We recently completed floor sanding and finishing work on a Victorian property in Hammersmith, restoring original wooden floorboards that had been hidden beneath carpet for decades. The client wanted to reveal the character of the floors while bringing them up to modern durability standards. The job involved sanding the entire ground floor, addressing cupping and movement, then applying a hard-wearing polyurethane finish.
Work carried out
- Full floor sanding using progressive grit sizes, 40 through to 120
- Edge sanding and hand finishing in corners and around built-in features
- Crack filling and repair of minor damage to boards
- Two-coat polyurethane finish application
- Dust extraction and containment throughout
About the project
The Hammersmith property was a period conversion with around 80 square metres of original pine flooring on the ground floor. Once the carpet and underlay came up, we found the boards in reasonable condition overall, though the surface was worn and scratched. There was some cupping from moisture fluctuations over the years, which we had to address during sanding to avoid creating an uneven finish. The client had young children, so our dust-free sanding process was a key requirement. We discussed this upfront and confirmed we could contain dust effectively without compromising the quality of the sanding work.
Our approach was to take time during the initial sanding pass, running the machine slower than usual to properly flatten the boards and bring cupping under control. We used 40-grit paper for the first pass, which can be aggressive but was necessary given the age and condition of the timber. The edges and corners around the fireplace and bay windows were hand-sanded, which took a full day but ensured consistent preparation right to the walls. Once the surface was flat and smooth, we moved to finer grits and finished with 120-grit before sealing. The client chose a satin polyurethane, which gives protection without a glossy appearance that can look plastic on period properties.
About our Hammersmith service
Hammersmith contains a good mix of property types, from Victorian and Edwardian terraces to converted warehouses and newer apartment blocks. We work regularly across the area, and the older properties tend to have the most interesting original floorboards. Victorian pine is common, along with occasional examples of oak or mixed hardwoods in properties that were built for wealthier households. Many floors have been covered for decades, which can actually be a benefit as it means less UV damage and wear than fully exposed floors. The challenge is usually dealing with moisture issues from period basements or rising damp, which can cause the kind of cupping and movement we dealt with on this job.
Newer builds and converted commercial spaces in the area often have engineered boards or laminate, which we don't sand but can refinish or replace as needed. For period properties, we always take time to assess the timber type and condition before quoting, as treatment varies. Floorboards in older Hammersmith properties are often thicker than modern equivalents, which gives us more material to work with if previous sanding has taken a toll. The local property market values original features, so properly restored wooden floors add real value and appeal.
Frequently asked questions
How much does floor sanding cost in Hammersmith?
Sanding costs typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre, depending on the current condition of the timber, how many coats are needed, and whether edge work is required. Original Victorian and Edwardian boards usually cost towards the higher end because they need more careful handling and often more preparation work. We provide a specific quote after viewing the floor in person.
How long does sanding and finishing take?
For a typical ground floor of 60 to 80 square metres, sanding and finishing usually takes three to five days. This includes preparation, the sanding stages, dust removal, and application of finish coats. Larger properties or more heavily damaged floors take longer. We schedule projects to minimise disruption, often working through the week to get the job finished.
Is your sanding process dust free?
We use industrial dust extraction systems connected to the sanding equipment, which captures over 99 per cent of dust at source. This keeps the work area clean and reduces the time needed for cleanup afterwards. Homes with children or respiratory sensitivity particularly benefit from this approach. Some fine dust is unavoidable with any sanding work, but containment and extraction significantly reduces it.
