A Beginner’s Guide to Timber Flooring: Tips For Easy Maintenance

If you’re in the midst of renovating your home or considering an upgrade, chances are you’re exploring various flooring options. Among the many choices available, timber flooring has been gaining popularity due to its cosy and unique aesthetic, along with its easy maintenance and undeniable charm. There’s something about natural materials like timber that makes homeowners and visitors feel grounded and at ease. Besides its inviting appearance, timber flooring, also known as hardwood flooring, boasts durability and versatility, making it an excellent choice, especially for houses in colder climates where tiles might become uncomfortably cold. Even in our sometimes sweltering Australian weather, timber helps keep the floor pleasantly cool.

One of the standout features of hardwood flooring is how easy it is to maintain. While it may be susceptible to moisture damage, the affected area can be easily replaced, ensuring your floor remains in top shape. If you happen to buy a used property with timber flooring that has lost its lustre over time, consider hiring specialists in professional timber floor sanding and polishing on the Northern Beaches. By doing so, you can bring out the best in your timber floor, opting for the revitalisation of something solid, real, durable, and unique, instead of resorting to artificial replacements for a fresh look.

When it comes to maintaining timber floorboards, it’s not a daunting task at all. Everyday household cleaning solutions like pine oil can work wonders in keeping the wood looking fresh. For mopping the floor, a combination of one part pine oil and another part gentle floor disinfectant can do the trick, effectively balancing out the oil’s strong scent.

Now, let’s delve into the different types of hardwood flooring available:

Solid flooring:

This is the traditional and widely used type of hardwood flooring. It’s crafted from a single piece of wood, renowned for its durability and longevity. A significant advantage of solid flooring is its ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a worthwhile long-term investment. While it may be slightly more expensive than other options, it comes in various wood species, colours, and finishes, catering to different interior design aesthetics.

Engineered wood flooring:

This type of flooring consists of layers, with the top layer being a natural hardwood veneer, and the base composed of a composite material like plywood. Engineered wood flooring offers enhanced stability and moisture resistance compared to solid wood. It is also more budget-friendly and can be installed using glue or nails. Like solid flooring, engineered wood flooring comes in various species, colors, and textures to suit diverse creative projects.

Laminate flooring:

Comprising a high-density fiberboard core with a top layer that replicates the look of real wood, laminate flooring provides an affordable alternative to solid wood. It is highly durable and easier to install due to its lighter and thinner structure, making it easy to cut and fit into place.

Choosing the right flooring involves some preparation before installation:

Regardless of the type of hardwood flooring you choose, the installation process is not instantaneous. Even for laminate flooring, which is considered the easiest to install, it will take a few days for measuring, preparation, and installation. 

Solid wood requires at least three days to acclimate to the moisture conditions of the room or house. It’s essential to remove doors, baseboards, and base moulding to ensure a proper fit for the new wood. Additionally, the sub-floor needs to be cleaned, levelled, and any cracks or squeaks fixed (these sounds can occur due to cupping, warping, cracking, or gapping in the floor).

During the installation process, the room should be kept free of dust and debris. Contractors often use dust control systems to minimise any issues. The installation method will depend on the type of flooring you’ve chosen, whether it’s glued, nailed, or floating. Once the primary floor is levelled, it needs to be sanded, stained, and finished to protect it from daily wear.

After your new flooring has been installed, it’s crucial to follow a maintenance schedule to ensure it remains in top condition despite daily use. A daily routine could involve sweeping or dust mopping the floor to keep it clean and to collect lint and other particles like dirt that may be tracked in from outside. Additionally, a monthly mopping with a hardwood floor cleaner will help maintain its lustre. When the floor is new, this simple routine is sufficient. However, as wear and tear start to show, deep cleaning every few months will remove dirt and grime, prolonging the life of the flooring.

Here are some essential maintenance tips:

• Avoid using water, vinegar, soap-based cleaners, wax, or steam cleaners on hardwood flooring. Stick to cleaning supplies specifically designed for hardwood floors.
• Refrain from polishing the floor with wax, as it can damage the finish.
• Be cautious while moving heavy furniture on hardwood flooring, as it may cause cracks and scratches.

In conclusion, take your time to consider your needs, budget, and the current state of your flooring before making a decision on the best timber flooring option for your home. Whatever you choose, the effort and minor disruption during installation will be worth it. To ensure an efficient and beautiful result that you’ll enjoy for years to come, consider engaging an experienced and qualified timber flooring installer on the Northern Beaches of Sydney.

For a free measure and quote contact Moses at Beaches Timber Floors on 0401 184 444 or email