Wood Flooring Guide & Frequently Asked Questions
At Eldgrén, we believe in clarity. Whether you are planning a new installation or restoring an original floor, understanding the process ensures a better result. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from homeowners and designers across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
Planning & Booking
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We are based in Birmingham and cover the entire West Midlands, including Solihull, Sutton Coldfield, Edgbaston, Harborne, Bournville, Coventry, Worcester, and Derby. We are happy to discuss travelling further afield, for the right project.
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Yes. We offer a consultation service where we assess your subfloor, measure the space, and discuss material options. Following this visit, we provide a detailed, itemised quotation with no hidden costs. book a consultation to arrange a visit.
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Timescales vary based on the scope. A single room sanding and restoration typically takes 1–2 days. A full ground-floor installation of parquet may take 5–7 days depending on preparation requirements. We will provide a clear schedule before work begins.
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Yes. We plan our work to minimise disruption to your daily life. For larger projects, we may work in stages to allow you to remain in the property, though we recommend clearing the specific room being worked on.
Wood Floor Fitting & Technical
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Always. The longevity of your floor is dictated by the subfloor. We check for moisture (using hygrometers), flatness, and structural stability. If issues are found, we will recommend necessary preparation, such as DPM application or self-levelling screed, before fitting begins.
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Wood is hygroscopic meaning it expands and contracts with humidity. Acclimation allows the flooring to adjust to your home's environment before it is fixed in place. Skipping this step is the leading cause of floor failure (gapping or cupping).
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Engineered oak typically requires 48–72 hours on site. Solid timber may require 7–14 days. The heating in the property should be running at normal levels during this period to simulate real living conditions.
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Yes, provided the correct materials are used. We recommend high-quality engineered oak for underfloor heating systems, as it is more stable than solid wood. We use specific flexible adhesives to allow for the necessary thermal expansion.
Sanding, Restoration & Repairs
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Ideally, yes. We use professional belt sanders and edgers connected to industrial-grade dust extraction units. While no process is 100% dust-free in a literal scientific sense, our system captures virtually all airborne dust, meaning no mess is left on your shelves or curtains.
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Yes. We specialise in parquet repairs. We source reclaimed blocks to match the species and size of your existing floor. Once fitted, sanded, and finished, these repairs blend seamlessly with the original floor.
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Most solid and engineered floors can be sanded. We assess the "wear layer" of engineered boards to ensure there is enough thickness remaining. We generally advise against sanding laminate or very thin veneer floors.
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Yes. We use a resin-filling method (mixing sawdust from your floor with a binder) for small gaps, or "slivers" (strips of reclaimed wood) for larger gaps in Victorian pine floors. This reduces draughts and creates a uniform look.
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It depends on your lifestyle, and the space.
Hardwax Oil: Enhances the natural grain, feels warm to the touch, and is easier to spot-repair. Requires occasional maintenance.
Lacquer: Creates a surface seal that is highly durable and low-maintenance. Great for high-traffic or commercial spaces. We can show you samples of both during our visit.
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Yes. During the restoration process, we can apply stains or coloured oils to lighten, darken, or change the tone of the wood before sealing it.
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Avoid steam mops and wet mopping, as excess water damages the wood floor. We recommend regular vacuuming (brush down) and using a specific pH-neutral wood floor cleaner spray with a flat microfibre mop.
Finishes & Aftercare
Have a question we haven’t answered?
Every floor is different. If you have a specific technical query or would like to discuss your project in detail, please get in touch.
Considering Wood Floor Fitting, Sanding & Restoration or Repairs?
If you are planning a wood floor sanding, restoration, or repair project, we welcome the opportunity to discuss your space. We are happy to advise on the condition of the floor, suitable finishes, and the most appropriate approach to achieve a refined, long-lasting result
Not sure which service is right for your space? View all wood floor services.