiled in succession, with particular attention given to maintaining an even colour depth throughout the herringbone layout. Working alone required a consistent, steady pace to prevent any part of the oil from drying too quickly.
Protective Lacquer and Finishing Touches
The next day, we applied the matte lacquer to protect the newly restored oak herringbone floor. The three coats of lacquer were necessary to provide added durability, especially in high-traffic areas, while maintaining the natural matte look that the client preferred.
Once the lacquer had cured, we placed protective coverings over the downstairs floor to prevent any damage from ongoing construction work on-site. With the downstairs floor fully restored and protected, we turned our attention to the upstairs area.
Restoration of the Upstairs Floor
Restoring the upstairs floor presented a different set of challenges, as this area consisted of a large room and hallway with plank flooring rather than herringbone. The room’s layout allowed us to approach the work in a linear fashion, reducing the complexity of transitions.
- Sanding Process– Using the same three-grit sequence as downstairs (40, 80, and 120), we completed the initial sanding on both the large room and hallway within two days. Each board was sanded evenly, followed by edging and detailed corner work.
- Colour and Lacquer Application– On the third day, we applied the silver-grey oil using the same technique as downstairs. After curing, three coats of matte lacquer were applied to complete the restoration.
Addressing Minor Imperfections – During the curing process, we encountered minor issues from accidental foot traffic in the hallway, by other contractors working in the property at the time. This resulted in some slight discoloration in spots, which we carefully retouched using matching wood floor crayons and wax. Though time -consuming, this touch-up was necessary to maintain an uninterrupted, polished finish.
Project Results and Client Satisfaction
The entire project, from initial preparation to final touch-ups, spanned two working weeks. The newly restored oak herringbone floors transformed the home with a clean, modern look that complemented the client’s interior decor. With the silver-grey oil and matte lacquer finish, the oak herringbone flooring provided an elegant foundation for family life, combining both visual appeal and functional durability.
Our client was thrilled with the results, noting the quality of the finish and the attention to detail throughout the restoration. This Oak Herringbone Restoration Bristol case study showcases the precision and dedication required to achieve a top-quality result in large-scale wood flooring projects. From pre-job consultation to final inspection, every step was executed with care, delivering a beautiful, enduring floor that will retain its appeal for years to come.
Client Testimonial
James did a great job refurbishing our floors whilst we were away. Got him coming back soon to do other parts of the property.