Grade I Listed Oak Floor Restoration at Stanmer House, Brighton
Project Overview
Sussex Floor Restoration undertook the restoration of original oak floorboards at Stanmer House, a Grade I listed building in Brighton. The 241 m² project required careful planning and execution to restore decades of accumulated damage while preserving the floor's character and historical integrity. The team employed a combination of advanced removal techniques and traditional sanding methods, finishing with PALLMANN Magic Oil Ergo to deliver a durable, low-maintenance surface suited to the building's active public use.
Data
| Building type | Public buildings (UK) Testimonial |
|---|
Building Background and Context
Stanmer House is a Grade I listed building, representing the architectural heritage of the highest national importance. The original oak floorboards reflect the building's historical significance and contribute to the interior's authenticity and character. As a busy venue open to visitors and events, the floor experiences regular foot traffic, necessitating a finish that balances heritage preservation with practical performance.
Condition and Challenges
The floor presented significant challenges due to decades of neglect and inappropriate maintenance:
Heavy polish build-up: Multiple applications of polish over many years had created a thick, discoloured layer across the surface. In some areas, the accumulation was so severe that the finish appeared black, completely obscuring the natural oak beneath.
Surface contamination: The polish layer had degraded and darkened, masking the floor's original beauty and preventing effective routine cleaning.
Structural repairs: Several sections required repair to restore structural integrity and surface continuity before sanding could proceed.
Heritage constraints: As a Grade I-listed property, the project required sensitive techniques that respected the historical fabric while achieving a functional, attractive finish.
The challenge lay in removing the heavy build-up without damaging the underlying timber, repairing defects to a high standard, and selecting a finish that would maintain the floor's character while meeting the demands of ongoing public use.
Solution and Methodology
Sussex Floor Restoration implemented a staged approach combining modern technology with traditional methods.
Stage 1: Surface Coating Removal
Diamond abrasive segments were used to cut through and remove the thick polish build-up. This initial aggressive treatment stripped away the accumulated layers without relying on chemical strippers, which can penetrate timber and cause complications in heritage settings.
Stage 2: Structural Repairs
Multiple sections of the floor underwent repair to address damage and ensure a uniform surface. Repairs were executed to match the existing floor and blend seamlessly into the surrounding boards.
Stage 3: Traditional Sanding Sequence
Following coating removal and repairs, the team applied traditional sanding methods using PALLMANN equipment:
Diagonal sanding with the Cobra belt sander (36 grit): The first pass ran diagonally across the boards using 36-grit paper. This aggressive cut removed remaining surface contamination and flattened uneven areas, blending repaired sections into the original floor.
With-the-grain sanding with the Cobra belt sander (36 grit): The second pass with the Cobra followed the board direction, removing diagonal sanding marks and establishing a smooth, level surface.
Rotary sanding with the PALLMANN Spider (36 grit): The Spider sander further refined the surface, evening out any remaining marks and preparing the floor for finer grits.
Progressive grit sanding: The team progressed through finer grits to develop a smooth, uniform surface ready for finishing.
Stage 4: Water Popping
Water popping was applied to raise the grain and enhance oil penetration, improving adhesion and finish quality. This step is particularly important when finishing with oil, as it opens the wood structure to accept the oil evenly.
Stage 5: Finishing with PALLMANN Magic Oil Ergo
Magic Oil Ergo was selected as the final finish for several strategic reasons:
Character preservation: Oil finishes enhance the natural appearance of oak without creating a surface film, maintaining the historic character of the floor.
Ease of maintenance: Oil-finished floors can be locally repaired and refreshed without full sanding, a critical advantage for a busy heritage venue where downtime must be minimised.
Durability: Magic Oil Ergo provides robust wear resistance and natural protection, suitable for the foot traffic levels at Stanmer House.
Aesthetic quality: The oil finish brought out the natural grain and warmth of the oak, restoring the floor's original beauty.
Products and Equipment Used
PALLMANN Equipment:
- Cobra belt sander (for diagonal and with-the-grain sanding)
- Spider Sanding Machine (for final surface preparation)
PALLMANN Finishing Product:
- Magic Oil Ergo (natural oil finish for oak)
Abrasives:
- 36-grit sanding belts and discs for initial cuts
- Progressive finer grits for surface refinement
Preparation:
- Diamond abrasive segments (for initial coating removal)
- Water (for grain raising/water popping)
Results and Outcomes
The restoration successfully transformed the heavily damaged oak floor, revealing the timber's natural beauty and restoring its functionality for continued public use. The floor now presents a warm, natural appearance that complements the historical setting of Stanmer House while offering practical, low-maintenance performance.
Conclusion
The restoration of the oak floor at Stanmer House demonstrates the effectiveness of combining modern technology with traditional sanding techniques and sympathetic finishing products. Sussex Floor Restoration's careful approach, supported by PALLMANN equipment and Magic Oil Ergo, delivered a result that respects the building's Grade I listed status while ensuring the floor remains functional and beautiful for years to come.
This project exemplifies best practice in heritage floor restoration: thorough assessment, staged removal and preparation, precise sanding, and the selection of a finish that preserves character while meeting practical performance requirements. The successful outcome reinforces PALLMANN's reputation for delivering high-quality solutions in challenging, heritage-sensitive projects.
