Case Study – Preserving a Village Hall Wooden Floor

Village halls and community spaces sit at the heart of local life. They provide welcoming, flexible venues for everything from parish meetings and fitness classes to private functions, social clubs, and local events. Because these buildings are used so regularly by people of all ages, the condition of their flooring plays a vital role in safety, usability, and overall appearance.

Litchfield Floor Renovations was recently approached to support a village hall committee looking to protect and extend the life of their traditional timber floor in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. The hall had served the community for decades and remained a busy, well-loved venue, but years of heavy foot traffic had begun to take their toll.

As specialists in wooden floor maintenance and restoration in Dunstable and across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, we understand how important it is to preserve original flooring wherever possible. With the right professional care, many village hall floors can continue serving their communities for many years, avoiding the high cost and disruption of full replacement.

Understanding the Needs of Community and Village Hall Floors

Unlike domestic spaces, village halls experience varied and intense use. In this case, the floor supported:

• Weekly meetings and social groups
• Exercise and dance classes
• Children’s activities
• Private hire events and community celebrations

Over time, the timber surface had become worn and dull, with areas showing reduced slip resistance and thinning protective coatings. While the floor remained structurally sound, it was clear that proactive maintenance was required to improve safety and prevent further deterioration.

Our role was to assess the condition of the floor, advise the committee on the most cost-effective solution, and carry out the work with minimal disruption to regular bookings.

The Restoration and Maintenance Approach

Following a detailed site assessment, we recommended a professional sanding and refinishing process designed to restore the surface while preserving the character of the original timber floor.

The work included:

• Careful preparation of the space
• Dust-controlled sanding to remove worn finishes and surface damage
• Application of durable, slip-resistant seals suitable for high-traffic community use
• Scheduling works around existing bookings to reduce disruption

This approach improved both the appearance and performance of the floor, while remaining significantly more cost-effective than replacement.

Before-and-After Summary

Before the Work

• Dull, worn surface with visible signs of heavy use
• Reduced grip in high-traffic areas
• Ageing protective finish offering limited protection

After the Work

• Clean, refreshed timber surface with improved appearance
• Enhanced slip resistance for safer community use
• Durable protective finish designed for long-term performance

Project Images

Project Outcomes

• Performance improvements: Increased slip resistance and surface durability
• Completion timeline: Completed within an agreed schedule to minimise downtime
• Cost-effectiveness: Extended the life of the existing floor, avoiding replacement costs
• Satisfaction level: High satisfaction from the committee and regular hall users

Working with Committees: Clear Advice and Practical Planning

Village hall committees often carry the responsibility of balancing safety, budgets, and long-term planning. We work closely with committees to provide clear, jargon-free advice that supports confident decision-making.

Wooden Floor Maintenance Checklist for Committees

When planning the care of a village hall or community space, committees may wish to consider the following:

• Floor condition: Is the surface showing signs of wear, splintering, uneven boards, or loss of finish?
• Safety: Are there any slip or trip risks, particularly for older users or during busy events?
• Usage: How frequently is the hall used, and for what activities (meetings, exercise classes, dances, private hire)?
• Maintenance history: When was the floor last professionally maintained or restored?
• Longevity: Could routine maintenance extend the life of the existing floor and delay replacement?
• Budget planning: Would phased or planned works help spread costs over time?
• Disruption: Can work be scheduled to minimise downtime and impact on regular bookings?

We are always happy to help committees assess these points and provide a no-obligation quotation to support informed, practical decisions.

Why Work With Us?

• Over 15 years’ experience in wooden floor restoration and maintenance
• Specialists in community, education, and sports flooring
• Use of professional-grade, safety-compliant finishes
• Dust-controlled equipment suitable for public buildings
• Fully insured with clear, transparent quotations

Village Hall Renovations in Dunstable & Across Bedfordshire

At Litchfield Floor Renovations, we are proud to support village halls and community spaces throughout Dunstable and the surrounding areas. By helping committees maintain and protect their wooden floors, we play a small part in ensuring these vital local venues remain safe, welcoming, and fit for purpose for generations to come.

If your village hall or community space is considering wooden floor maintenance or restoration, our team is always happy to offer honest advice and a free, no-obligation assessment.

Call our specialists in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, today on 01525 220286 or enquire online here

If you’re looking to breathe new life into your home without the disruption of a full renovation, over-cladding your staircase could be the perfect solution. At the heart of our work here at Litchfield Floor Renovations is the art of transforming tired, dated staircases by over-cladding them – most commonly with beautiful, durable oak.

Over-cladding is a smart, efficient process where new timber elements are carefully fitted over your existing staircase structure. This technique not only saves time and cost compared to a full replacement, but also delivers a dramatic visual upgrade.

Oak, with it’s timeless grain and natural warmth, is a favourite amongst homeowners for good reason. Available from Scandinavian white washed through to darker antique tones, Oak cladding can suit both modern and traditional interiors and adds an instant sense of quality and character.

Each project is tailored to the staircase and style of the home, ensuring a seamless finish that feels like it was always meant to be there. From steps and risers to handrails and spindles, every detail is considered to bring out the best in the space. If you’re considering a staircase makeover, oak over-cladding offers a stunning and lasting transformation – turning a purely functional feature into a true focal point of your home.

If you are thinking of a staircase transformation give our friendly team a call or request a call back by filling out the form here.

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and character of a real wooden floor. But over time, life takes its toll — scratches, dents, gaps, and even broken boards can leave your floor looking tired and worn. The good news? You don’t always need a full replacement to get that fresh, beautiful look back.

We specialise in repairing and restoring all types of wooden floors. Whether it’s traditional oak planks, parquet patterns, or engineered wood, each repair is carefully matched so it blends seamlessly with the existing floor. Our recent work on an oak plank floor is a perfect example — what began as a floor full of visible wear and damage was transformed into a smooth, finished surface full of character. (Take a look at the before-and-after photos below!)

Every floor is unique, so we adapt our methods depending on the type of wood and the condition it’s in. Sometimes it’s about replacing individual boards, other times it’s careful filling, sanding, and refinishing. Whatever the approach, the result is always the same: a floor you’ll be proud to show off again.

If your wooden floors have seen better days, a professional repair can breathe new life into them — saving you the cost and hassle of a full replacement while keeping the natural beauty of your home intact.

Hardwood floors require periodic refinishing to remove old stains and surface damage. Refinishing can make an old floor look new again, but they require gentle treatment in the days after the process or they will soon look warn again. New finish can take up to a week to dry so it’s essential you follow these top tips to keep your floor looking as a good new for as long as possible.

•    Avoid walking on the floor for 24 hours after the refinishing process is complete.

•    Minimise traffic on the area for seven days and avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor. The floor is susceptible to damage during this period as the finish is still curing,.

•    Keep window covering s closed for a least 24 hours to prevent direct sunlight from reaching and damaging the refinished floor.

•    Sweep it with a soft, dry dust mop during the first week if it becomes dusty- but don’t vacuum or mop the floor and avoid cleaners for the first week.

•    After seven days begin regular cleaning, sweep the floor daily to remove the surface dirt and mop it once a week with hardwood floor cleaner. Where possible avoid using water and soap on the hardwood floor.

•    Clean liquids and spills from the floor immediately. Wipe them with a clean cloth before they have the chance to dry or soak into the wood, as this can cause water spots and damage.

Here at Litchfield Floor Renovations we specialise in the restoration and renovation of all types of wooden flooring. If you would like advice about your flooring or more information about our services then call us today on: 01525 220 286.

Maintaining wooden floors in high-traffic environments like busy homes or commercial spaces is vital for protecting your investment. Over time, even the most durable floors can dull, scratch, or suffer from wear and tear. Whether you’re a homeowner in Dunstable or managing a Bedfordshire business, proper wooden floor maintenance extends lifespan, preserves aesthetic appeal, and prevents costly repairs.

This guide from Litchfield Floor Renovations explains the best ways to maintain wooden floors, covering cleaning, preventative care, re-oiling, and when to call in professionals. Discover practical, expert-backed strategies to keep your wooden flooring looking flawless, even in the busiest environments.

Why Is Regular Wooden Floor Maintenance So Important?

Wooden floors are timeless, but their beauty and durability depend on regular care. Without proper upkeep, high-traffic areas like kitchens, hallways, and reception spaces will quickly show signs of stress.

Key benefits of regular maintenance include:

• Longer lifespan of your floorboards
• Lower repair and replacement costs
• Enhanced appearance and hygiene
• Increased property value

Neglecting basic care can lead to water damage, dull finishes, surface scratches, and even structural issues.

What Are the Best Daily Cleaning Methods to Maintain Wooden Floors?

What cleaning products are safe for wooden floors?

• Use a pH-neutral wood floor cleaner
• Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia
• Avoid steam mops that can force moisture into the wood

How should you clean high-traffic floors?

1. Sweep or vacuum daily using a soft-bristle broom or hardwood-safe vacuum
2. Damp mop once or twice a week using a microfiber mop and diluted cleaner
3. Immediately wipe spills to avoid moisture penetration

How Can You Protect your Wooden Floors in Dunstable?

Try these prevention tips:

• • Place doormats at entrances to trap grit and moisture
  • Use felt pads under furniture
  • Keep pet nails trimmed
  • Avoid walking in heels or cleats

• Rearrange furniture periodically to avoid pressure spots

Should you use rugs or runners?

Yes, especially in busy areas like hallways. Use breathable, non-slip rug pads that won’t trap moisture or damage the finish.

When Should You Re-Oil or Reseal Your Wooden Floors?

What’s the difference between sealing and oiling?

• Sealing uses a polyurethane or lacquer finish for a protective coating
• Oiling nourishes the wood and enhances the natural grain

How often should it be done?

• Oiled floors: every 12–18 months, depending on traffic
• Sealed floors: every 5–7 years, or when the surface dulls

Learn more about our Wooden Floor Maintenance and Restoration services in Bedfordshire.

Why Sanding and Polishing Is Essential for Floor Longevity

What is floor sanding?

Sanding removes the damaged surface layer of your wooden floor, revealing fresh wood underneath. It eliminates:

• Scratches and scuffs
• Dull or faded areas
• Water stains
• Uneven finishes

Why is polishing important?

After sanding, polishing with high-quality lacquers or oils seals the floor and enhances its resilience. At Litchfield Floor Renovations, we apply three coats for superior durability.

Visit our Floor Sanding and Polishing page for expert help in Dunstable.

How to Know When Your Wooden Floor Needs Professional Repairs

Warning signs to watch for:

• Boards that creak or move underfoot
• Gaps between floorboards
• Deep gouges or missing finish
• Water damage or discolouration

Attempting DIY fixes often leads to more damage. Trust a qualified flooring repair specialist to assess and fix issues correctly.

Explore our Wooden Floor Repairs service for tailored solutions.

Expert Tips for Maintaining Wooden Floors in Commercial Properties

For businesses like cafes, offices, and schools:

• Schedule professional deep cleans every quarter
• Use high-traffic floor lacquers with extra durability
• Consider protective runners in entranceways

Looking to maintain or restore your wooden floors in Dunstable?

Litchfield Floor Renovations offers expert wooden floor maintenance in Dunstable, plus sanding, polishing, and repairs for homes and businesses.
Call us today on 01525 220286 or enquire online here.
Explore our services:

• Wood Floor Maintenance & Restoration
• Floor Sanding & Polishing
• Wooden Floor Repairs

If you are researching the wooden floor restoration cost in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, you are likely weighing up affordability, value for money, and whether restoring your existing floor is a better option than full replacement. This is a common and sensible question, especially for homeowners, landlords, and community decision makers managing budgets carefully.

Wooden floor restoration is not a one-price-fits-all service. Costs vary based on floor size, condition, type of timber, and the level of work required. Professional floor restoration is often a cost-effective way to bring tired floors back to life while preserving their character and avoiding unnecessary replacement.

In this guide, we explain typical wooden floor restoration prices, what influences them, how they compare to replacement, and how to get an accurate quote from a trusted local specialist.

Speak with an Expert! Call 01525 220286

What Is the Average Wooden Floor Restoration Cost in Dunstable, Bedfordshire?

One of the first things people want to know is a realistic price range. While every project is different, most professional restorations in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, fall within the following guidance ranges.

Our wooden floor restorationis priced at £35 – £45  per square metre. It is important to understand that larger floors usually cost less per square metre. Smaller rooms can appear more expensive because setup time and labour remain the same regardless of size.

This is why professional surveys are essential for accurate pricing.

Why Does the Cost of Floor Sanding Near Me Vary So Much?

If you have searched for the cost of floor sanding, you may have noticed a wide range of prices. This variation exists because several key factors influence the final cost.

How Does Floor Size Affect the Price?

Floor size is one of the biggest cost factors.

• Larger floors often benefit from reduced rates per square metre
• Smaller rooms may have a higher per square metre cost due to setup time
• Open plan areas are generally quicker to sand than segmented rooms

Village halls, schools, and commercial spaces often achieve excellent value due to scale.

Does Floor Condition Increase the Wooden Floor Repair Cost?

Yes, condition plays a major role.

Floors with surface wear only are quicker to restore. Floors with damage may require additional work such as:

• Replacing broken or split boards
• Filling gaps or cracks
• Treating stains or water damage

Any repair work will affect the overall wooden floor repair cost, but it is often far cheaper than replacing the entire floor.

Does the Type of Wood Matter?

Different timber types require different approaches.

• Solid hardwood floors are ideal for restoration and can be sanded multiple times
• Engineered wood depends on the thickness of the wear layer
• Parquet floors require more detailed sanding and finishing

An experienced specialist will assess what is safe and appropriate for your specific floor.

Discover our sanding and polishing services

What Is Included in Professional Wooden Floor Restoration?

Understanding what is included helps explain pricing differences between providers.

A professional restoration typically includes:

• Site assessment and preparation
• Dust-controlled sanding using specialist equipment
• Edge sanding and detailed work
• Application of high-quality seals or lacquers
• Multiple coats for durability, not just a single finish

At Litchfield Floor Renovations, we focus on long-term performance rather than quick fixes, which is why finishes are selected based on usage, not just appearance.

Explore Our Wooden Floor Restoration Service

Is Wooden Floor Restoration Cheaper Than Replacement?

In most cases, yes.

Replacing a wooden floor involves:

• Removing and disposing of the existing floor
• Subfloor preparation
• Purchasing new materials
• Installation and finishing
• Significant disruption and downtime

Restoration avoids most of these costs. It also preserves original features, which is especially important in period properties and community buildings.

For many homeowners, restoration costs a fraction of replacement while delivering excellent visual and practical results.

Why Is a Professional Survey Essential?

Online prices are only estimates. A site visit provides clarity and confidence.

A professional survey allows specialists to:

• Assess floor thickness and condition
• Identify hidden repairs
• Recommend suitable finishes
• Provide a tailored, accurate quote

This ensures you only pay for what your floor actually needs.

Why Our Local Expertise Matters

Choosing a local specialist brings real advantages.

With over 15 years of experience, we understand local property types, common floor constructions, and the expectations of domestic, commercial, and community clients.

This local knowledge leads to better advice, realistic pricing, and dependable results.

Read Our Reviews

Frequently Asked Cost Questions

Q. How long does wooden floor restoration take?
Most domestic floors are completed within one to two days. Larger or commercial spaces may take longer, depending on size and finish.

Q. Is dust a major issue?
Professional sanding equipment uses built-in dust extraction, making the process far cleaner than many people expect.

Q. How often should wooden floors be restored?
Most floors benefit from restoration every seven to ten years, depending on use.

Still have Questions? See Our FAQs

Ready to Find Out Your Exact Wooden Floor Restoration Cost?

If you want an accurate answer to the wooden floor restoration cost in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, for your property, the best next step is a professional assessment.

Litchfield Floor Renovations offers clear advice, local expertise, and free, no obligation quotes. Whether you are a homeowner, landlord, or committee member, we help you make informed decisions that protect your floor and your budget.

Contact our specialists today on 01525 220286 or enquire online here

Is your home in need of a re-design but your choked by the prices in the magazines? Whether you live in a Victorian terrace or a modern new build, we’ve got some fantastic interior design ideas to make your home look a million dollars without breaking the bank.

Paint

First things first you need to pick a colour scheme, interior design is all about warm pastel shades that create that comforting homely environment feel. To give your home something extra incorporate a boarder around the windows and doors or add a feature wall to make your living room stand out.

Flooring

Wooden flooring will add warmth, sophistication and class to any home and what’s best it will match pretty much any colour and interior décor you choose. If you’re wooden flooring is looking a bit dated and outlived this can affect the appearance of the whole room, it’s time to get your floor renovated back to its original condition to make a floor you can be proud of.

Doors

If your doors are looking a bit dated simply give them a fresh lick of paint or to give them a fresh look. If you’re looking for a completely different look change the door knobs, instead of having plain round ones go for something a little jazzier! You can get all sorts of colours, designs and shapes to create a new look.

Accessories

Interior design is all about the accessories, it’s time to give your home that personal touch. Your home isn’t meant to look like a show home it’s meant to look lived in and loved so spread a bit of your personality around. Place photos and little trinkets around your home to give it a homely feel, things like flowers, candles, painted plant pots look fabulous in any home especially if the colours to compliment your home. Scatter cushions and throws over your furniture to give any room a feeling of warmth.

Here at Litchfield Floor Renovations our team are experts when it comes to refurbishing your flooring. Our team will provide you with the knowledge and expertise you need to get your home looking fabulous once again. Our flooring services include, restoration, polishing and floor sanding in Stevenage more information give one our friendly team a call on 01525 220 286 or contact us here.

With so many different flooring methods and products around, it can be difficult to know where to start. But, as your local flooring experts, we have put together some handy dos and don’ts to get you started.

It’s that time of year again! Everybody dreads it but it’s time to get your home in order and start spring cleaning. The ritual of spring cleaning dates back to the Persians who believed that it stood for a lot more than just cleaning your home. It was a preparation for summer and enabled you to shake off the gloom of a long winter. It has both physical and psychological meaning. Spring time is the time for new beginnings; physically you clean and refresh your home; psychologically you make room for new ideas.

Where do you begin your spring cleaning process though? Your floors are a good place to start. Over the previous year, they suffer from a lot of wear and tear so they need rejuvenating. Wooden flooring can often look damaged but if you restore your floor, you will give it a new lease of life.

Why Do You Need Restoration?

If your floor looks damaged, aged or stained then flooring restoration is the perfect solution. Revamping your floor during spring cleaning will give your home a completely different outlook. There are various forms of restoration that suit your flooring and it will save you from doing a lot of work.

Benefits Of Wood Floor Restoration

The restoration process will bring that shine and gloss back to your old wooden flooring. It is a cost effective method of giving your home a new look. You will be able to use the same flooring for many years to come; restoration helps the longevity of your floor.

Here at Litchfield Floor Renovations our team of experts will do all they can to get your flooring looking perfect for the summer. Our flooring services include restoration, polishing and floor sanding. For any more information contact us on: 01525 220 286

Time and time again, LFR are called to inspect floors where our client has been informed their floor needs condemning, when in actuality all that is required is a simpler, cheaper, and easier repair and maintenance.

Wooden floors, although durable and hardy, are not invincible to damage. You may be advised to condemn your floor if it is considered a hazard (warped, uneven, lifted), or heavily damaged.

However at LFR we believe that you should only look to condemn a floor if the floor is over 80% damaged. Anything less, you may find it cheaper, easier to simpler to repair the damaged parts of the floor than to replace it in its entirety.

What should I do if I suspect my floor needs condemning?

1) If you are worried about the condition of your floor and fear it may require replacing you should call a wooden flooring expert, such as LFR, to inspect the floor as soon as possible. It is important that you resolve the core problem that is causing damage at the earliest opportunity should you wish to save your floor.

2) Obtain at least two quotes from trusted wooden floor restorers. Make sure that your restoration is good value for money.

3) If you want to restore your floor, ensure your chosen wooden floor restoration company is able to get a close match to your existing wood floor. This will help create a seamless repair or extension with a professional finish.

4) Check to see if the works is covered under household or building insurance. Often with damage resulting from an incidents, you’ll find you do not need to fork out for the repair costs.

If you have been advised to condemn your floor, we would urge you to contact us to see what solutions we could offer you. Take a look at our gallery, where we have showcased several different restorations we’ve completed for floors which had been destined to be condemned.

We’re a nation of animal lovers and more of us than ever before have one or more pets sharing our family home. Whilst these loveable creatures bring us hours of entertainment and much joy, they can also cause problems for your wooden floors.

As your trusted local flooring experts, we’ve identified some of the biggest risks to wooden floors for you and your pets and how to mitigate against them.

Scratches: Pets, especially larger dogs can cause scratches to wooden floors with their claws if they are prone to running or jumping around. Whilst there is little you can do to change your pets personality traits, there are a few ways to protect your floor from the damage.

Keeping claws trimmed: If your pets claws have far exceeded the pad on their foot, it means there is an increased risk they could scratch your floor. Dogs claws can be worn down by either walking them on concrete or paths, asking your vet to clip their claws, or clipping them at home with appropriate tools. A top tip is you can hear when your pets claws have gotten too long on your wooden floor, you will hear them tapping as your pet runs across the floor.

Strategically placed rugs:  Is there a particular area of your home where you pet is more likely to run or jump, maybe the front door for example. If you identify an area where your floor is in particular risk, a rug can be a great alternative to protect your floor. An additional bonus is it will give your pet extra traction for their antics too!

Pet Urine: It is important to clean up any pet urine on your wooden floor as soon as you see it. Liquid sitting on the floor for long periods of time can cause water damage to your floor. Also some pet urine, such as dog, also has ammonia in, which can cause staining and discolouration to your floor.

What to do if your pet has damaged your wooden floor
If your pet has damaged your floor, it is easily repairable and can look as good as new again. Even large ammonia stains or scratches can be easily removed. As with all damage, it is important to get it fixed as soon as the damage is noticed to prevent any further problems with the floor.

Whilst wooden flooring is both hardwearing and durable, it is not invincible and like any other floor can be damaged. One of the great features of wooden flooring is that when the floor has become damaged, it is usually easy and simple to restore back to it’s former glory without the need for replacing it.

It’s important to recognise when your floor has been damaged, so that you can get the professionals, like us at LFR to start repair work and prevent further damages or increased repair bills.

Here are a few different way in which your wood flooring could be damaged. By identify and fixing the problem at an early stage, you reduce the risk of further or increased damaged at greater cost.

Scratches
Scratches are without doubt, the most common damage to wooden flooring. If the floor is not properly protected, it can sustain scratches both easily and frequently. From moving furniture, to energetic pets running through the house, day to day life can result in your floor looking tired or dull, depending on where they are, scratches on a floor can be very noticeable.

Water Damage
Many people do not realise that water can cause great damage to wood floor. From storm damage, leaking pipes, spillages or pet urination. Water damage can at best leave your floor looking stained and at worst cause splits and warps in the floor boards themselves. If you suspect your floor has been subject to water damage, you should call LFR immediately as quick repairs can prevent  you need to repair whole areas of your floor.

Burns
By its nature, wood does not fair well at high temperatures. Wooden floorings are the same and can be damaged if they are subjected to high temperatures. It is even possible to burn wooden flooring simply by spilling something hot onto it. Similarly to water damage, if you have identified a burn in your floor you should think about having a repair done before the floor becomes further damaged.

Wood flooring is a fantastic option for a family home and can last a lifetime when looked after properly. One of the ways in which to do this is to have repair work carried out as soon as any damage has been identified. If you have noticed your wood flooring has been damaged and would like to get It fixed swiftly, get in touch with us today.

Commercial wood flooring takes a lot of footfall and heavy wear from servicing a busy environment. Overtime heel marks, spills and scuffs take their toll on the floor, not only making them appear dull and tired in appearance but also rendering them vulnerable to further more extensive damage.

From daily to deep cleaning, commercial floors require regular maintenance to retain both its aesthetic appeal and its function. Regular cleaning should be performed daily, with scheduled deep cleaning, polishing and repairs as part of an overall maintenance plan. 

How often you carry out more rigirious maintenance on your floor will depend on how often it’s used and the type of activity. We suggest keeping these key factors in mind when deciding on your floors maintenance plan.

1) How often the floor is used ?

If the floor is used daily and is exposed to heavy footfall you may want to consider a regular maintenance plan to prevent scratches and heel marks to build up, causing the floor to lose its finish.  If the floor is only used sporadically or for events, you should be able to use a reduced maintenance plan.

 2) What the floor is used for?

What the floor is used has great bearing on how often you’ll need to have maintenance on the floor. A dance floor or sports hall for example is going to be subject to heavier wear and tear than an office. If your floor is used for activities, it is crucial a site manager keeps an eye on the condition of the floor, looking for any damages that may render it not fit for purpose.

3) Is the appearance of your floor important to your business ?

From galleries to wedding venues , many of our customers depend on their floor looking pristine as part of their wider brand. An immaculate looking venue enables business to charge higher rates for hire. If your floor is looking tired and dull a simple maintenance can restore it to its former glory.

4) When was your floor last sanded?

Sanding involves removing the lop layer of the floor, including stains, scratches and resealing the floor with lacquer. A good rule of thumb is to sand your floor no less than every five years. This not only ensures your venue looks both professional and inviting, but also reduces the risk of further damages to your floor whilst extending the floors lifespan.

At LFR, we specialise in restoring and renovating of all types of wood floor in all types of commercial premises. In our extensive experience, we’ve found that if a floor looks like it needs a maintenance, it probably does. Whether this means a simple polish or a full refinish, our team is on hand to find the right solution for you and your business. Call us today for expert advice, personalise quotes or to schedule your floor repair or maintenance work.

Here at LFR, we truly do love wooden flooring, both for its cosmetic appeal, usability and durability. But, don’t just take our word for it. Here is a list of just some of the key benefits of wooden flooring. 

1) Longevity
A well laid and maintained wooden floor truly can last for decades, where as you may find yourself needing to replace carpets every five years of so, but our hard wearing floors can be enjoyed for years to come.

2) Ease to clean 

Wood makes a great floor choice for those with busy famililes, pets, or those with the inclination to spill things! Wooden surfaces are easy to clean up spills, mess, dirt and debris whilst difficult to stain. So no matter what your floors gets put through day to day, a quick hoover and mop should have it looking good as new once again.

3) Improved Air Quality and hygiene

Did you know that a wooden floor can improve the air quality in your home? We’re not making it up! Carpeted floors often harbour dust, mites, and various other nasties that are difficult to remove by vacuuming alone. With wooden floors a daily hoover, mop, or sweep improves the overall hygiene of your home and the air quality. Not bad for flooring aye.

4) Value for money

A wooden floor is a great investment, not only does a well-cared for floor age well without little need for maintenance, it’s value can actually increase overtime and is less subject to trends. A good wooden floor will always look just that.  Furthermore, estate Agents acknowledge homes with wooden floors are easier to sell owing to their versatility.

5) Design

Whether you aspire for a contemporary look or feel in your property, or something more traditional. Wooden flooring can help you achieve the look, by either being a bold feature or subtly complimenting a theme. At LFR we have worked with interior designers, project managers and proud home owners to bring visions to life!

Here at Litchfield Floor Renovations we can help you fid the perfect floor to suit your home, lifestyle or project. Our expert team will fit you floor using specialist equipment and their extensive knowledge. Be sure to further browse our website to see all the services we offer, including our repair and restoration service. If you would like any more information then please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Flooring is an essential component of any property domestic or commercial and should be able to withstand a high level of impact over the years.  If you have recently had your wooden floor restored, a quick and simple cleaning routine can help you protect your investment by keeping your floor looking pristine for as long as possible.

However, with so many different methods of cleaning and products crowding the market, it can be difficult to know what to use to best protect your floor. As your local flooring experts, we have put together some handy dos and don’t to help you maintain your floor in its current condition for as long as possible.

Things to do

1) If possible, vacuum your floor once a day using the brush attachment. This dry cleaning method is ideal for ridding your floor of crumbs, grit and general debris.

2) Use professional hardwood floor cleaners and a light damp sponge for scruffs and spills.

3) If you spill any liquids on your wooden floor, you should mop the spillage up as soon as possible to prevent water sitting on the flooring boards and potentially causing damage

4) Before you buy any products to clean your floor, try and identify if your floor has a hard or soft oil finish, as this will alter the type of treatment you should use on your floor to remove stains. If you are unsure how to identify what finish your floor has, there are many tutorials available on Youtube.

5) Before you apply any products to your hardwood floor, ensure you read the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Before using a new product on your wooden floor we would recommend doing a test patch on a small area, ideally out of sight.

Things not to do when cleaning your floor

1) Avoid using excess water when mopping or wiping your floor. If your wood floor gets too damp it could swell, expand or warp.

2) Use vinegar, ammonia or all-purpose cleaners. These products can cause your polished floor to dull over time. 

3) Let dirt, grit, dust or sand to build up on the floor as it will make it harder to clean in the long run. We would always recommend giving your floor a quick sweep daily, or at a minimum when anything is spilt.

4) If you notice a stain or imperfection on your floor, do not use sand-paper of similar materials in attempt to remove the stain as this could cause further damage to your floorboards.

At LFR we are specialists in restoring and repairing all types of wood flooring. Contact us today to discuss the nature of your problem and find the right solution for you and your floor.

Here at Litchfield Floor Renovations we understand your hardwood floor is a key feature of your property; an authentic material affording you a cherished sense of homeliness. A beautiful wooden floor is inviting, pleasing to the eye. Owing to its robust nature, wooden floors often improve with age and coupled with the right care, can last for years.

There is little quite as disheartening as seeing a timeless feature marred by water damage, but thankfully there are solutions available to restore your floor to its former glory, and even get it looking better than before!

The impact of water on wooden floors

Water-damage to your hardwood flooring can range from minor to severe with potential damage to both the surface and underside of your hardwood flooring.

With slow leaking pipes, water damage is likely to build up gradually. You may notice areas of minor discolouring as often minor water damage causes floorboards to lighten or turn white in areas, you may also notice areas of damp on the floor.

More severe water damage may be caused by suddenly burst pipes or storm damage. Severe damage will be immediately apparent, you may notice pools of water on the floor, heavily sodden boards or wet drywall.

What should I do if I suspect water damage to my hardwood flooring?

First of all, ensure the cause of the water damage been resolved to prevent any future leaks or build-up of water. The area subjected to water damage should be fully dried as soon as possible to prevent further damage occurring to the floor.

For minor water damage, we are often able to sand and reseal your floor which helps to prevent the development of more serious problems to the floor.  If however you suspect your floor has been subject to severe water damage you should contact us immediately, before the floorboards have a chance to warp or split.

By intervening as early as possible, there is a chance to refurbish and restore the damaged floorboards without the need to install a whole new wooden floor.

Preventing water damage

To prevent any further damage occurring to your wooden floor, identify and fix the cause of the water damage prior to undertaking repairs.

Minimise the amount of water your floor comes into contact with through cleaning. Regularly waxing your floors and strategically placing rugs to catch spills will help further minimise the risk of damage.

You can see some of the examples of water damaged floors we have restored in our gallery. At LFR we are specialists in restoring and repairing all types of wood flooring. Contact us today to discuss the nature of your problem and find the right solution for you and your floor.