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Elm floor boards

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Polished old elm floor

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Period Elm floor restoration

Our period elm floor restoration services:


What to expect:

Here are just a few examples of our work –after 20 years spent restoring Elm floors we have accumulated a vast knowledge base and library of photographs showing the results of our work. We have many more examples of restored period Elm floors that we are able to send you and we are often able to provide you with a very close example of your own floor!

Herefordshire Georgian rectory with period Elm floorboards

Before

old elm with layers of old wax

After years of waxing the beauty of this wonderful old English Elm has been lost.

After

Sanded and oiled old elm floor boards
The elm boards were carefully sanded (avoid drum sanders on this floor type!) then oil waxed; the feathery grain of the elm boards now revealed along with the richness of the wood .

The same elm floor with the photo taken from another angle.

Elm floor restored

Old Elm staircase in Buckinghamshire

Before

Before sanding

The edges of this old elm staircase had been stained with a mahogany colour during the Victorian era; the Victorians stained many floors and staircases in this way in an attempt to mimic the aristocratic homes that had predominantly mahogany woods, which was considered par excellence! Home owners of the time stained all types of woods including pine, elm, oak etc. and very often treated just the outside of the rug areas.

After

Refurbished elm staircase
After hand sanding  to remove most of the old stain; remnants remain of the Mahogany varnish adding character and charm to the staircase!

Cotswolds Elm floor

Before

Cotswold old elm floor un sanded

After decades of neglect we completed a full restoration of this old Elm floor in the Cotswolds; our works included replacing boards, joists and inappropriate nails fixings before finally sanding and finishing.

After

Old elm floor repaired
Very badly damaged boards were identified and replaced from our stocks of reclaimed elm, a few joists were replaced mostly near damp walls; after completion of repairs the floor was sanded and oiled.

Ledbury Grade 2 listed building with period elm floors

Before

Ledbury elm floor before restoration

We restored this magnificent old elm floor in a grade 1 listed building in Ledbury to its former beauty. Refurbishment works included some minor repairs and board replacements before careful sanding  and refinishing.

After

Old elm floor refinished
Now restored to its former glory!

Common problems with period elm floorboards and Solutions – We provide the full range of services

Common Problems Likely causes Our services
Damaged elm boards and other in appropriate floor boards fitted
  • Woodworm
  • Previous electrical or plumbing works.
  • General wear and tear.
  • We will remove of all damaged sections including the removal of inappropriate woods.
  • Select from our stock of reclaimed Elm boards and fit these to the repair areas.
Floor boards movement and ‘squeaky’ boards.
  • Joists rotten - especially prevalent on areas adjacent to damp external walls.
  • Poorly fixed boards
  • Incorrect nail types
  • We will remove the affected area of Elm floorboards investigate the damaged joists and replace as necessary with new treated joists.
Incorrect board fixings e.g. Unsuited nails, screws etc. detracts from the period appearance of the floor
  • Repaired with out due regard to period fixings.
  • We will remove all inappropriate fixings and replace these with traditional nails - these were designed to affix the boards securely and prevent movement of the boards
General poor appearance including scratches, stains and boards and lacking in definition.
  • Previously badly prepared and sanded
  • Existing seals are inappropriate and obscure the wood.
  • General wear and tear
  • We will sand the elm boards carefully; treat any stains (where possible) then oil/wax the boards.

Boards are difficult to clean and absorb water; flaking seals and polishes.
  • Incorrect or lack of floor protection.
  • We will Sand the floor to remove the old seals then finish with oil.
Gaps between boards
  • Changes in temperature and humidity.
  • We will fit Elm strips to fill the gaps with smaller areas filled with sand from the process mixed with a clear cellulose hardener.
  • As with all restorative works the amount of gap filling cap filling carried out is a subjective matter.
  • As a guide we suggest that boards should be gap filled when the under floor joists or plumbing etc. can be seen from a standing position. We are always conscious of the fact that the period feel of the floor should be retained wherever possible.

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