Every photo on this page comes from a floor we sanded and finished ourselves. No stock images and no mock-ups: just the boards as we found them, part-way through the job, and the finished result. Each project links to its full case study if you want the detail.
One thing worth knowing before you look: photos flatter gloss. A high-gloss lacquer photographs dramatically but shows every scratch in a busy hallway, while matt and satin finishes look quieter on camera and hide wear better day to day. We choose the finish for how the room is used, not for the photograph.
Victorian pine floorboards, Bristol
These original pine boards in a bay-windowed room had greyed and lost their natural colour after years of wear. Sanding took them back to clean timber, and a protective finish brought out a warm honey tone while keeping the character of the old boards. Read the full case study.
Victorian pine floor with split boards, Bristol
This period floor had split boards and stubborn original finishes. We repaired the splits, removed the old coatings and refinished the boards, keeping their period character while giving them modern protection. Read the full case study.
Oak floor uncovered from under carpet, Bristol
This oak floor had been under carpet, and the old gripper rods had left lines of pin holes around the edges. We filled them with a specialist technique and finished the floor in a natural lacquer, so the repairs blend with the original timber. Read the full case study.
Worn wood floor brought back to a high gloss, Bristol
A tired floor with an uneven surface needed intensive sanding to get it flat, followed by several finishing coats for protection and a professional sheen. Read the full case study.
Herringbone parquet, Paignton
A worn parquet floor in a family home. Sanding removed years of wear and the sealing coats gave it a durable, lustrous finish. Read the full case study, or see our parquet floor sanding service.
Church parquet, Lyndhurst
At St Michael & All Angels Church we lifted and catalogued the parquet, prepared and levelled the subfloor, relaid the original blocks, then sanded, stained and sealed the floor to suit the church. Read the full case study, or see our church floor sanding and restoration service.
What actually changes between before and after
- Colour. Old finishes amber, grey or darken with age. Sanding takes the timber back to bare wood, and the finish you choose decides the final tone; staining can warm it up or tone it down.
- Flatness. Cupped boards, raised edges and dips from years of foot traffic are sanded out, within the limits of how much timber the floor has left.
- Gaps and damage. Loose boards are fixed, damaged ones replaced and gaps closed before sanding, through our wooden floor repairs and gap filling.
- Sheen. Matt, satin or gloss. Gloss photographs best; satin and matt are more forgiving in daily use.
Want to know what your own floor could look like? Send us two photographs, one of the whole room and one of the worst area, through our contact page or call 01823 674562, and we will tell you honestly what is realistic.
If you want this doing
That is the theory. In practice we tend to be the ones doing it. From the workshop we reach Thornbury, Yate, Gloucester and Cheltenham comfortably, and the rest of Bristol and Bath besides.
Everywhere we travel is listed on areas we cover. The work itself is described on wood floor restoration.
Related guides
- How Long Does Floor Sanding Take? Discover Now
- Ultimate Guide: Choose the Right Floor Sanding Company
- Impact of Underfloor Heating: Wood Floor Benefits
FAQ
Are these photos from your own jobs?
Yes. Every photo on this page is from one of our own projects, and each links to the case study for that job.
Will my floor look like this?
It depends on the timber, its condition and how much wear layer is left. From two photographs we can usually tell you what is realistic, and we confirm it at a free survey before quoting.
How long does it take to get from before to after?
A typical room in a home takes between one and three days, including repairs, sanding and drying time between coats. Larger or more damaged floors take longer.
