This was a detailed restoration of original pine floorboards across two storeys of a family home in Chard. The staircase had been covered in carpet, held down with double-sided tape, and the clients wanted to bring everything back to life with an aged, antique look that would still stand up to everyday use.
Time on site: 7 days
Area: Chard, Somerset
Floor size: 65m²
The starting point
The floors were made up of original pine boards, with several loose sections that needed attention before sanding could begin. The staircase was the bigger challenge. Once the carpet was removed, it revealed layers of stubborn adhesive from the double-sided tape, which had to be carefully scraped away before we could properly assess and sand the timber underneath.
What repairs were needed?
We started by refixing and repairing the loose boards so the floors were stable and level before sanding. Carrying out these repairs first meant we could sand the boards properly in one process, rather than having to go back over the same areas later.
How we worked the staircase
Removing the tape residue from the staircase took several scrapers and a lot of patience. Once the timber was clear, we sanded the treads and risers back to bare wood, so they were ready for staining. After finishing, the stairs looked as though they had always been dark timber, with no sign of the old carpet or adhesive left behind.
The sanding process
For the floorboards, we worked through the sanding grades from P40, P60, P80 and P100 through to P120, using our Lagler and Bona machines to remove the old surface, refine the timber and prepare it for staining.
Choosing the finish
To create the antique feel the clients wanted, we used Morrells Classique Jacobean stain, followed by two coats of Bona Mega in matt. The stain gave the pine a deep, aged tone, while the lacquer added a hard-wearing, low-sheen finish suitable for a busy family home.
The result
The finished floorboards now have a rich, aged character across both storeys, with the stairs tying in beautifully. The darker stain brings out the grain, knots and natural variation in the pine, giving the home the old-world feel the clients were looking for.
Are you considering restoring your original pine floorboards in Chard or Somerset?
TFS Flooring have over 20 years experience restoring original pine floorboards in Chard, Somerset, and the South West.
Contact us today for a free quote.
Unsure whether sanding is the right option for your floor? Read our guide on Should I restore my Victorian floorboards?