What Actually Happens on Parquet Polishing Day

Step by step, from arrival to finish

1. Room prep. Furniture is cleared or moved to one side, and the work area is sectioned off with protective covering to contain dust to the working zone.

2. Sanding. A dust-capture sanding machine removes the old finish and any surface damage, working through progressively finer grits for an even, smooth surface.

3. Repair and gap-filling. Any loose boards, gaps, or damaged sections identified during sanding are addressed before the finish goes on.

4. Staining (if applicable). If you're changing the wood's tone, stain is applied evenly and left to penetrate before the finish coat.

5. Varnish application. The chosen finish (oil-based or water-based) is applied in coats, with drying time between each.

Roughly how long each stage takes

What to expect once the work is done

• Dust levels are usually lower than expected. Modern dust-capture sanding systems contain most of the fine dust that older methods would spread through the home.
• The floor needs time to cure, not just dry. It may feel dry to the touch within hours, but full hardness takes longer — avoid heavy furniture or rugs until fully cured.
• A slight smell is normal, particularly with oil-based finishes, and generally fades within a day or two with good ventilation.
• Walk on it carefully at first — light sock-footed traffic is usually fine sooner than moving furniture back.