Floor Restoration in Islington

We recently completed a comprehensive sanding project on a period property in Islington, restoring original Victorian floorboards that had been covered and neglected for decades. The client wanted to bring back the character of their floors while maintaining the integrity of the 150-year-old timber. Our team spent four days on site, carefully sanding and finishing approximately 85 square metres of hardwood across two floors.

Work carried out

• Complete sanding of all Victorian floorboards, two floors
• Assessment and removal of old adhesive from previous carpet installation
• Repair of damaged boards and filling of gaps
• Dust containment and extraction throughout the process
• Application of hard-wearing matte finish
• Skirting board reinstatement and final inspection

About the project

The property was a typical Islington conversion, split into flats several decades ago. The owners had inherited floors covered entirely in old carpet and adhesive, with no way to know what condition the timber underneath was in. When we lifted the carpet, we found the original Victorian pine boards in reasonable structural condition but heavily marked and darkened from years of moisture exposure. The main challenge was dealing with residual adhesive from carpet backing without damaging the softer pine, which requires a lighter touch than modern engineered timber. We used a combination of mechanical sanding and careful hand scraping on the most affected areas, working progressively through grit sizes from 40 up to 120 to achieve a smooth, even surface.

The work also revealed several boards that had been cut away where pipework had been installed, and a few that had developed minor warping. Rather than replace these with new timber, which would never match the patina of original boards, we levelled the worst of the high spots and made strategic repairs using carefully selected reclaimed pine of similar age and character. The gaps between boards, which are typical in Victorian construction, were left as they were. The client specifically asked us not to fill these, as they wanted to preserve the authentic appearance. We finished with a satin polyurethane, which offers practical protection without the shine of gloss finishes that would feel out of place in a period property.

About our Islington service

Islington has one of the highest concentrations of period property in North London. We work regularly in the area, sanding floors in Victorian terraces, converted Georgian townhouses, and 1920s mansion blocks. Each property type presents different requirements. Victorian properties often have pine boards in varying widths, while Georgian houses sometimes feature narrower oak. The 1930s conversions we encounter tend to have more consistent board widths but often have thicker accumulated dirt and old finishes. New build apartments are becoming more common too, though usually these come with factory-finished engineered flooring rather than solid timber that needs sanding.

What makes Islington different from other parts of London is the sheer density of period stock and the prevalence of conversions. Many properties have been subdivided multiple times, meaning we often encounter unusual layouts and unexpected floor conditions. Damp is a genuine concern in basements and ground floors, which affects our approach to finishing and preparation. We always carry out moisture testing before starting work, as high moisture content can cause finishes to fail prematurely. The local stone and plaster in these older properties can also contain salts that affect wood, so we take extra time during preparation to ensure the surface is properly cleaned and stabilised before sanding begins.

Frequently asked questions

How much does floor sanding cost in Islington?

Costs typically range from £25 to £45 per square metre depending on the condition of the boards, access difficulties, and the type of finish required. Period properties often sit at the higher end because original timber requires more careful handling and preparation time. A typical two-bedroom flat of 80 to 90 square metres costs between £2,000 and £4,000 for complete sanding and finishing.

How long does sanding take?

Most residential projects take three to five days depending on floor area and condition. A straightforward 60 square metre ground floor might take three days, while a two-storey period property with tricky boards usually needs four to five. We work around your schedule and will discuss timing before we start.

Is the sanding process dusty?

Modern sanding equipment with integrated dust extraction captures approximately 95 percent of airborne dust. We use HEPA filtered systems and seal doorways with temporary barriers. Some fine dust is inevitable with any sanding work, but the dust-free methods marketed online are frankly misleading. Our approach minimises disruption considerably, and most clients can remain in the property during daytime working hours.