Property
PROJECT SHOWCASE
1860s Scots Pine Floor Restoration — High Shincliffe
A heavy bituminous-type surface coating and uneven, cupped boards made this Scots pine floor challenging, but the aim was practical restoration rather than erasing 160 years of character.
- Historic Scots pine
- Heavy coating removed
- Cupping reduced
Project summary
Project Summary
Timber
Scots pine floorboards
Issues
Bituminous-type coating and cupping
Finish
Bona Traffic HD Silk Matt
The condition
A heavy coating over uneven period boards
The coating first had to be scraped back before progressive sanding could be effective. Cupping meant the boards were not level, but chasing perfect flatness would have removed more historic timber than was appropriate.
The restoration principle
Restoration does not mean making an old floor look new
The floor was flattened sufficiently for practical use while appropriate variation, age and evidence of its history were deliberately retained. That balance protected the original boards and avoided unnecessary over-sanding.
Restoration process
How The Floor Was Restored
Scrape Coating
The heavy bituminous-type surface layer was removed by hand where needed.
Progressive Sanding
The boards were worked through controlled sanding stages.
Reduce Cupping
Unevenness was reduced to a practical level without sacrificing excessive timber.
Seal & Protect
The floor was sealed and given two coats of Bona Traffic HD Silk Matt.
The result
A usable historic floor that still looks its age
The room gained a cleaner, more practical and protected surface, while the Scots pine retained the character expected of a cottage dating from around 1860.
Before and after
Before & After Gallery
Heavy historic coating
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Scraping the coating
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Progressive sanding
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Project Details
Age
Cottage dating from approximately 1860
Work
Scraping, progressive sanding and cupping reduction
Restoration Goal
Practical use with period character retained
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Services Used On This Project
Dustless Floor Sanding
Controlled sanding and careful preparation for worn wooden floors.
Learn MoreWood Floor Repairs
Local repairs and preparation for damaged boards, movement and problem areas.
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