Parquet Lacquering in Warsaw — Floor Refinishing Without Replacement

The lacquer has worn through to bare wood in the hallway, there are dull patches across the living room, and the whole floor looks tired — we see this regularly in apartments across Praga and Wola. Many owners assume the parquet needs replacing, but in most cases sanding and fresh lacquer bring it back to life. If the wood blocks are solid and the timber is not rotten, lacquering restores the floor completely — at a fraction of what new flooring would cost.

How much does parquet lacquering cost and what affects the price

The price depends on the area, condition of the old finish, type of lacquer and number of coats. Water-based lacquer is more affordable and dries faster; polyurethane is pricier but far more durable. Additional work like gap filling, individual block repairs and priming also affects the final amount. Check the table below for current prices on all flooring services.

How parquet lacquering works — step by step

1. Floor inspection: we check the condition of the blocks, look for loose pieces and squeaks, and assess the depth of damage to the old finish. Damaged elements are secured or replaced.
2. Room preparation: all furniture must be removed by the client beforehand. We seal doorways with plastic sheeting to contain dust.
3. Sanding: we remove the old lacquer with drum and rotary sanders. Typically three passes — coarse, medium and fine grit. Corners and edges along walls are done by hand.
4. Gap filling: small gaps between blocks are filled with specialist filler mixed with sanding dust — this way the colour matches the floor perfectly.
5. Priming: we apply a base coat of primer lacquer that seals the wood pores and ensures adhesion. Drying time is 2 to 4 hours depending on the product.
6. Lacquer application: a minimum of two coats, ideally three. Between coats we lightly sand with fine-grit paper for better adhesion. Each coat takes 4 to 12 hours to dry.
7. Final check and care instructions: we inspect the finish under side lighting and provide guidance — when to move furniture back, when to wash the floor, and what cleaning products to use.

Common mistakes with parquet lacquering

• Applying new lacquer over the old finish without sanding — within a few months the new coat peels off in sheets.
• Only one coat of lacquer — that is not a finish, it is just a primer. The floor needs at least two coats, preferably three.
• Lacquering in an unventilated room — the finish dries unevenly and develops cloudy patches.
• Opening windows while the lacquer is drying — dust and debris settle on the wet surface, leaving it rough.
• Walking on the floor too soon — shoe prints embed permanently in the uncured lacquer.
• Mixing lacquer types (water-based over alkyd) — the finish bubbles and delaminates.

What to prepare before the technician arrives

• Clear the room completely — the sanding machine needs unobstructed access from wall to wall.
• Remove skirting boards if you plan to replace them. If keeping them, the technician will mask them with painter’s tape.
• Ensure a working power supply: the sander draws at least 2 kW and needs a 230V outlet.
• Let the neighbours know about the noise — sanding takes several hours.
• Remove curtains and items that stain easily — fine dust gets everywhere despite the dust bag.
• Provide ventilation after lacquer application (but not during!) — open windows when the technician tells you to.

A real case from Warsaw

An apartment in Wola, a 1960s block, oak herringbone parquet. The new owners were ready to rip it out and lay vinyl — the floor looked beyond saving. After inspection we found the timber was thick enough for sanding and all blocks were firmly attached. We removed three layers of old finish, filled the gaps, and applied three coats of water-based polyurethane lacquer. The job took three days including drying time between coats. The result was a floor that looked showroom-new. The owners abandoned their vinyl plan and saved a significant amount. A year later they confirmed the finish was still in perfect condition — no scratches, no wear marks.

Frequently asked questions

Which lacquer is better — water-based or polyurethane?
Water-based dries faster and has almost no odour, making it ideal if you are living in the flat during the work. Polyurethane is harder and more resistant to abrasion — best for hallways and kitchens.

How many coats of lacquer are needed?
At least two, ideally three. The first coat soaks into the wood and acts as a primer; the second and third form the protective surface.

When can I move furniture back?
After 48 to 72 hours from the last coat. Full lacquer curing takes up to 7 days — avoid dragging heavy items during this period.

Can parquet be lacquered in winter?
Yes, as long as the room temperature is at least +15°C and humidity is 40–60%. The heating season is actually convenient — the lacquer dries faster.

Do I need to move out during the work?
It is advisable for 2 to 3 days. Sanding creates a lot of dust, and drying lacquer releases fumes, especially alkyd-based products.

Who does the work

Parquet lacquering and sanding are carried out by craftsmen experienced in hardwood floor restoration. We use professional equipment — drum and rotary sanders with dust extraction systems. We cover all of Warsaw and the surrounding area. Call or message us — we will assess the scope, give you a timeline and a price.