PROJECT SHOWCASE

Reclaimed Sapele Floor Restoration — Heworth, Gateshead

Old varnish was carefully sanded from this reclaimed Sapele floor in an entrance and WC, revealing a far richer range of natural timber tones.

  • Reclaimed Sapele
  • Old varnish removed
  • Bona Traffic HD Silk Matt
Restored reclaimed Sapele floor in an entrance area in Heworth
Reclaimed Sapele • Full sanding • Heworth, Gateshead

Project summary

Distinctive Reclaimed Timber Revealed

Location

Heworth, Gateshead

Floor

Reclaimed Sapele plank

Areas

Entrance and WC

Final Finish

Bona Traffic HD Silk Matt

Old varnish being removed from reclaimed Sapele flooring in Heworth

The starting point

Old varnish was masking the Sapele

The existing varnish had dulled the floor and reduced the definition between individual planks. Reclaimed Sapele naturally carries considerable colour variation, so the aim was to remove the tired coating without trying to make the timber look artificially uniform.

The timber

Natural variation became the feature

As sanding progressed, reddish, golden and darker tones emerged across the reclaimed boards. That variation is part of the floor’s identity and was retained rather than disguised.

Restoration process

How The Floor Was Restored

01

Assessment

The old varnish and reclaimed boards were checked before work began.

02

Controlled Sanding

The varnish was removed progressively to expose clean Sapele.

03

Preparation

The floor was refined and prepared for an even protective system.

04

High-Performance Finish

The timber was sealed and protected with two coats of Bona Traffic HD Silk Matt.

Reddish, golden and dark tones in the finished reclaimed Sapele floor

The result

A richer, more expressive reclaimed floor

The finished floor now shows the depth and natural variation of the Sapele while a durable Silk Matt system makes the entrance and WC practical for everyday use.

Before and after

Reclaimed Sapele Restoration Details

Project details

Project Details

Previous Finish

Varnish

Restoration

Full sanding and preparation

Coating

Two coats Bona Traffic HD Silk Matt

Related services

Dustless Floor Sanding

Controlled sanding and careful preparation for worn wooden floors.

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Staining & Finishing

Colour treatments and protective finishes selected around the timber and room use.

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