best way to redo hardwood floors: 7 Pro Tips
Best Way to Redo Hardwood Floors in London with Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company
Knowing the best way to redo hardwood floors can transform the look, feel, and value of your London home or commercial space. Whether your solid oak floorboards are scratched and dull, or your engineered timber floors need a professional refresh, the right process, products, and flooring contractor make all the difference. For a comprehensive overview of modern and traditional floor refinishing, consult resources like This Old House’s hardwood floor guide and Woodpecker Flooring’s floor care tips for trusted best practices.
Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company (enquiries@nhfcompany.co.uk, tel: 07940 528 315) specialises in cheap hardwood flooring, engineered flooring, solid wood flooring, parquet flooring, herringbone oak flooring, and expert installation across London and the UK. Their blog provides helpful articles on flooring types and maintenance, while their project showcase highlights completed jobs in homes and businesses across London.
Why London homeowners are rethinking the best way to redo hardwood floors
London’s housing stock is full of character properties: period terraces in Islington, Victorian conversions near Clapham Common, riverside apartments in Greenwich, and modern developments like Canary Wharf. Hardwood floors in these homes often hide under old carpet or laminate, waiting to be revived. With living space at a premium, combining beautiful aesthetics with durability and easy maintenance becomes key. For sustainability and eco-aware renovations, Mr Sander’s eco-friendly restoration guide can be a valuable reference. Engineered options like The Primes Engineered Flooring offer resilience needed for high traffic and the demands of city life.
Understanding your existing floor before deciding the best way to redo hardwood floors
Before choosing the best way to redo hardwood floors, it’s crucial to understand the type and condition of your floor. This determines whether you need simple re-coating, full sanding, or total replacement. For modern engineered and design-driven options, consider the Herringbone Multi-Ply Apsley Flooring for a unique and stylish look.
Identify your floor type in London properties
- Solid wood flooring: Thick, real wood planks found in Notting Hill, Camden, or Kensington.
- Engineered hardwood flooring: A real wood top layer over a ply core, common in Canary Wharf and Nine Elms.
- Parquet and herringbone flooring: Wood blocks or engineered timber floors in patterns, such as Herringbone Multi-Ply Hardwick Flooring, seen in elegant West London homes.
Each type reacts differently to sanding and refinishing, so thickness, wear layer, and subfloor are important considerations. The blog covers guides on choosing between flooring types for different London interiors. For period property restoration, useful background is provided by Ryan’s Restoration ultimate guide.
Check the condition of your hardwood floors in London
- Surface scratches and dents: Light repairs might only need buffing and re-coating.
- Deep gouges or stains: May require sanding and patch repair, possibly using matching boards such as Barn Multi-Ply Flooring for consistent appearance.
- Water damage: Might need replacement with new engineered oak or solid oak, options like Blenheim Multi-Ply Flooring are durable for moisture-prone areas.
- Movement or squeaks: Indicates potential subfloor issues, resolved by professionals using products like Timbertop Engineered Flooring.
If unsure, contact Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company for a site visit. Their team offers assessment and advice, while you can also refer to this wood floor renovation process guide for DIY basics.
Step-by-step: best way to redo hardwood floors in a London home
Here’s a process for updating wood floors in London rooms, from bedrooms to living rooms and open kitchens near local hotspots.
1. Planning and preparation
- Assess each room: Decide scope—single room or entire flat. Their client portfolio demonstrates varied project sizes.
- Measure accurately: Get quotes for cheap or luxury floors from their Barn Multi-Ply Flooring selection.
- Move furniture and protect fixtures: Clear space for fitters; see installation guides for best practices.
2. Choosing between refinishing and replacing
- Refinishing: Keeps original character, ideal for period homes; see restoration examples in their portfolio. For additional detail on the refinishing process, see This Old House’s refinishing walkthrough.
- Replacing: Use modern engineered timber floors like Timbertop Engineered Flooring or statement options such as Burghley Multi-Ply Flooring. Find additional advice at Coohom’s wood flooring replacement guide.
3. Sanding
Sanding, as explained on their blog, removes old finishes and prepares for a new coat. For a safe and effective sanding sequence, refer to these expert sanding directions. Modern machines and dust control techniques ensure top results while reducing disruption.
4. Repairing gaps, cracks, and damaged areas
- Filling small gaps for seamless looks, as featured in their project case studies. Proper repair technique details are available in this list of wood floor repair tips.
- Replacing broken boards with matching products such as Blenheim Multi-Ply Flooring.
- Securing loose boards for stability, following the guidance in their installation resources.
5. Staining and colouring for London interiors
- Natural clear finishes highlight wood grain, with options displayed in their The Primes collection. For a comparison of finishing products, read Wood Finishes Direct’s guide to floor treatments.
- Light stains for Scandinavian interiors, or Loch Tay Multi-Ply Flooring for modern looks.
- Darker stains for contrast in period homes, with Blenheim Black Walnut Multi-Ply Flooring.
6. Choosing lacquer, oil, or hardwax for protection
Choose protective finishes found in their flooring maintenance guides, ideal for different rooms and lifestyles. Additional product comparisons can be found in this professional floor finishes guide.
7. Final buffing and cleaning
Final stages covered in their installation tips ensure your floor is ready for use and long-lasting beauty.
When replacement is the best way to redo hardwood floors
Engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered wood options such as Timbertop Engineered Flooring and Balmoral Engineered Flooring combine real wood surfaces with stable ply cores. For installation best practices, see the industry’s installation guidelines. Perfect for flats with underfloor heating or concrete subfloors.
Herringbone and parquet flooring
If you’re seeking a statement design, review their Herringbone Eastbury Multi-Ply Flooring or Chatsworth Multi-Ply Flooring for a timeless look popular in London luxury homes.
Solid oak and real wood flooring
Full renovation projects can utilize Buckingham Solid Flooring for unmatched depth and longevity, installed by skilled professionals as seen on their recent projects.
Room-by-room: best way to redo hardwood floors in London homes
Bedrooms
- Use oiled options such as Blenheim Multi-Ply Flooring for a soft, warm finish.
- Consider engineered wood boards like Loch Tummel Multi-Ply Flooring for upper floors to reduce noise.
Living rooms
- Durable finishes from their Chalfield Multi-Ply Herringbone collection add style and character.
Kitchens and open-plan spaces
- For stability, engineered options like Loch Morar Multi-Ply Flooring work well with moisture and reduce gaps.
Hallways and stairs
- Robust finishes and product selections from Loch Achray Multi-Ply Flooring for heavy traffic areas.
Floor installation cost and budgeting
Floor installation cost depends on property size and materials chosen. For examples of cost-effective and luxury options, see their Herringbone Multi-Ply Flooring and Barn Multi-Ply Flooring. Guidance for budgeting and installation can also be found via Scheucher Parkett’s wood flooring tips and advice.
Long-term value
- Improves property value and appeal, as seen in client stories on their Clients page.
- Reduces future maintenance with expert installation, discussed on the blog.
- Creates a healthier home with cleaner finishes as covered in Timbertop Engineered Flooring guides. For evidence-backed health and air quality considerations, refer to this overview from the US EPA.
Working with professional flooring contractors in London
Hiring professional flooring contractors is recommended for complex jobs, especially in older buildings. See wooden floor installation for detailed service information and the company’s background. For additional assurance, check London’s professional floor sanding experts.
Maintenance tips
Daily and weekly care
- Use mats, sweep, and vacuum with soft attachments, as advised on their maintenance articles. Additional maintenance tips can be referenced on Woodpecker Flooring.
Periodic maintenance
Schedule maintenance coats for high-traffic areas every few years, and consult the specialists at Nationwide for tailored care plans detailed in their blog. General care recommendations can be found via Southern Living’s care guide.
Why Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company is a smart choice
Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company offers a complete service: consultation and survey, supply of wood flooring and luxury floors, professional installation, refinishing, and restoration. Their expertise ensures cost-transparent, high-quality results.
Contact details for expert help
- Telephone: 07940 528 315
- Email: enquiries@nhfcompany.co.uk
For advice on cheap wood flooring, engineered options, parquet restoration, or full hardwood installation, connect with their team today. From townhouses to contemporary apartments, Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company helps your wood flooring become a valued feature again. For inspiration, check out their recent projects to see transformations around the city.
