Oak Herringbone Restoration Tiverton - Case Study
Oak Herringbone Restoration Project Brief
On this project, we were tasked with a solid Oak Herringbone restoration project in Tiverton. The project took place in a Community Hall with a total area of 120 square meters.
The floor had a variety of issues, including a roof leak, serious subfloor movement, and significant unevenness. Despite these historic issues, the Oak Herringbone floor was in remarkably good condition overall.
Our goal was to restore the beauty of the solid Oak Herringbone, making necessary repairs, levelling the floor, and finishing with a durable lacquer to ensure longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Project Scope and Client Expectations
Our client requested a complete Oak Herringbone restoration, including sanding, finishing, and making necessary repairs to ensure the entire area was even and visually consistent. This involved replacing sections of the Herringbone with blocks from an adjoining hallway.
To maintain cohesion, we replaced the hallway with maple strip flooring so that the original Oak Herringbone blocks could be reused to repair the main hall.
Our client expected a high-quality, durable finish that would be suitable for a Community Hall subject to heavy foot traffic. They also wanted the colour and finish of the floor to enhance the traditional look of the space while ensuring it was both functional and safe.
The key requirement was to achieve a finish that minimised slipping while maintaining a warm, welcoming appearance.
Oak Herringbone Restoration Tiverton Process
Initial Assessment and Preparation
Upon arriving at the site, we began by unloading our equipment and evaluating the condition of the flooring.
The initial assessment revealed two areas with temporary plywood repairs, which we decided to remove immediately. Once removed, it became evident that the subfloor in these areas had been damaged due to the roof leak, which caused significant swelling and instability.
We decided to apply a levelling compound to these areas and allow it to dry overnight before proceeding with the rest of the work.
Sanding the Herringbone Floor
Once the subfloor repairs were completed, we began sanding the Oak Herringbone floor with 40-grit sandpaper using a Hummel sander. Given the large size of the area—120 square meters—this took an entire day.
The floor was surprisingly soft for Oak, which made the sanding process easier in terms of removing the old finish. However, the large area was still challenging due to the amount of labor involved. While one member of our team worked on sanding, the other began preparing the hallway by removing the existing blocks and getting them ready for use in the main hall repairs.
Repairs and Block Replacement
On the second day, we focused on repairing and replacing the damaged areas of the herringbone pattern. We used the salvaged blocks from the hallway to fill in the gaps in the main hall.
Despite the subfloor being uneven, the use of solid Oak blocks gave us some flexibility during the sanding process, allowing us to level out the floor even if the individual blocks were at slightly different heights.
Once the new blocks were in place, we continued sanding the entire floor, edging it and bringing it up to a 120-grit finish.
Filling Gaps and Addressing Loose Blocks
During the sanding process, we noticed that several blocks had gaps between them, likely due to expansion and contraction over the years. To address this, we used a mixture of sawdust and resin to fill these gaps, ensuring a consistent and smooth surface.
Additionally, about five or six blocks had become loose, which required us to re-glue them to ensure they were secure. Proper adhesion was a must, especially in a high-traffic area like a Community Hall, to prevent any future movement or issues.
Final Sanding and Lacquer Application
After all repairs were completed and the floor was sanded to a fine 120-grit, we conducted a final pass using a flexi sander to smooth out any remaining imperfections.
On the third day, we applied three coats of matte lacquer. The matte finish was chosen specifically to reduce glare and minimise the risk of slipping, making it an ideal choice for the Community Hall setting.
Each coat was given adequate time to dry before applying the next, ensuring a durable and consistent finish that would stand up to heavy use.
Oak Herringbone Restoration Challenges and Solutions
One of the primary challenges of this project was dealing with the uneven subfloor. Given the age of the building, it was clear that no levelling compound had been used during the original installation. This required us to make careful adjustments during the sanding process to ensure the floor looked as level as possible without compromising the integrity of the Oak blocks.
The key was to find a balance between leveling the surface and preserving the natural variations that add character to an older floor.
Another challenge was the need to repurpose materials. By using blocks from the hallway, we were able to ensure a consistent look throughout the main hall, but this required careful planning and execution.
The maple strip flooring used to replace the hallway sections had to be installed in a way that complemented the Oak Herringbone while still maintaining a distinct boundary between the two areas. This allowed us to achieve a practical solution without compromising on aesthetics.
Oak Herringbone Restoration Tiverton Result
The Oak Herringbone restoration was a success, and the transformation was incredible. The floor was brought back to life, showcasing the intricate herringbone pattern with a fresh, even finish. The rich tones of the restored Oak added warmth to the Community Hall, making it a welcoming space for gatherings and events.
The matte lacquer finish provided a protective layer that enhanced the beauty of the wood without being overly glossy, striking the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality.
Our client was extremely pleased with the outcome, particularly with how well the repairs blended into the original flooring. The new maple strip flooring in the hallway offered a practical contrast while seamlessly leading into the main hall, creating a cohesive look throughout the space.
The attention to detail in addressing the loose blocks and filling gaps ensured the floor was not only visually appealing but also structurally sound.
Oak Herringbone Restoration Tiverton Conclusion
This Oak herringbone restoration project in Tiverton highlights our ability to handle complex flooring restorations that involve multiple steps, from subfloor preparation and block replacement to detailed sanding and finishing. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship ensured that the restored floor met our client’s expectations for both durability and aesthetic appeal.
If you are considering a similar project or have a historic floor in need of restoration, we encourage you to contact us to discuss how we can help. We specialise in wood floor restoration, and we take pride in bringing out the natural beauty of wood while ensuring the finished product is both functional and beautiful, our client’s say it best, check out our Google reviews to see what our clients have to say.
Let us help you transform your space with our expert restoration services.