Breathing New Life Into History: Hull Maritime Museum Flooring Restoration
The Floor That Carries 800 Years of Maritime Heritage
Most museum renovations focus only on what’s on display.
But the true foundation of visitor experience lies beneath their feet.
When Hull Maritime Museum approached us to transform their flooring as part of their £11 million renovation project, we knew this wasn’t just about installing new boards—it was about crafting a surface worthy of supporting 800 years of maritime history.
The Challenge: Blending Heritage with Function
The Hull Maritime Museum, housed in the Grade II listed former Dock Offices building from 1871, presented us with a unique three-part challenge:
- Install a brand-new oak strip floor in the main exhibition spaces that would withstand thousands of visitors while complementing the historic architecture
- Restore and renovate an existing floor with an intricate marquetry border that had deteriorated over decades of use
- Create a new oak floor for their café area that balanced durability with the warm, welcoming atmosphere visitors expect
All this while working within the constraints of a heritage building undergoing a major transformation.
Our Approach: Craftsmanship Meets Conservation
Initial Assessment
Our journey began with a comprehensive site survey. The museum’s Victorian architecture demanded careful consideration—each room had its own character and requirements.
“The existing floor with the marquetry border was particularly challenging,” explains Ian Staines, Managing Director at Fresco Hardwood Flooring. “Years of foot traffic had worn away much of the intricate detail, but enough remained for us to recreate the original pattern with historical accuracy.”
The Three-Phase Solution
Phase 1: New Oak Strip Flooring
For the main exhibition spaces, we selected premium grade European oak strips. This wasn’t just about aesthetics—the floor needed to:
- Support heavy display cases
- Withstand varying humidity levels as visitors moved through the space
- Complement the Victorian architecture while allowing the exhibits to remain the focal point
We installed the strips using our specialist fixing method that minimises movement in areas with fluctuating environmental conditions—crucial for a building that sits near the Humber estuary.
Phase 2: Marquetry Border Restoration
The existing floor with its intricate marquetry border represented a piece of history in itself. Our restoration process involved:
- Carefully documenting the original pattern
- Removing damaged sections while preserving intact elements
- Hand-crafting replacement pieces using traditional techniques
- Seamlessly integrating new and original components
- Applying a protective finish that enhanced the natural beauty while providing long-term protection
“The marquetry work was like solving a puzzle where some pieces had been lost to time,” notes Kerim Hudson, our Contracts Manager. “Our team’s experience with heritage properties throughout Yorkshire proved invaluable.”
Phase 3: Café Area Transformation
For the café area, we needed to balance practicality with comfort. We selected:
- Wide oak boards to create a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere
- A slightly darker tone to complement the café’s design scheme
- A highly durable finish specifically formulated for high-traffic food service areas
The Results: A Foundation for the Future
The completed flooring transformation has become an integral part of the museum’s ambitious renovation. When the museum reopens in 2026, visitors will experience:
- A seamless flow between exhibition spaces, with flooring that subtly guides the journey
- Restored historical elements that honour the building’s heritage
- Practical, beautiful surfaces that will serve the museum for decades to come
“The flooring Fresco installed has transformed our spaces,” shares a representative from the Hull Maritime project team. “The attention to detail in the marquetry restoration particularly showcases the level of craftsmanship that matches our vision for this world-class museum.”
Why This Project Matters
The Hull Maritime Museum renovation represents more than just a building upgrade—it’s part of Hull’s broader vision to celebrate its maritime heritage and inspire future generations.
Our contribution ensures that as visitors explore the 50,000+ artefacts that tell Hull’s seafaring story, they do so on flooring that:
- Respects the building’s architectural significance
- Enhances the visitor experience
- Provides a sustainable solution that will last for decades
- Showcases traditional craftsmanship alongside modern techniques
The Fresco Difference
This project exemplifies what sets Fresco Hardwood Flooring apart:
- Our deep understanding of heritage buildings in Northern England
- Three generations of flooring expertise applied to every detail
- Our ability to balance historical accuracy with practical requirements
- Our comprehensive approach from initial survey to final handover
As the Hull Maritime Museum prepares to reopen its doors in 2026, we’re proud that our craftsmanship will support visitors as they discover Hull’s maritime story for generations to come.
Looking to transform your heritage property with flooring that honours its history while meeting modern demands? Contact Fresco Hardwood Flooring to discuss how our expertise can bring your vision to life.