Strip Oak Floor Sanding Exeter Project Brief
This strip oak floor sanding Exeter project took place in a charming property where the entrance hall had been covered with carpet for decades. Once the carpet was lifted, a beautiful strip oak floor was revealed—an American oak variety, measuring two and a quarter inches wide, laid in mixed lengths.
This type of flooring is well-known for its tight grain, strength, and warm, timeless appearance. Our client contacted 4 Seasons Flooring to carry out a complete restoration, including sanding and finishing, to bring this long-hidden gem back to life.
Strip Oak Floor Sanding Exeter Client Expectations
The homeowner wanted the strip oak floor fully restored to its former glory. Their key priorities were:
To remove all remnants of the old carpet backing and adhesive
Smooth out the surface without losing the natural texture of the oak
Achieve a durable, satin-like finish suitable for high foot traffic in the entrance hall
Minimise the visual appearance of old nail holes and header joins
With those objectives in mind, our client was especially concerned about maintaining the character of the oak while making the space more practical and visually appealing.
Strip Oak Floor Sanding Exeter Process
Inspection & Preparation
Upon arrival, the original carpet was already removed, revealing a traditional strip oak floor in the entrance hallway. This American oak floor, known for its tight grain and warm tones, showed signs of wear but remained level, making it ideal for restoration. The space, though small, presented logistical challenges with equipment placement, so tools were staged outside to streamline workflow indoors.
Initial Sanding
Sanding began with 80 grit on both the Hummel floor sander and the edger. This grit was sufficient to remove the old finish and begin levelling the surface without removing too much material. All areas were thoroughly sanded, including edges and corners, which were manually scraped to remove any remaining finish.
Filling & Repairs
Following the first sanding pass, numerous nail holes were discovered from old carpet grippers. These, along with header joints, were filled using a fine oak sawdust and resin mix to create a colour-matched paste. This step not only improved the aesthetic but also enhanced the structural integrity and uniformity of the surface.
Fine Sanding & Surface Smoothing
Once the filler had dried, a final sanding pass with 120 grit was carried out on both the Hummel and edger. A flexi-sand machine was then used with 100 and 120 grit abrasives to refine the finish further and bring out the natural oak grain. This ensured the surface was smooth, level, and ready for finishing.
Lacquer Application
A water-based primer was applied first to prepare the oak and enhance adhesion. This was followed by two top coats of silk matt lacquer, buffed between applications. The final coat was applied slightly thicker, providing additional durability to withstand high foot traffic in the entrance hall. The lacquer not only highlighted the beautiful grain but also sealed the surface for long-term protection.
Drying & Post-Project Guidance
Although the lacquer dried quickly, the client was advised to wait a full 24 hours before placing furniture or coverings to allow for full curing. Proper aftercare ensures the finish remains intact and undamaged. The job was completed in one day, and our client was pleased with both the efficient turnaround and quality of finish.
Strip Oak Floor Sanding Exeter Final Result
Once the floor had been fully prepared, a primer coat was applied evenly with a roller from a tray. This was followed by two coats of premium silk lacquer, chosen specifically for its durability and subtle sheen. Buffing was done between coats to ensure adhesion and smoothness. The final coat was applied thicker than usual to enhance durability—particularly important for an entrance hall subject to frequent foot traffic.
The transformation was immediate. What was once a hidden, neglected floor now shone with rich warmth and character. The tight grain and varied lengths of the American oak boards gave the small hallway a sense of dimension and charm. The lacquer finish highlighted the natural tone of the wood while creating a robust surface ready to handle everyday use.
Strip Oak Floor Sanding Exeter Summary
This strip oak floor sanding Exeter project demonstrated how traditional wood flooring can be beautifully revived with the right tools, products, and attention to detail. The key challenges included working efficiently in a confined space and addressing cosmetic imperfections such as old nail holes and joint lines. Using high-quality resin fillers, careful sanding techniques, and multiple lacquer coats, 4 Seasons Flooring successfully restored the entrance hall’s floor to a high standard—blending durability with heritage appeal.
This project also served as a reminder of the value hidden beneath carpeted floors in period homes. With the right approach, characterful strip oak can be revealed and celebrated again.
Client Testimonial
I’m so happy with how the entrance hall turned out. I had no idea the original floor could look this good! The finish is exactly what I wanted, and it was great that I could walk on it the same day. I also appreciate the advice about waiting before covering it—very professional and knowledgeable service all around.
