Parquet Floor Sanding
Careful, multi-direction sanding for herringbone, chevron and block parquet in Barnet.
Herringbone and block parquet brings real character to a home — and it deserves specialist care. With grain running in several directions, careless sanding leaves swirls and scratches that show up as soon as the finish goes on.
Our Barnet team uses a multi-direction sanding sequence and fine final abrasives so the pattern looks crisp and even from every angle. It is part of our wider floor sanding service, tailored to block floors.
Fixing loose and missing blocks
Old parquet often has loose, hollow or missing blocks, usually where the original bitumen adhesive has failed. We lift and re-bed them, and replace missing blocks with matched or reclaimed timber through our parquet floor repairs service. Our parquet restoration guide explains what is involved.
Every parquet pattern
Herringbone and double herringbone
Chevron
Brick bond and basket weave blocks
Mosaic panels and borders
Oil or lacquer on parquet?
Oil gives parquet a soft, natural sheen and can be spot-repaired, while a matt water-based lacquer gives maximum protection in hallways and kitchens. Darker or lighter tones are possible with floor staining, always tested on a sample area first.
Why specialist sanding matters
Over the years parquet blocks can lift, dip and wear unevenly, especially in hallways. We start with angled passes to flatten the floor, then work through finer grits until the surface is smooth in every direction. Borders and corners are finished by hand-held machines so the whole floor looks consistent. The aim is a flawless surface that shows the pattern at its best.
We restore parquet in period houses, flats, schools and church halls across Barnet. For larger buildings, see our public spaces service. Every survey includes a check for loose blocks, so repairs and sanding can be planned together.
A typical parquet floor takes two to three days from start to finish. Full dust extraction keeps the rest of the house clean while we work.
Aftercare
A maintenance re-oil every couple of years keeps an oiled parquet floor looking fresh. Our restoration work comes with a 3-month service guarantee. See guide costs on our prices page.
Guide prices
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Floor sanding & oiling
Dust-free sanding back to fresh timber, finished with two coats of hardwax oil.
from £22 per m²
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Floor sanding & lacquer
Full sand and three coats of hard-wearing water-based lacquer.
from £24 per m²
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Parquet sanding & finishing
Multi-direction sanding for block and herringbone floors, with your choice of finish.
from £28 per m²
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Gap filling
Resin filler or reclaimed pine slivers between floorboards.
from £6 per m²
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Floor staining
Colour samples on your floor and an even stain before finishing.
from £5 per m²
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Stairs stripping & restoration
Paint and varnish removal, repairs and finishing of treads and risers.
from £45 per step
Guide prices — we confirm a fixed price after a free survey.
Questions about parquet floor sanding
How many coats does a floor need?
Oiled floors normally get two coats, and lacquered floors three. Busy hallways and commercial floors can have an extra coat for added protection.
What about the black adhesive under old parquet?
Many older parquet floors were laid on bitumen adhesive. It does not stop us restoring the floor, but loose blocks need cleaning back and re-fixing with a compatible adhesive. We check this during the survey and include it in the quote.
Are your oils and lacquers pet-friendly?
Yes. We use low-VOC oils and water-based lacquers that are safe for children and pets once fully dry. Keep pets off the floor for the first 24 hours, and keep claws trimmed to help the finish last.
How do you sand parquet without damaging it?
Because the blocks run in different directions, we use a multi-direction sanding sequence. A final pass with a fine-grit buffer removes swirl marks and leaves a flat, smooth surface.
How are your prices worked out?
The cost depends on the size of the floor, its condition and the finish. Our price list shows typical starting prices, and the free survey gives you a fixed written quote.
Can old parquet be saved?
In nearly every case, yes. We re-glue loose blocks, replace missing ones with matched or reclaimed timber, then sand and finish the whole floor so the repairs disappear. Find out more about parquet floor repairs.
What our customers say
Quick, clean and professional
“We had the hallway and living room sanded and lacquered over two days. They protected the skirting and doors, and they hoovered up before leaving each evening.”
High Barnet
No more draughts
“Our front room was always cold because of the gaps in the boards. They filled them with pine slivers blend in perfectly and we have felt the difference already. They were upfront that filled gaps can move with the seasons, which I appreciated.”
New Barnet
Lacquered floor looking fresh
“Our lacquered oak had lots of fine scratches from the dog. A light abrade and new coat of lacquer has made it smooth and shiny again. Useful advice on felt pads and mats as well.”
East Barnet