Parquet floors often need more than surface sanding alone. Problems commonly include:
- scratched and uneven finish wear
- loose or lifting blocks
- gaps between blocks
- failed adhesive beneath the parquet
- damaged or missing sections
- old residues from previous finishes or repairs
Before sanding begins, the floor needs to be assessed so that repairs and preparation can be carried out properly and determine if a full parquet floor restoration is necessary.
Loose parquet blocks must always be dealt with before sanding begins. If sanding is carried out over unstable blocks, the machine can catch edges, worsen movement and create an uneven result.
Our repair process includes:
- checking for movement across the floor
- re-securing loose or lifting blocks
- allowing curing time before sanding continues
This preparatory parquet floor repair work helps ensure the floor remains stable after refinishing.
Where parquet blocks are cracked, heavily worn or missing entirely, selective replacement is often possible. Rather than replacing the whole floor, damaged sections can be carefully removed and replaced with matching or close-matching blocks before sanding begins as part of our parquet floor restoration services.
This approach helps preserve the original parquet floor and allows repairs to blend more naturally into the final finish.
Over time, parquet floors can develop small gaps due to age, shrinkage or movement. Where appropriate, gap filling can improve appearance and reduce dirt build-up between blocks.
However, parquet floors still need to move naturally, so gap filling should be assessed carefully. The aim is to improve the overall finish without creating brittle filler lines that crack later.
Parquet floors require a different repair approach due to their block construction and patterned layout.
Loose parquet blocks are a common issue, particularly where original adhesives have broken down over time. Repairs may involve re-securing blocks, replacing missing sections, or stabilising larger areas.
As with floorboards, replacement blocks depend on what matching material is available. Due to natural variation in timber and ageing, replaced blocks may not perfectly match the surrounding floor, although they can usually be blended effectively during sanding and finishing.
Parquet floors benefit from controlled finishing equipment that keeps sanding even without damaging edges or flattening the pattern.
Professional parquet sanding may involve:
- controlled sanding equipment for patterned floors
- finishing sanders for smooth final passes
- edge sanders for detailed perimeter work
- dust-controlled systems for cleaner working conditions
This helps achieve a consistent, uniform surface while preserving the sharp lines of the parquet design.
Please check out our professional floor sanding video below to see our parquet finishing sander in action.
Parquet floor sanding is typically more involved than standard floorboard sanding due to the patterned layout, additional preparation work and specialist techniques required.
Patterned floors such as herringbone and block parquet need to be sanded at multiple angles, and repairs are often required before sanding can begin. Loose or missing blocks, movement within the floor, and areas of instability must be addressed to achieve a consistent result.
As a general guide:
Parquet floor sanding and refinishing:
£35 – £50+ per m²
This reflects the additional time required for:
- patterned sanding techniques
- careful edge work
- securing loose blocks before sanding
- more controlled finishing
Parquet floors are always assessed individually to determine the most appropriate approach and the level of preparation required. Where repairs are needed, these are usually priced separately following inspection.
Factors that influence parquet sanding costs include:
- the stability of the blocks and amount of repair work required
- the complexity of the pattern (herringbone, block, mosaic)
- the condition of the existing finish
- the size and layout of the area
- the type of finish selected
For general pricing ranges and a full breakdown of what is included, see our floor sanding prices.
The finish you choose affects both the appearance and the durability of the restored floor.
Lacquer Finishes
Lacquer is a durable, low-maintenance option that protects the surface well and is a popular choice for busy homes.
Oil Finishes
Oil gives a more natural look, enhances grain and can often be spot-repaired more easily over time.
Colour & Specialist Finishes
Some parquet floors can also be stained or treated with specialist finishes, depending on the timber, look required and existing condition.
Do you repair loose blocks before sanding?
In many cases, yes. Damaged or missing blocks can often be replaced with matching or close-matching timber before sanding. While exact matches are not always possible, replacement sections can usually be blended effectively during finishing.
Do parquet floors need gap filling?
Some parquet floors benefit from gap filling, particularly where small gaps affect appearance or collect dirt. However, because parquet needs to move naturally, gap filling is assessed carefully to avoid future cracking.
If your parquet floor is worn, scratched, dull or uneven, professional sanding and refinishing can often restore it beautifully without replacement.
