Floorboard Restoration in Period Properties

Breathing new life into old flooring

If you’re looking to sand floorboards in a period property, you’re usually dealing with more than straightforward wear and tear. Gaps, old fixings, uneven boards, and previous repairs are all common and each needs checking properly before any sanding begins.

Period Wood Flooring Restoration Taunton Somerset

Floorboard Restoration Georgian Period Property

What makes floorboard restoration different?

Older floorboards often tell you a lot once you start looking closely. We often work in houses dating back as far as the Georgian era, where gaps, old nail holes, uneven boards, and a patchwork quilt of previous repairs can present challenges. Before sanding, we check for loose boards, raised nails or screws, and any areas that need proper repair or replacement rather than simply sanding over them.

Restoring Victorian floorboards

We often work on Victorian floorboards and can be the most rewarding to restore. They tend to be solid pine, or occasionally oak, with plenty of genuine character with knots and colour variation. Before restoring Victorian floorboards we check the structure, look for any history of damp, and assess how many times the boards have already been sanded, because older boards may have less usable timber left than they once did.

Victorian Period Property Floorboard Restoration

What are the best finishes for period floorboard restorations?

The best finish depends on the look you want and how the room is used.

Hardwax oil

This gives a natural-looking finish that works well on older boards and is easy to maintain in small areas.

Lacquer

A good choice for busy spaces where durability and easy cleaning matter most.

Stains

Can be used when you want to change the colour, but because old pine and mixed boards can take colour differently you should test first.

oUR PROCESS

TFS Flooring – the period property flooring restoration specialists

Assess

Secure any loose boards and address squeaks at the source.

Tidy

Punch down or remove old nails and fill holes appropriately.

Fill

Fill significant gaps where needed using a method suited to the property.

Sanding

Sand through a full grit sequence using Lägler dust-free machinery.

Attention to detail

Edge sand close to skirting boards and into areas the main machine cannot reach.

Finish

Apply your chosen finish to your preference; clear hardwax oil, a stained look, or a durable lacquer.

Trusted Excellence

Period Property Flooring Questions

How much does sanding cost?

Floorboard sanding typically costs around £30-£45 per square metre, rising to £40-£70 per sq. m where repairs, gap filling, or board replacements are needed. The final cost depends on the condition of the boards, access, room size, and the finish you choose.

Can gaps between floorboards be filled?

Yes, often gaps between floorboards can be filled but it depends on the size of gaps, the age of the floor and how much seasonal movement there is. Smaller gaps can often be filled neatly, whilst wider gaps may need timber slivers for a stronger and more natural-looking repair. We do not fill every gap automatically, because old floorboards still need a little room to move throughout the year.

Should old floorboards be repaired or replaced?

Where possible we try to repair the original boards. Older timber often has a grain, colour, and character that can be hard to match with new wood. However, boards that are badly split, rotten, too thin, or structurally weak may need replacing for safety and for a better finish. In those cases, we aim to use suitable reclaimed or carefully matched timber so that the repair blends in seamlessly.

“Can’t thank TFS enough for bringing our Victorian floors back to life. They worked hard to overcome some tricky hurdles that period properties present.”

Michele, Homeowner in Somerset.

Recent Projects Showcase

Explore some of the recent period property wood flooring sanding and restoration projects we have undertaken in Taunton, Somerset, and the South West.

Highlighted Project 1

Wood floor sanding in Taunton

Highlighted Project 2

Floorboard restoration in Sidmouth

Highlighted Project 3

Floorboard restoration in Bristol

Thinking of restoring your period wood floor?

TFS Flooring are the experts in sanding and restoring wood flooring in period properties in Taunton, Somerset, and the South West. For a free, no-obligation assessment get in contact now and we’ll give you an honest answer before any work begins.

Start your flooring project