Floor Sanding in Dulwich, SE21

We recently completed a full floor sanding project on a Victorian terrace in Dulwich, transforming tired original floorboards that hadn't been properly maintained for decades. The property had uneven surfaces, deep scratches and stains from years of wear, along with areas of raised grain from previous water damage. Our team brought the floors back to their original character while creating a smooth, durable finish throughout the ground floor.

Work carried out

• Full sanding of original Victorian pine boards across ground floor
• Grit progression from 40 grit through to 150 grit finishing
• Filling of gaps and damaged areas using matching wood filler
• Dust-free sanding process using fitted extraction equipment
• Application of matte lacquer finish, three coats
• Edging work around doorways and tight spaces

About the project

The brief was straightforward on the surface, but Victorian floorboards always require a careful eye. What looked like minor surface damage turned out to conceal deeper issues once we started sanding. Around the fireplace, we found old nail holes and previous repair attempts that needed addressing before the finish could be applied. The boards themselves varied in width and thickness, something common in properties of this age, which meant adjusting our sanding progression to handle both hard and soft grain patterns without creating visible differences across the room.

We used a belt sander for the main floor area, fitted with our dust extraction system to keep disruption to a minimum. The customer was keen to maintain occupancy throughout the work, so keeping dust contained in the work area was essential. Edge sanding required hand tools in several places where the original skirting boards were close to the floor line. We finished with three coats of water based matte lacquer, allowing proper curing time between each application despite the project timeline. The total work took four days from start to finish, with full access to the floor available after 48 hours.

About our Dulwich, SE21 service

Dulwich is known for its leafy, residential character, but it's the housing stock that defines the area from a flooring perspective. The majority of properties are Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many built between 1880 and 1920, which means original timber floors are the norm rather than the exception. We work regularly throughout the neighbourhood, tackling everything from restoration projects on period properties to sanding newly fitted boards in contemporary renovations. The trees and proximity to parks mean properties here often deal with natural moisture issues, which can affect floorboards if they're not properly sealed and finished.

Alongside the period properties, we see newer conversions and purpose built homes, particularly in the areas closer to the railway. These newer properties often have engineered wood or laminate rather than solid timber, though where solid floors have been specified, they're usually higher grade materials than what we find in older stock. The type of sanding required varies significantly depending on property age. Victorian floors need patience and expertise to preserve their character, while contemporary installations often require finishing to specification rather than restoration work. We've sanded hundreds of floors across Dulwich and understand the particular demands of working in this area.

Frequently asked questions

How much does floor sanding typically cost in Dulwich?

Sanding costs usually fall between £25 and £45 per square metre, depending on the floor's condition and whether we're dealing with original boards or newly laid timber. Victorian floors in poor condition or with extensive damage may sit toward the higher end of that range due to extra preparation work required. We provide a detailed quote after inspecting the property, as the final price depends on what we find once work begins.

How long does floor sanding take?

Most residential floors take between three to five days from start to finish, including sanding and finishing. Larger properties or those requiring extensive repair work may take longer. You can walk on the floors after 48 hours, though full curing of the finish takes up to a week before you return furniture to the room.

Is your sanding process dust free?

We use fitted extraction equipment connected to our sanding machinery, which captures the majority of dust at source. This significantly reduces the mess compared to traditional sanding methods. However, it's impossible to eliminate all dust entirely, so we still recommend protecting doorways and covering furniture in adjacent rooms during work.