This period property in Bristol had original pine floorboards that were already full of character, but they needed careful work to bring them back properly. The boards had been sanded before, so we were not dealing untouched timber, but there were still repairs, levelling, staining, and finishing to get right.
Time on site: 5 days
Area: 42m²
Starting point
The floorboards were original pine and had been sanded in the past, but several areas still needed attention before the floor could be finished properly. Where repairs were needed, we used reclaimed pine, so the replacement sections sat naturally with the existing boards.
The sanding process
We began with a diagonal P40 cut to level the boards and deal with the unevenness that comes with older pine floors. From there, we worked through 60, 80, 100, and 120 grit, gradually refining the surface until it was smooth, even, and ready for staining.
Choosing the finish
We did not want our client to choose the stain from a chart or guess how it would look once applied. Instead, we put down sample patches of Morrells Walnut, Jacobean, and Dark Oak in a silk sheen so the client could see each colour on their own boards and in their own light. They wanted a dark, rich finish, and Morrells Dark Oak gave them the depth they were looking for.
The result
We applied one coat of Morrells Dark Oak stain, followed by two coats of Bona Mega in a silk sheen to seal and protect the floor. The finished boards now have real depth and warmth, with a dark, rich tone that suits the period property without feeling heavy or overworked. Most importantly, the floor looks like it belongs in the room again – restored, protected, and full of character.
Thinking of sanding your wood flooring?
TFS Flooring are the trusted experts for sanding and restoring wood floors in period properties in Bristol, Somerset, and the South West.
If you have original pine, softwood, or period floorboards that need repairing, sanding, staining, or sealing – contact us for a free, no obligation quote.
Want to know whether sanding and restoring is the right step? Read our guide on Should I restore my Victorian floorboards?