John Lewis, The Grand Arcade, Cambridge – Large-Scale Reclaimed Wood Floor Sanding & Refinishing

The Brief

The newly laid floor consisted of reclaimed timber panels installed over metal access panels, creating a distinctive floor with the character of reclaimed wood while accommodating the practical requirements of the retail environment.

Our brief was to sand the newly installed reclaimed timber to create a consistent surface and then apply a grey-toned Bona Craft Oil finish.

Because of the size of the project and the wider shop fitting works taking place around us, the flooring had to be completed progressively in designated areas. Access began from approximately 6pm, with our team working through the night and, on several shifts, into the early hours of the morning.

Our Solution

Mazon Flooring carried out an intensive multi-stage sanding and finishing process across the reclaimed timber floor.

The works included:

• Progressive sanding of the reclaimed timber using professional floor sanding machinery.
• Working through multiple sanding grades to gradually refine the surface and achieve the required finish.
• Detailed edge sanding throughout each section to ensure consistency across the entire floor.
• Use of specialist diamond abrasives and additional machine weights where required to work effectively with the newly installed reclaimed flooring.
• Preparation of test areas before progressing with the chosen finish.
• Careful protection of adjoining stone finishes during the staining and oiling process.
• Application of a grey-toned Bona Craft Oil to achieve the required colour and finish.
• Completion of the project in phases to coordinate with the wider shopfitting programme.

The nature of the reclaimed timber meant the sanding process required close attention throughout. Rather than removing the natural character of the material, the aim was to create a consistent finish while allowing the variation within the reclaimed wood to remain part of the finished floor.

The project also demanded considerable flexibility from the team. Equipment and abrasives were adjusted as the works progressed, with additional diamond sanding products and machine weights introduced to achieve the required result efficiently across such a substantial area.

The Result

The completed floor retains the individual character and variation of the reclaimed timber while achieving a much more consistent appearance across the large retail space.

The grey Bona Craft Oil adds depth to the timber and creates a contemporary finish appropriate for the John Lewis environment, while allowing the natural features of the reclaimed wood to remain visible.

For Mazon Flooring, the project demonstrates the level of planning, technical knowledge and manpower required to deliver specialist floor sanding on a major commercial refurbishment.

Working overnight, across multiple phases and alongside other trades, our team was able to complete extensive areas of specialist reclaimed flooring while working around the demands of a significant retail fit-out.

Looking for RESIDENTIAL OR Commercial Floor Sanding & Refinishing?
Whether you’re refurbishing a commercial space or renovating your home, Mazon Flooring can help you choose the right flooring for your project.

Get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.