• February 22, 2026 16:28

Floor Sanding in London: How Much Does It Cost in 2025?

If you're thinking about bringing your wooden floors back to life in London, you're probably wondering what it'll cost. Floor sanding is one of the most effective ways to restore tired, scratched, or dull hardwood floors to their former glory. But pricing varies depending on room size, wood condition, and which London area you're in.

In 2025, the average cost for floor sanding in London ranges from £15 to £20 per square metre, with a typical living room (around 20–25 m²) costing £350–£500. However, the final price depends on several factors that we'll explore in detail throughout this guide.

Whether you're in central London, North London suburbs, or South London postcodes, understanding these costs helps you budget correctly and get fair quotes from reputable floor sanding specialists.

What's Included in London Floor Sanding Costs?

When you get a quote for floor sanding in London, you need to understand exactly what you're paying for. A typical floor sanding project includes several stages, and most professional floor sanders in London break down costs this way:

• Initial assessment and preparation – moving furniture, protecting skirting boards, and identifying problem areas
• Sanding itself – using industrial sanders with progressively finer grits (usually 3 passes minimum)
• Edge and detail work – sanding corners and areas the large machine can't reach
• Dust extraction – professional HEPA filtering to manage mess
• Finishing – applying oil, wax, or polyurethane varnish (may be charged separately)
• Final inspection and cleanup – ensuring the floor meets standards

In London, most certified floor sanding companies (members of trade bodies like the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers) include the first five items as standard. The finishing stage, however, is often quoted separately because different London homeowners want different finishes.

It's worth noting that if your London property has hardwood that's severely damaged, uneven, or has nails poking out, you might face additional charges. Some London floor sanders charge £5–£10 per m² extra for difficult conditions.

Factors Affecting Floor Sanding Prices in London

Several variables influence what you'll actually pay for floor sanding across different London neighbourhoods:

Room Size and Layout

Smaller rooms in London apartments cost less in total, but sometimes have a higher per-square-metre rate because setup time is similar regardless. A bedroom (12–15 m²) might cost £180–£300, while a larger living area (30–40 m²) could be £450–£800. Large, open-plan spaces in North London or South London sometimes attract slightly better per-m² rates since the sander can work continuously without moving between cramped rooms.

Wood Condition

If your London floor has been well-maintained with only light scratches, expect to pay the base rate. But if your floor has deep gouges, stains, or has never been sanded before, London floor sanding specialists typically charge 20–40% more. Heavy buildup of old varnish or multiple paint marks can require extra grit passes, pushing costs from £15 per m² up to £25 per m².

Floor Type and Hardness

Solid hardwood (oak, maple, ash) is standard across London and falls within normal pricing. However, engineered wood or exotic hardwoods require different techniques and may cost 15–25% more in London. Softwoods like pine are actually cheaper to sand, sometimes £12–£15 per m² in London.

Postcode Location in London

Where in London you live affects pricing. Central London postcodes (W1, EC1, SW1) typically see higher rates (£18–£22 per m²) due to travel time and parking costs. Outer London areas, including parts of North London and South London, often quote £14–£18 per m² since the operator has shorter journeys. East London and West London prices sit somewhere in between at £15–£20 per m².

Finishing Requirements

The sanding itself is one thing, but finishing is separate. In London, a basic sanding-only job (no finish applied) costs £15–£20 per m². Adding an oil finish adds £3–£5 per m², while professional polyurethane varnishing (often requiring 2–3 coats) adds £6–£12 per m². For a complete job in London including finishing, you're looking at £25–£35 per m² total.

Sample Floor Sanding Costs in London 2025

To give you concrete figures, here are realistic quotes for different room sizes and conditions across London:

• Small bedroom (10 m²), good condition, no finish: £150–£200
• Living room (25 m²), moderate scratches, oil finish: £425–£575
• Entire house throughout (120 m²), various conditions, polyurethane: £3,000–£4,200
• Kitchen area (15 m²), heavy wear, wax finish: £300–£425
• Long hallway (8 m²), light maintenance, no finish: £120–£160

These figures are typical for London in 2025. Always request itemised quotes rather than single-line estimates so you know what you're paying for at each stage.

Getting Reliable Floor Sanding Quotes in London

When requesting quotes from floor sanding companies in London, follow this process to ensure fair pricing:

1. Ask for references – Legitimate London floor sanding specialists should provide contact details of recent customers, ideally within your postcode area
2. Check accreditation – Look for NICF membership or Guild of Master Craftsmen credentials. These bodies maintain standards across London and the UK
3. Request a site visit – Phone quotes are rarely accurate. A professional in London will visit to assess your floor's condition, measure accurately, and account for any specific challenges
4. Get written quotes – Never accept verbal estimates. Insist on written, itemised quotations that break down sanding, finishing, and any additional costs
5. Compare minimum 3 quotes – Prices vary across London, so get quotes from different areas (central, North London, South London, East London, West London) to establish fair market rates
6. Ask about drying times – High-quality work in London includes realistic timelines. Polyurethane finishes need 3–5 days drying; oil takes 1–2 days

In London, watch out for unusually cheap quotes (often £8–£10 per m²) which may indicate inexperienced operators, poor equipment, or substandard finishing. Conversely, quotes above £25 per m² for standard sanding suggest premium specialists or possibly unnecessary add-ons.

Additional Costs to Budget For in London

Beyond the sanding price itself, London homeowners should consider:

• Access issues: If your London property is on an upper floor with stairs, expect £50–£150 setup fees
• Furniture moving: Most London floor sanding companies move basic furniture free, but bulky items may incur charges
• Dust management: Professional extraction is included, but protection of adjoining rooms or belongings sometimes carries extra cost in London
• Repair work: Filling gaps, fixing boards, or replacing damaged sections adds £200–£800 depending on extent
• Multiple visits: If your London floor needs repair between visits, or finish correction, you may pay call-out fees of £100–£200

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor sanding take in London?

A typical room in London takes 1–2 days for sanding and edge work, depending on size and condition. If finishing is included, add another 1–2 days for application and drying. The drying period after finishing is 3–5 days for polyurethane in London, during which you shouldn't walk on the floor. Oil finishes dry faster (1–2 days).

Is floor sanding worth the cost in London?

Yes. Floor sanding in London typically costs £350–£800 per room but can add £5,000–£15,000 to a property's value depending on the house size and location. Restored original hardwood is highly desirable to London buyers compared to worn or carpet-covered floors.

Can I sand my floors myself to save money in London?

Hiring equipment in London costs £50–£100 per day, plus sandpaper and finishing materials, totalling £300–£600 for a DIY attempt. However, professional floor sanding in London involves skill and expensive equipment that ensures even results. Most DIY jobs require professional correction later, ultimately costing more. We'd recommend hiring professionals in London unless you have experience.

What's the best finish for kitchen floors in London?

Kitchens in London experience moisture and spills, so polyurethane varnish (water-based or oil-based) is recommended at £6–£12 per m² extra. Oil alone doesn't provide enough protection in London kitchens. Matte or satin finishes hide dust better than gloss in London homes.

How do I maintain sanded floors after the work in London?

After floor sanding in London, vacuum weekly, wipe spills immediately, and use pH-neutral cleaners designed for wood. Avoid excess water. Most floors sanded in London need recoating every 5–10 years depending on traffic. Preventative maintenance costs far less than repeat sanding.