1️⃣ Free Consultation & Floor Assessment
Your parquet restoration begins with a no-obligation visit to your Fulham property. Our specialists will:
- Examine the current condition of your parquet floor
- Identify the wood species (typically oak, walnut, mahogany, or teak in Fulham homes)
- Assess the depth and type of existing finish
- Check for structural issues like loose blocks, gaps, or subfloor problems
- Test for moisture levels
- Discuss your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements
- Provide a detailed written quote with no hidden costs
This initial consultation typically takes 30-45 minutes and allows us to create a tailored restoration plan specific to your floor’s needs.
2️⃣ Preparation & Repairs
Before sanding begins, proper preparation is crucial:
Block Re-Fixing: Loose parquet blocks are a common issue in older Fulham properties. We carefully lift and re-adhere blocks using professional-grade adhesives, ensuring a stable surface for sanding.
Block Replacement: Severely damaged or missing blocks are replaced with carefully matched wood. We maintain an extensive stock of reclaimed parquet blocks to match period floors.
Gap Filling: Small gaps between blocks are filled with colour-matched wood filler or wood slivers for a seamless appearance.
Furniture Management: We can work around furniture or, if needed, assist with moving items to ensure complete floor coverage. Heavy furniture is carefully protected throughout the process.
Room Preparation: Edges and skirting boards are protected, and the work area is sealed to contain any residual dust.
3️⃣ Professional Dust-Free Sanding
This is where transformation happens. Our multi-stage sanding process includes:
Coarse Sanding: Initial passes with coarse-grit abrasives remove old varnish, surface stains, scratches, and level uneven areas. This reveals fresh wood beneath decades of wear.
Medium Sanding: Progressive sanding with medium grits eliminates marks left by coarse abrasives and further smooths the surface.
Fine Sanding: Final sanding with fine-grit abrasives creates a perfectly smooth surface ready for finishing. The wood at this stage is clean, even, and ready to receive its protective coating.
Edge Sanding: We use specialist edge-sanding equipment to reach areas close to skirting boards, around radiator pipes, and in corners—ensuring the entire floor receives equal attention.
Dust Extraction: Throughout all sanding stages, our industrial extraction systems continuously remove dust particles, maintaining a clean working environment.
The entire sanding process for an average Fulham living room (4m x 5m) typically takes 4-6 hours, depending on floor condition.
4️⃣ Staining (Optional)
Many Fulham clients choose to enhance or change their floor’s colour:
- Restore Original Tone: Match the floor’s original colour if previously stained
- Darken Floors: Popular walnut or Jacobean oak stains for a more dramatic appearance
- Lighten Floors: White-wash or light oak stains to brighten rooms
- Contemporary Colours: Grey stains for modern interiors are increasingly popular in renovated Fulham properties
We apply test patches before committing to a colour, ensuring you’re completely happy with the result.
5️⃣ Sealing & Finishing
The final protective coating is crucial for longevity:
Lacquer Application: Multiple coats (typically 3) of professional-grade lacquer are applied with specialist rollers, allowing proper drying time between coats. Lacquer provides a durable, water-resistant surface ideal for kitchens, hallways, and living areas.
Oil Application: Natural oils are worked into the wood grain, enhancing natural beauty while providing protection. Oils require 2-3 coats and longer curing times but offer a warmer, more natural appearance.
Hardwax Oil Application: Combining the best of both worlds, hardwax oils penetrate like traditional oils but cure to a more durable surface. Popular for bedrooms and dining rooms.
Drying times vary:
- Lacquer: Light foot traffic after 24 hours; furniture after 48-72 hours
- Oil: Light traffic after 24-48 hours; full cure in 7-14 days
6️⃣ Final Inspection & Aftercare Guidance
Before we consider the job complete:
- Thorough inspection of the entire floor under good lighting
- Touch-up any minor imperfections
- Remove all protection materials
- Clean the surrounding areas
- Provide detailed maintenance instructions
- Supply recommendations for cleaning products
- Advise on when to schedule future maintenance
We don’t leave until you’re completely satisfied with the results.
At the end of the service we will provide you with maintenance recommendations for long-term shine and durability.