Engineered Floor Sanding in Camberwell, SE5

This Victorian property in Camberwell required full floor sanding across three reception rooms and a hallway. The original engineered hardwood was heavily worn, with visible scratches and uneven patina from decades of use. We stripped back to bare wood and refinished with a matte lacquer, restoring the floor to working condition and improving the room's light.

Work carried out

• Full sanding of engineered hardwood floors, 85 square metres
• Dust containment throughout the property
• Preparation of subfloors and gap filling
• Two coat matte lacquer finish
• Final inspection and edge finishing

About the project

The main challenge on this Camberwell job was the uneven thickness of the engineered boards. Some sections had cupped slightly over time, particularly near the bay window where moisture levels had shifted. We had to work carefully through the early grits, using 60 then 80 grade paper, before moving to finer grades. The approach meant taking more time during the initial phase but avoiding aggressive removal that would have compromised the wear layer on the thinner boards.

The client wanted to keep the floor in use during the week and have it finished by Friday. We scheduled the work across four days with early starts, allowing dust to settle overnight. The dust extraction system ran continuously, and we sealed doorways to prevent particles spreading into the bedrooms and kitchen. By day four the matte lacquer had cured enough for light furniture moving, and the client was back to normal use within the week.

About our Camberwell, SE5 service

Camberwell has a high proportion of Victorian and Edwardian properties, many with original timber floors beneath carpet or laminate. Owners often uncover engineered boards, solid oak, and occasionally pine during renovations. We work regularly across the SE5 postcode, from terraced houses on Camberwell Grove through to the converted flats near Peckham Road. The area's older stock means we frequently encounter moisture issues from older foundations and sloping floors that need careful assessment before work starts.

The typical properties we sand in Camberwell contain either engineered hardwood or solid timber boards, generally between 80 and 150 millimetres wide. Many have been treated with oil finishes that need complete removal before refinishing. New builds in the area are less common, but when they do appear, they usually have engineered floors throughout. Understanding the specific condition and history of each property's timber is essential, since damp from basement levels or previous water damage can affect how the wood responds to sanding and finishing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does floor sanding cost per square metre in Camberwell?

The cost typically ranges from £25 to £45 per square metre, depending on the condition of the floor and the finish you choose. Basic preparation and two coat matte lacquer sits at the lower end, while stained finishes or engineered boards requiring extra care cost more. We provide a fixed quote after visiting the property and assessing the timber type and existing finish.

How long does sanding and finishing take?

Most floors take between three and five working days to complete. A 50 square metre room might finish in three days, while 100 square metres across multiple rooms typically takes four to five days. This includes sanding, gap filling, and applying two coats of lacquer with proper drying time between applications. We'll confirm the exact timeline during the site visit, since older floors with heavy wear sometimes require additional grits.

Is the dust contained to a single room?

We use dust extraction equipment throughout the sanding process, which removes around 95 percent of particles at source. Sealed doorways prevent dust migration into other rooms, and we HEPA filter the extraction units. Some fine dust is inevitable with sanding, so we recommend moving sensitive items and light fabrics before we start. The room will need a thorough vacuum and wipe down after completion, which is included in our service.