Having Hardwood Floors Refinished – 7 Power Tips & Cost Guide
Having Hardwood Floors Refinished: Your Complete Guide for a Flawless Floor Transformation
Refinishing wooden floors restores beauty, value, and durability to your home or business space. If you are considering having hardwood floors refinished, this comprehensive guide will walk you through expert methods, realistic cost breakdowns, pros and cons, preparation steps, and aftercare tips so your newly restored floor stays beautiful for years. For additional background on the sanding and finishing process, many professionals follow industry standards such as the National Wood Flooring Association’s sand and finish guidelines. Contact Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company at 07940 528 315 or enquiries@nhfcompany.co.uk for a free consultation and tailored quote.
Why Consider Having Hardwood Floors Refinished?
Having hardwood floors refinished offers transformative benefits for any property. Refinishing protects your wood from deep scratches and stains, restores the original colour and lustre, and prolongs the life of your floorboards by renewing the protective finish layer. It is a sustainable alternative to full floor replacement, helps reduce waste, and can significantly boost property value—especially in visually competitive urban markets where presentation matters.
Refinishing is also an opportunity to improve indoor air quality by choosing modern, low-VOC finishes and sealers that comply with recognised health standards such as GREENGUARD Gold and FloorScore, which are widely used benchmarks for safer indoor products; you can learn more about how volatile organic compounds (VOCs) affect indoor air on resources such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guidance on VOCs and indoor air quality. Explore our portfolio of expert installations at completed hardwood flooring projects throughout London.
Comprehensive Guide to Having Hardwood Floors Refinished in London
London’s iconic homes and bustling commercial spaces are renowned for their character and timeless wooden flooring. Having hardwood floors refinished is a practical way to preserve that charm in trendy boroughs like Shoreditch, Hampstead, or the West End while updating the look to suit modern living. Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company has served residential and commercial clients across Greater London, working in areas near attractions including the British Museum, Hyde Park, and the historic Greenwich Market. Find out more about our heritage restoration expertise and company background.
Because many London properties are period or listed buildings, careful planning is essential to respect original materials and meet any conservation requirements. Independent industry bodies such as the National Wood Flooring Association provide best-practice advice on topics like wear-layer thickness, sanding depth, and finish selection; see their overview of technical guidelines for wood flooring for a deeper technical perspective that complements our on-site consultation.
Popular London Neighbourhoods for Floor Refinishing
- South Kensington: Elegant period properties benefit from gentle floor restoration and subtle colour changes, often using timeless solutions like Eastbury herringbone flooring for seamless results.
- Camden Town: Trendy apartments and cafes highlight colourful, durable wooden floors that stand up to heavy footfall. Discover our Barn multi-ply flooring for contemporary style and easy maintenance.
- Greenwich: Heritage-listed homes require expert, sympathetic techniques and careful sanding depths, such as restoration using Hardwick herringbone multi-ply flooring that respects the building’s period features.
The Step-by-Step Process of Having Hardwood Floors Refinished
The refinishing process follows a clear sequence to ensure consistent, long-lasting results and to minimise dust and disruption in your property. While every project is unique, most professional floor refinishers follow a structure similar to the one outlined below.
1. Initial Assessment: A professional inspects your floor for damage, gaps, protruding nails, and the existing finish type to decide the correct sanding grits and repair methods.2. Preparation: Furniture is cleared, fixtures are protected, and dust sheets or plastic sheeting are fitted to seal the workspace and contain dust in line with recognised sanding and finishing practices.3. Sanding: Heavy-duty belt or drum sanders remove the old finish, stains, and surface scratches, while edge sanders access corners and tight areas. Industry guidance from organisations such as the NWFA recommends progressing through sanding grits in stages rather than skipping grits to achieve a flatter, more even surface; you can see an example overview in their sanding and finishing guidelines.4. Repair: Damaged boards are replaced, filled, or nailed down to stabilise the subfloor and remove visible defects—learn more about our wooden floor installation and repair services.5. Fine Sanding: Finer grits are used to refine the surface and reduce swirl marks, producing a smooth, ready-to-finish texture.6. Staining (optional): Colour tints are applied to match modern décor or historic hues, including options like Loch Tay multi-ply flooring for subtle, modern tones inspired by natural oak shades.7. Finishing: Multiple coats of lacquer, oil, or hardwax oil are applied to protect the wood, enhance its appearance, and improve resistance to everyday wear.8. Drying & Ventilation: Timed drying between coats allows each layer to cure properly and reduces odour; good ventilation is essential when using products that emit VOCs, as highlighted in public health resources such as the EPA’s page on indoor VOC exposure.9. Final Buffing: A final buffing pass smooths the last coat and delivers a flawless, even sheen before the room is put back into use.
How Long Does Hardwood Floor Refinishing Take?
Most standard residential projects are completed within 1–3 days depending on floor size, preparation needs, and finish type. Fast-drying water-based lacquers can shorten the overall timeline, whereas oil-based products may require a longer curing period before furniture and rugs are returned to the room.
For larger commercial spaces or heritage homes with intricate parquet details, allow additional time for careful repairs, detail sanding, and adequate drying between coats to prevent surface imperfections. Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company always provides a tailored schedule in advance so you can plan access, cleaning, and business operations accordingly. Browse our guide to flooring project timelines and tips for more details.
Cost of Having Hardwood Floors Refinished in London
The average cost for having hardwood floors refinished in London ranges from £18 to £40 per square metre. Final pricing depends on the floor’s size, wood species (oak, maple, walnut, etc.), the extent of subfloor or board repair required, your chosen finish system, and site factors such as access and parking. It is always wise to obtain a written quotation that clearly sets out what is included—sanding, repairs, staining, and finishing—so you can compare proposals on a like-for-like basis.
Independent consumer advice articles on home renovations often recommend collecting several quotes and checking that contractors follow recognised trade standards, so you know you are comparing professional services rather than quick cosmetic fixes. Ask for a free, no-obligation estimate before starting work or explore transparent pricing options on our contact page.
Cost Breakdown Table
| Service | Typical London Cost (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Basic Sand & Seal | £18–£25 |
| Staining + Finish | £25–£32 |
| Premium Oil Finish | £28–£40 |
| Board Repair/Replacement | +£5–£10 |
Should You DIY or Hire a Professional for Floor Refinishing?
DIY projects may save money initially, but expert refinishing typically provides better long-term protection and a more uniform finish. Hiring professionals means you benefit from industrial-grade sanding equipment, dust-control systems, and proven processes that reduce the risk of swirl marks, uneven staining, and premature finish failure.
Home-improvement resources often note that DIY refinishing comes with a learning curve and potential safety considerations around dust, noise, and finish fumes, especially in smaller homes or flats. By contrast, specialist contractors understand how to sequence grits, select suitable finishes for each wood species, and manage VOC exposure with proper ventilation and product choice—topics that are also highlighted in trade and safety guidance for wood floor finishing. Professional sanding equipment and products make a dramatic difference in finish quality and longevity. Learn why flooring specialists deliver the best results at our about us page.
Best Types of Hardwood Floors to Refinish
- Solid Oak Flooring: Classic, durable, and suited to repeated refinishing due to its thick wear layer. See our selection, including Buckingham solid oak floors.
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring: Offers a real wood veneer over a stable core—refinishing depth depends on the veneer thickness. Discover Timbertop engineered flooring for versatile interiors and improved stability in varied climates.
- Herringbone Parquet: Often found in period homes; requires specialist attention to sanding direction and board patterns. Browse premium parquet options like Chatsworth herringbone flooring and Burghley herringbone parquet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Having Hardwood Floors Refinished in London
How often should hardwood floors be refinished?
Residential floors in high-traffic corridors and kitchens often require refinishing every 7–10 years, while floors in bedrooms or occasional-use rooms may only need attention every 10–15 years depending on wear. The exact interval depends on factors such as foot traffic, pets, cleaning methods, and whether you use rugs or mats in busy areas.
As a rule of thumb, if you notice the protective finish has worn away in patches, or if water soaks into the wood instead of beading on the surface, it is time to schedule an assessment. Learn how to extend the life of your floors with expert care guidelines in our flooring maintenance blog, and consult neutral homeowner resources on refinishing intervals for additional perspective.
Can all wood floors be refinished?
Most solid hardwood floors can be refinished multiple times, provided there is sufficient wear layer above the tongue and groove. Some engineered hardwoods can be sanded once or twice, depending on veneer thickness, but laminate, vinyl, or bamboo floors are generally not suitable for traditional sanding and refinishing.
Industry bodies such as the NWFA advise checking the wear-layer thickness carefully—floors with very thin veneers or limited remaining material may be better suited to buff-and-coat maintenance rather than full sanding. Haro engineered flooring is a great choice for projects requiring durable refinishing capability without sacrificing stability.
What finishes work best for London homes?
Low-VOC, water-based lacquers are popular for families and pet owners due to quick drying, minimal odours, and easier future maintenance. Oil-based finishes deliver a classic amber tone that works beautifully in historic London homes, while hardwax oils provide a natural, matte appearance with spot-repair flexibility.
When choosing a finish, many homeowners look for labels linked to independent air-quality testing and VOC standards, which are discussed in public resources on VOCs and indoor air quality such as those provided by the EPA. Our Blenheim multi-ply flooring is a top solution for period properties where you want a warm, traditional look with modern performance.
How do you maintain refinished floors?
Always sweep or vacuum with a soft-brush attachment regularly, wipe spills promptly, and use felt pads on furniture legs to prevent scratches. Avoid steam cleaning or overly wet mopping, as excess moisture can damage the finish and, over time, the wood itself.
Place mats inside entranceways—especially during rainy London weather—to trap grit before it reaches your floors, and consider using breathable rugs with non-staining underlays in high-traffic areas. For more care tips, visit our flooring insights blog, and refer to neutral guides on hardwood floor cleaning from independent home-care resources to fine-tune your routine.
Local Insights: Why Londoners Trust Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company
Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company has served Greater London’s homes, shops, and office buildings for over 20 years. Our team is familiar with everything from Georgian terraces in Islington to sleek penthouse apartments by the Thames, and we regularly collaborate with owners, designers, and property managers to deliver high-quality finishes that suit each building’s character.
We specialise in complex layouts, parquet restoration, and commercial refurbishments near the City, South Bank, and Soho, using dust-minimising techniques and modern, lower-VOC products where appropriate to keep disruption to a minimum. We’re proud to source sustainable European oak and to keep up to date with industry developments from organisations such as the NWFA so our clients benefit from proven, up-to-date practices. Learn about famous installations: our clients.
- Professional advice on having hardwood floors refinished for listed or period properties. See our Alnwick herringbone flooring for historic homes.
- Skilled with herringbone and chevron patterns found in Marylebone and Notting Hill. Browse Witley herringbone multi-ply for sophisticated interiors.
- Open, honest pricing and no pushy sales—just guidance from expert floor fitters. Try our quick contact form.
Read more about our range of flooring solutions, from engineered timber floors and parquet flooring to oak hardwood flooring and luxury floor coverings in our central London showroom. Discover stylish multi-ply choices like Loch Sheil and Loch Rannoch flooring.
Preparing a Room for Hardwood Floor Refinishing
- Remove all furniture, rugs, and décor so the entire floor area is accessible.
- Lift curtains, remove delicate items from walls, and tape off skirting boards, sockets, and vents to minimise dust spread.
- Secure pets and children away from the work zone for their safety and to keep the surface dust-free while finishes cure.
- Ask your installer about dust containment, extraction systems, and ventilation plans, especially if you are concerned about VOCs or sensitivities.
- Reserve parking for specialist equipment vans if your property has restricted access (especially common in Zone 1 of London). Find step-by-step advice at our blog.
Latest Trends in Hardwood Flooring Refinishing Near London’s Hotspots
Inspired by high-end renovations in Chelsea, Mayfair, and the Docklands, today’s top refinishing requests balance contemporary style with durability and easy maintenance. Many homeowners favour subtle, natural tones and low-sheen finishes that hide everyday wear while showcasing the grain of the wood.
- Matte and Satin Finishes: Enhance wood’s natural beauty and resist visible wear—recommended for apartments featuring Loch Tummel multi-ply flooring, where a soft sheen complements modern interiors.
- Grey or Washed Tones: Trendy in contemporary apartments near King’s Cross; see Chalfield herringbone flooring for stylish projects that echo Scandinavian-inspired design.
- UV-cured Oils: Offer long life and rapid curing for shops and busy offices on Oxford Street—ideal with Loch Morar multi-ply flooring for robust, high-traffic spaces.
Ready for Your Hardwood Floor’s Next Chapter? Contact the Experts
If you’re considering having hardwood floors refinished anywhere in or around London, don’t trust your investment to just anyone. Work with specialists who combine traditional craftsmanship with the latest in eco-friendly finishes and equipment, and who understand how to protect your indoor air quality while delivering a beautiful result.
Contact Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company at 07940 528 315 or enquiries@nhfcompany.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure consultation and a tailored quotation. We service all major London boroughs and can arrange out-of-hours appointments for offices and shops as needed. For more on our services, visit the wooden floor installation page.
Why Choose Nationwide Hardwood Flooring Company?
- 20+ years of proven experience in residential and commercial wood flooring installation and refinishing—read details at our work showcase.
- Full insurance and guaranteed works for peace of mind on every project.
- Wide product range including oak hardwood flooring, engineered herringbone, and more—see our top sellers such as Herringbone solid floors and Blenheim black walnut multi-ply.
- Local expertise—deep knowledge of London’s architectural character and the particular challenges of working in period homes, converted warehouses, and new-build apartments. Learn about our history at about us.
Put your trust in London’s premier floor fitters. For specialist help having hardwood floors refinished, visit our website contact page or reach out to our knowledgeable team today!
