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Sand & refinish a floor.
Hardwood, parquet or pine sanded back, stained and sealed — restored to factory finish.
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Hiring a flooring, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Swirl marks
Cheap fitters with worn-out sanders leave visible circular swirls. Insist on machine-checked equipment.
Edge over-sanding
Edge sander can dig in if not handled carefully. Visible "dipped" edges around the perimeter.
Stain inconsistency
Some woods (pine, certain oaks) absorb stain unevenly. Always test on a corner first.
Finish bleed-through
Cheap lacquer can yellow over white oak. Use water-based lacquer for pale woods.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Plank sanding per m²Single sand pass
£12–£25/m²
Full sand & 3-coat finish per m²Standard package
£20–£50/m²
Parquet sanding per m²More complex, takes longer
£25–£55/m²
Gap-filling per m²If needed
£5–£15/m²
Board-fixing & repairsPer board replaced
£20–£60
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Flooring briefing.
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Flooring explained
Existing solid wood and parquet floors can be sanded back to fresh wood and refinished — usually transformatively. Expect to pay £15–£50 per m² for UK floor sanding and refinishing, depending on condition and finish.
What Does the Work Involve?
The fitter clears the room, fixes loose boards or nails, fills gaps (resin sawdust filler or natural fibre tape), then sands in three passes: coarse (36–60 grit) removes the old finish and visible damage; medium (80–100 grit) smooths the surface; fine (120–150 grit) prepares for finishing. Edge sander deals with the perimeter. Then finishing: hardwax oil (3 coats) or polyurethane lacquer (3 coats).
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plank sanding per m² | 12 | 25 | Single sand pass |
| Full sand & 3-coat finish per m² | 20 | 50 | Standard package |
| Parquet sanding per m² | 25 | 55 | More complex, takes longer |
| Gap-filling per m² | 5 | 15 | If needed |
| Board-fixing & repairs | 20 | 60 | Per board replaced |
| Hardwax oil upgrade | +5 | +15 | Per m² vs lacquer |
| Stain colour application | +8 | +25 | Per m² |
How Long Does It Take?
20 m² room: 1 day sanding, 1 day finishing with cures between coats. Total: 2–3 days. Parquet adds 1 extra day. Stains add 1 extra day for colour application.
DIY or Professional?
Sander hire is £40–£60/day and DIY is possible but the results are usually visibly amateur — swirl marks, missed edges, uneven absorption of finish. Hire a professional for visible rooms; DIY for utility spaces.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
Specialist floor sanding contractor — many advertise on local Facebook groups. Ask to see previous work and confirm the finishing system (Bona, Loba, Junckers, Osmo are the UK brands). Insist on dust-free sanding (Bona DCS or Festool).
UK Regulations
No specific regulations. Listed buildings need consent for major work.
Common Problems
- Swirl marks: Cheap fitters with worn-out sanders leave visible circular swirls. Insist on machine-checked equipment.
- Edge over-sanding: Edge sander can dig in if not handled carefully. Visible "dipped" edges around the perimeter.
- Stain inconsistency: Some woods (pine, certain oaks) absorb stain unevenly. Always test on a corner first.
- Finish bleed-through: Cheap lacquer can yellow over white oak. Use water-based lacquer for pale woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my old floor be sanded?
If it's solid wood and at least 4mm of wear-layer left, yes. Engineered wood with 3mm+ wear-layer can also be sanded. Laminate and LVT cannot.
How many times can a floor be sanded?
Solid wood 18–22mm: 5–8 times over its life. Engineered 4mm wear: 2–3 times. Engineered 2mm wear: 1 time only.
Hardwax oil or lacquer?
Hardwax oil (Osmo, Fiddes): natural matte feel, can be patch-repaired, requires re-oiling every 2–3 years. Lacquer: harder, more durable, can't be patched (whole floor must be sanded again).
Can I stain my floor a different colour?
Yes — staining or whitewashing is common. Test on a corner first as different woods absorb differently.
How long is the floor unusable?
Sanding day: rooms must be empty. Finishing: 24 hours per coat for foot traffic, 7 days for full cure (no rugs or heavy furniture).
Will sanding fix water-damaged boards?
Surface stains and discolouration can be sanded out. Deep water damage (black stains, cupping) usually requires board replacement.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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