What’s true, what’s outdated, and what you really need to know
Wooden floor restoration has evolved dramatically in the past decade. Yet many homeowners still hesitate to restore their floors due to persistent myths, outdated advice, or horror stories passed down from earlier generations.
You’ve probably heard them:
“It’s too dusty.”
“You’ll ruin the wood.”
“Better to just cover it.”
Spoiler: most of it is no longer true. With today’s advanced techniques, equipment, and finishes, restoring your floor is safer, cleaner, and more rewarding than ever.
Let’s break down the 7 most common myths — and uncover the reality behind each.
1. “Sanding ruins your floor – it removes too much wood.”
Truth: Modern sanding extends your floor’s life, not shortens it.
This myth comes from outdated techniques that were far less precise. Today, professional sanding machines remove just the top layer — usually less than 1 mm — enough to eliminate old finishes, scratches, and stains, without damaging the integrity of the wood.
✅ Most solid wood floors can be sanded 3 to 5 times in their lifetime.
With proper care, that’s decades of renewed beauty from the same original floor.
2. “It will be dusty and messy everywhere.”
Truth: With the right tools, sanding is nearly dust-free.
Modern sanding systems use built-in dust extraction technology that captures up to 98% of airborne particles before they ever reach your home.
A good contractor will also:
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Seal off nearby rooms
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Use dust containment units
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Clean up thoroughly afterward
You’ll be surprised how clean and controlled the process can be.
3. “I have to move out while it’s done.”
Truth: In most cases, you can stay home.
Unless the entire house is being done at once, most projects can be completed room by room, allowing you to live in the space with minimal disruption.
Some finishes require ventilation and drying time, but with proper planning, your routine can remain largely intact.
Good professionals will always advise when it’s safe to walk on the floor — and how to care for it during curing.
4. “Only new floors can look good – mine is too old.”
Truth: Older floors often restore better than new ones.
Floors from 50–100 years ago were made with denser, slower-grown wood — often superior in quality to modern materials.
Restoring them not only brings back their natural beauty, but preserves the history of your home.
Some of the most stunning restorations we’ve done were with tired, creaky, discoloured floors that clients thought were beyond saving.
5. “I’ll just cover it with laminate or carpet — easier.”
Truth: That’s a short-term fix with long-term regret.
Covering up wood might feel easier in the moment, but it:
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Hides problems rather than solving them
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Lowers the resale appeal of your home
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Creates waste — since laminate and carpet wear out in 5–10 years
Meanwhile, a properly restored wooden floor can last 20+ years and only grows in character and value over time.
6. “Oiled floors are high-maintenance and not worth it.”
Truth: Oiled floors are low-gloss, natural, and easily refreshed.
It’s true that oiled finishes require periodic maintenance — like re-oiling — but they also offer major benefits:
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Easy spot repairs
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A beautiful matte appearance
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A breathable surface that doesn’t crack or peel like lacquer
For people who appreciate a natural, organic look and want long-term flexibility, oil is a great choice.
7. “It’s too expensive to be worth it.”
Truth: Restoration is one of the best-value upgrades you can make.
Compared to full floor replacement, restoration costs much less and still delivers:
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Long-lasting results (10–15+ years)
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Higher property value
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A custom finish tailored to your space
It’s an investment — yes — but one that pays off both visually and financially.
Time to Rethink Your Floor
Wooden floor restoration today isn’t what it used to be.
It’s cleaner, quieter, smarter — and fully adaptable to your home, lifestyle, and interior style. With the right team and the right tools, it can completely transform your space without the mess or stress you might be expecting.
Instead of covering what’s already there, bring it back to life — and let your floors become one of your home’s most admired features.
Ready to Restore Instead of Replace?
At Floor Sanding Pro London, we specialise in breathing new life into tired wooden floors — without the dust, hassle, or guesswork.
Whether you live in a Victorian flat, a modern townhouse, or a period property, we’ll help you:
✔ Evaluate your floor’s condition
✔ Choose the perfect finish
✔ Enjoy a clean, efficient restoration process
Book your free consultation today
info@floorsandingpro.co.uk | 07863 112 854
Let your floor tell a new story — beautifully.