Timber Floorboard Sanding and Polishing FAQs
Timber Sanding, Polishing, Repairs and Flooring Installation Frequently Asked Questions
Restoring timber flooring is a major home improvement project. To help you make informed decisions before installing, sanding or polishing your timber floors, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs).
If you have a question not listed here, you are more than welcome to get in touch with our friendly team.
Timber Finishes, Seals and Coatings – What Factors Should be Considered for Timber Flooring Finishes?
Deciding what finish is best for your floors may initially seem overwhelming. Numerous finishes and timber floor polishes are available, each with pros and cons. The key is to work out your must-haves and dealbreakers. We are always happy to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Lifestyle:
If you have a busy home, you will most likely need a finish that is going to wear well and is easy to clean. The same goes for homes that may regularly have wet or muddy feet (or paws).
Budget:
If you are renovating a home to sell, you may want a more budget-friendly option.
Sustainability:
Maintaining your timber floor rather than re-flooring is in itself a green choice. Finishes that are more environmentally friendly are available.
Volatile organic compounds (VOC) sensitivity:
If there is anyone in your home with sensitivities, choosing a low VOC finish may be an important factor. VOCs are in most cleaning products, paints and many types of floor finishes(*1). If you have a home that has good airflow and ventilation, this may not be a major consideration however it is good to be mindful of.
Sheen/gloss level:
Perhaps, the most popular consideration is the sheen you’d like. Just like printing photographs, there are finishes available from a very rustic, raw look (i.e. buffing wax) to a high gloss (i.e., water or oil-based polyurethane) you could almost use as a mirror.
Timber Floor Commonly Asked Questions in Perth WA
Thankfully, new sanding machines and dust extractors eliminate up to 99% of sanding dust before it becomes airborne(*2). In addition to using the latest technologies, we will also utilise plastic sheeting wherever it may be needed to further protect your home and appliances. All dust collected is disposed of responsibly. This means a much quicker setup and pack down so you can start enjoying your newly sanded floors sooner in a healthier environment.
We offer Perth residents and businesses floating, glue-down and solid timber flooring installations at affordable costs. Care is taken to ensure the preparation of sub-floors is done properly to ensure your flooring is level and long-lasting.
There are many easy things you can do to protect your refinished floors and keep them looking fabulous for longer.
Reduce dirt and dust:
Even the smallest pieces of dirt and dust can cause scratches in your finish. We recommend placing mats or rugs in entryways or areas of the home that attract a lot of floor traffic.
Furniture protectors are also a great solution. Place these on the bottom of your dining room chairs and furniture.
Sweeping and mopping:
Sweeping or vacuuming with a soft-bristled brush and mopping with a timber floor cleaner will keep your floors shining for longer. Remember not to use any harsh chemicals on your floors as many will degrade the finish.
Dry up liquid spills:
If anyone accidentally spills any kind of liquid, even water on the floor, dry it immediately to avoid staining. Naturally occurring water-soluble tannins in the wood can react to the liquid and cause discolouration(*3). This is why you will sometimes find black marks where a dog’s water bowl has been or if you have a timber benchtop, you may have noticed dark marks near the sink where water has splashed.
A major component of all timber is lignin which is sensitive to ultra-violet light. Lignin absorbs the light which can lead to discolouration and degradation of the timber over time(*4). Here in Australia, it is particularly important to ensure flooring products used protect from UV rays.
Yes. We specialise in all things timber flooring which includes wooden floor and parquetry repairs and timber matching. A common situation we see is unfinished timber flooring or damaged floorboards during home renovations. This usually happens when cabinets are moved to reveal unfinished or damaged floorboards. Not only can we match timber for repairs but we can also match the staining.
References
*1. Bona. Non-toxic Floor Finishes Guide. 2023.
*2. Amazing Architecture. The Future of Floor Sanding: Trends and Predictions. 2024.
*3. López-Gómez, YM, Barbero-López, A, Suvanto, S, Venäläinen, M & Haapala, A. Effects of Tannin-Geopolymer Impregnation on Wood: Leachability, Biodegradation Resistance and Mechanical Properties. European Journal of Wood and Wood Products. Vol. 83, no. 17. 2024.
*4. Cogulet, A, Blanchet, P & Landry, V. Wood Degradation Under UV Irradiation: A Lignin Characterization. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. Vol. 158, pp. 184-191. 2016.
