This project involved a full strip-out and replacement following severe water damage to the original floor.
The existing solid French oak floor had been heavily affected by flooding and was beyond repair, with significant warping throughout.
The starting point
- Solid French oak floor, badly warped from water damage
- Floor completely beyond salvage
- Unknown subfloor condition beneath
- Property fitted with wet underfloor heating system
Strip out and preparation
Once the existing floor was removed, we uncovered a wet UFH system that had been installed within a sand infill – not something you’d expect to see today.
To ensure a long-lasting result:
- All sand was fully removed and vacuumed out
- Subfloor cleaned and prepped thoroughly
- Area prepared for a modern, stable build-up
This stage was time-consuming but essential to get right before moving forward.
Screed installation
To create a solid and level base:
- Liquid screed was pumped in over the UFH system
- Brought up to the correct height and level throughout
- Left to fully cure and dry over several weeks
No shortcuts here – proper drying time is key to avoiding future issues.
Oak floor installation
Once the subfloor was ready, we installed:
- Engineered oak flooring throughout, made up of mixed widths as per client’s specifications
- Floor glued down with MS polymer wood floor adhesive
- Feature border detail around the room
The border is not something you commonly see with plank flooring, but it added a nice, bespoke finish to the space.
Finishing
To complete the look:
- Border stained using Treatex Dark Oak
- Main floor finished in Treatex Medium Oak
- Two coats of Treatex clear matt hardwax oil applied
This provided a durable, natural finish while enhancing the grain and warmth of the oak.
The Completed Installation
- Fully restored and structurally sound floor
- Modernised subfloor with correctly installed UFH system
- Bespoke border detail adding character
- Warm, natural finish throughout
A challenging project from start to finish, but a great transformation and a fantastic result for the client.
Considering your own oak floor installation?
We have over 20 years experience replacing and installing wood flooring with:
- Engineered and solid wood flooring
- Floor replacements after water damage
- Subfloor preparation & screed work
- Bespoke finishes and detailing
Contact us today for a free quote.
Worried about moisture impacting an oak floor installation? Read our guide on How to control moisture in wood floor installations.