Strip Wooden Flooring in the Press
Contract Flooring Journal
Pelham House, in the historic town of Lewes, East Sussex dates back to the 15th century. After generations of use as a private house, and more recently as municipal offices, the building has recently been refurbished and transformed into a prestigious hotel where an impressive collection of contemporary art is displayed within an unassuming, but comfortable and stylish setting. When contractor, Strip Wooden Flooring, was first called in to renovate the wooden floors, some were in such poor condition that Strip Wooden Flooring’s owner, Ricky Martin, was told simply to “do his best”. He remembers, “All the wooden floors were in a very bad way – some were even completely covered with old cement screed! ”
However, patience and careful sanding eventually revealed sturdy Victorian oak boards throughout most of the building and stunning pine and oak herringbone blocks in the area now used as the bar. As an added bonus, several beautiful marble hearths were also uncovered!
After completing various strengthening works and replacing the most badly damaged sections with reclaimed timber, Ricky recommended the same specification throughout the building to restore the appearance of the surface and protect it from the heavy use expected in a busy hotel environment.
Because of the condition of the floors, Ricky’s team started the sanding process by using heavy-duty sanding machines fitted with 24 grit abrasives. After working carefully through the abrasive grades, the final smooth finish was achieved by using a 120 grit sanding screen under a buffing machine.
Bona Prime, a one-component waterborne acrylate primer was then applied to every floor to enhance the appearance of the floor and to reduce the risk of sidebonding. Ricky always recommends the use of Bona Traffic to finish wooden floors in commercial areas. “Quite simply, it’s the toughest finish you can get” he says. In its flat matt version, 100% polyurethane Traffic combines excellent durability with an almost invisible finish, similar to that of an oiled floor and ideal for where a very natural look is required.
Sussex Life
Why choose wooden floors? Old or new – the smooth texture of natural wooden flooring are the perfect solution for practically any decorating scheme, whether it be to bring a traditional country look to a period setting or a mellow warmth to a contemporary home.
Softer underfoot than quarry or terracotta tiles but equally hard wearing, wooden floors can be used throughout the house. In a living room or bedroom, a wooden floor can be enhanced with rugs and kilims for added warmth and colour, while in the hallway a plain wooden floor makes a stylish impression, is hard-wearing and easy to maintain.
So once you decide on wooden floors, there are two choices. You can either strip down an existing floor or lay timber flooring over existing boards or floor. At Strip Wooden Flooring we provide expert advice and consultation on which approach is best.
The beauty of sanding down an existing wooden floor is that its inbuilt irregularities give it an authentic charm – but remember that good preparation and careful sanding are the key to success.
Here at Strip Wooden Flooring we pride ourselves on consistently high standards of workmanship and service.
To request further information, please use our Information Request Form or see our Contact page for a location map and contact details.