DIY Guides

Advanced DIY guides – Wood stripping – Floor Sanding – Wood Finishing

These DIY guides were originally written in 2006 and are amended when I get the chance. These pages remain by far my most visited.

As mainly a one man operation I do not have the funds to pay for advertising. My first website iteration ranked number one on Google and Yahoo for floor sanding on merit in organic search. Now it’s paid placement. Please help me rank higher in organic search, you will be thanking me and supporting a dying craft.

I have invested hundreds of hours of work in to producing this website and these guides in particular. A backlink on your website, blog or forum post would be much appreciated. Please post some of my pictures on pinterest, houzz, Instagram or other sharing platform. Many thanks in advance to all those kind people who help.

Author - Toby Newell
Author – Toby Newell


French polisher and floor sander with over 25 years of experience in the industry. I started working with my Grandfather in 1986 aged 15. I constantly try to improve my knowledge and skills. Read Materials Engineering in Sheffield and attended the London College of Furniture. Have City and Guilds certificates in both Wood Finishing and Antique Restoration. I specialise in restoring period timber, staining and colour matching. I have published a number of articles on wood restoration and give advice on forums and to people worldwide via email. I always try my best to be honest, open and helpful.

Guide to Wood Stripping

Guide to Wood Floor Sanding

Guide to Wood Finishing