Whether you have original elm floorboards, reclaimed elm, solid elm flooring or an older floor that has become worn and tired, professional sanding and refinishing can restore its natural beauty while retaining the character of the timber.
We specialise in the careful sanding, repair and refinishing of elm floors, using professional equipment and finishing systems selected specifically for the individual floor.
Sanding elm floors
Elm requires careful preparation because of its distinctive grain structure and natural variations in hardness.
Our sanding process is designed to remove old finishes, surface dirt, scratches and general wear while avoiding unnecessary removal of the original timber.
We progressively sand the floor using professional sanding equipment and carefully selected abrasives, preparing the surface for its new finish.
Where appropriate, we can retain natural features such as dents, marks, knots, colour variation and historic wear. These characteristics can be particularly important when restoring an older elm floor.
The result is a clean, smooth and beautifully prepared surface while maintaining the natural character of the elm.
Elm floor repairs
Before sanding begins, we assess the condition of the flooring and identify areas that require repair.
Depending on the condition of the floor, repairs can include:
- Replacing severely damaged elm boards
- Repairing split or cracked boards
- Re-securing loose floorboards
- Repairing damaged sections
- Replacing missing areas of flooring
- Filling suitable gaps and defects
- Repairing damaged board edges and ends
- Blending replacement timber into the existing floor
Where replacement boards are required, we aim to source timber with a similar colour, grain, age and character to the existing elm.
Because elm can vary considerably in colour and grain, a completely uniform appearance is not always desirable. Our objective is to produce repairs that are sympathetic to the original floor.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation survey and quote
Restoring the character of elm
One of the most attractive features of an elm floor is its individuality.
Original elm boards can contain dramatic grain patterns, natural colour variation, knots, mineral markings and signs of previous use.
We don’t believe every mark should necessarily be removed.
When restoring an older floor, we can take a sympathetic approach to sanding so that the finished floor retains some of the history and character of the original timber.
The result is a restored floor that looks authentic rather than artificially perfect.
Refinishing elm floors
Once sanding and repairs are complete, the floor can be refinished using a suitable professional flooring system.
The choice of finish will depend on the appearance you want to achieve, the level of traffic the floor receives and the level of protection required.
Oiling elm floors
A professional hardwax oil can enhance the natural grain and colour of elm while providing a natural-looking protective finish.
Oil can bring out the depth and variation within the timber, making it particularly effective on characterful elm floors.
Depending on the product selected, the final appearance can range from a very natural matt finish to a warmer, more enhanced appearance.
Lacquering elm floors
Although lacquers are very durable, an elm floor lends itself to be finished with a hard wax oil or waxing of boards to retain its natural beauty.
Natural elm or colour enhancement?
Elm can look particularly impressive when finished naturally, allowing its distinctive grain and colour variation to remain visible.
However, staining or colour enhancement can also be considered where a particular appearance is required.
Possible options include:
- Natural elm
- Lightened natural tones
- Warm oak tones
- Richer brown tones
- Antique finishes
- Bespoke colour matching
We recommend producing samples before staining or colour enhancement, as elm can react differently depending on the individual timber, its age and the level of sanding.
Why restore an elm floor?
Original elm flooring can be extremely difficult to replace with timber that has the same character and appearance.
Restoration allows you to retain the original boards while improving their appearance and protecting them for many more years.
Instead of replacing an established floor, professional sanding and refinishing can:
- Remove worn finishes
- Improve the overall appearance
- Reduce the appearance of surface scratches
- Restore the natural grain
- Repair damaged sections
- Enhance the colour of the timber
- Provide a new protective finish
- Retain the character of the original floor
Our elm floor sanding & refinishing process
-
Inspection
We assess the condition of the elm flooring and discuss your requirements and preferred final appearance.
-
Repairs
Damaged boards and sections are repaired or replaced where necessary.
-
Preparation
The floor is prepared before sanding, including addressing appropriate gaps, defects and loose areas.
-
Sanding
The existing finish and surface wear are carefully removed using professional sanding equipment.
-
Finishing preparation
The floor is progressively sanded to create the required surface for the chosen finish.
-
Colour & staining
If required, colour samples are produced before applying stain or colour enhancement.
-
Refinishing
The floor is finished with a suitable professional oil, hardwax oil or lacquer system.
-
Final inspection
The completed floor is inspected to ensure the finish meets the agreed specification.
Experienced elm floor restoration
Every elm floor is different. The age, construction, condition, previous treatments and natural characteristics of the timber all influence how the floor should be restored.
Our approach is to work with the timber rather than against it, bringing out the natural beauty of the timber while preserving the features that make the floor unique.
Whether your elm floor is part of a period property or a more contemporary interior, we can provide a complete service from repairs and sanding through to colour enhancement and professional refinishing.
Restore your elm floor
If your elm floor has become dull, scratched, stained or worn, professional sanding and refinishing can give it a new lease of life.
Our recently completed work
Discover our latest transformations across Gloucestershire, from Victorian pine restoration in Stroud's historic mills to contemporary oak installations in Cheltenham's Regency properties.
Don't just take our word for it
Take it from the 200+ customers who have rated us five stars. Every review below is a real review left on our Google profile, where you can read them all unedited.
Elm floor restoration FAQs
What makes elm different to sand?
Its distinctive interlocking grain and natural variations in hardness. We prepare the floor carefully and sand it progressively with selected abrasives, avoiding unnecessary removal of the original timber.
Can damaged elm boards be replaced?
Yes. Where replacement boards are required we aim to source timber with a similar colour, grain, age and character, and blend it into the existing floor. Because elm varies so much, a completely uniform appearance is not always desirable.
Should an elm floor be oiled or lacquered?
Although lacquers are very durable, an elm floor lends itself to a hardwax oil or waxed finish, which brings out the depth and variation within the timber while keeping its natural beauty.
Can elm be stained?
Elm often looks most impressive finished naturally, but lightened natural tones, warm oak tones, richer browns, antique finishes and bespoke colour matching are all possible. We recommend samples first, as elm reacts differently depending on the timber, its age and the level of sanding.
We provide elm floor restoration across Gloucestershire
- Cheltenham and surrounding villages
- Gloucester and the Forest of Dean
- Stroud, Dursley and the Five Valleys
- Cirencester and the Cotswolds
- Tewkesbury and North Gloucestershire
- South Gloucestershire including Tetbury