Why paint floorboards?
Original pine boards in older houses often aren't good enough to sand and varnish – they're patched, stained or a mix of different timbers. Paint hides all that, brightens the room and costs far less than new flooring. It's also a good option for stairs, landings and attic rooms where carpet isn't practical.
The trade-off is wear. A painted floor will show scuffs in busy areas and needs touching up from time to time. Used in the right place, with the right paint, it's very practical.
Preparing the boards
Floorboards in older homes are often coated in wax, oil or old varnish. Paint won't stick to wax, so it needs to be removed with a wax remover and sanding. Gloss varnish needs a thorough sand to dull the surface.
- Knock down protruding nails and screw down loose or squeaky boards
- Fill gaps between boards with a flexible filler or slivers of timber glued in
- Sand to remove old varnish, wax or loose paint and give a key
- Vacuum thoroughly and wipe down with a damp cloth
- Seal knots so resin doesn't bleed through pale colours
- Check whether old floor finishes might contain lead
Choosing a floor paint
Use a paint made for floors. Ordinary wall or woodwork paints aren't hard enough and will wear through quickly. Floor paints come in water-based acrylic and polyurethane versions, oil-based formulations and two-pack epoxy (usually for concrete). Water-based floor paints dry quickly, have low odour and are the most popular choice indoors.
| Coating | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based floor paint | Fast drying, low odour, colour-stable | Needs a good primer on bare wood |
| Oil-based floor paint | Very hard-wearing | Strong smell, slow to dry, may yellow |
| Floor paint plus clear floor varnish | Extra protection in busy areas | More coats and time |
| Chalk or eggshell paint | Nice look | Not designed for foot traffic |
Floor coating options
Rather leave it to a professional?
Application and drying
Start with a primer or a thinned first coat if the paint system requires it, then apply two topcoats with a brush along the edges and a short-pile roller or brush along the length of the boards. Paint along the grain, a few boards at a time, and work towards the door so you don't paint yourself into a corner.
Most water-based floor paints are touch-dry in a few hours, but they take days to cure fully. Allow at least 24 hours before light foot traffic in socks, and a week before putting heavy furniture or rugs back. See paint drying times for more.
Colour ideas
White and pale grey floors make small rooms feel bigger and brighter, but show dirt. Mid-greys and soft greens hide marks better. Dark floors – charcoal, navy, deep green – look dramatic and work well in bedrooms and dining rooms. Painted borders, chequerboard patterns and stair runners are good ways to add character. See choosing paint colours for help.
What it costs
Sanding heavily varnished or uneven floors takes time and adds to the cost. Ask for prices from local interior painters and decorators.
| Area | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small bedroom (10m²) | £300 – £600 |
| Large living room (20m²) | £550 – £1,100 |
| Staircase and landing | £350 – £800 |
| Per m², including sanding | £25 – £50 |
Indicative prices for painting floorboards (2026, prep, filling and three coats)
