Timber Floor Restoration
With timber floor restoration we can make your floor look brand new again
Timber floor restoration is a service that we offer which enables us to bring an old floor back to a condition that is able to then be finished in the same way as a new floor.
Each floor is different, and each floor requires careful examination of existing subfloors, supporting timbers, any existing water damage or termite damage, whether it is top nailed or not, how many times it has been sanded previously (therefore how much timber is left on top of the tongue or on top of the subfloor), and what finish or stain has been used previously.
Once all of these aspects have been considered, we make a recommendation to the client including the required work, how long the restoration will take, whether or not any timber floor repair is required and if so the timber that we will need to source to match, and then what type of finish would be most suitable for the floor and the client’s lifestyle.
Let’s break down the process to look at what might be involved in a complete timber floor restoration. Any or all of the following may be needed depending on the age and condition of the floor, and the budget of the project.
Process for timber floor restoration
Wood floor restoration involving the removal of old floor coverings
If the existing floorboards are covered with carpet, vinyl, or tiles we would first need to remove these. This may involve also stripping old glue from the floor with the sanding machine, removing staples, old nails, and any other materials which are stuck to the floorboards. We can then assess the condition of the floorboards and whether any remedial repairs need to be undertaken prior.
Subfloor preparation – with timber floor restoration
There are many aspects involved in a subfloor preparation during a Timber Floor Restoration, and some issues are actually specific to Sydney due to the materials and the style of building. For example, when assessing the structure beneath the floor, we often come across the following issue in homes in Sydney’s Northern Beaches that are built on sandstone foundations.
Timber floor restoration – Effect of water or termite damage
Another common issue that often needs to be rectified is termite damage or water damage in the bearers and joists. If the source of the termites or water (seepage, leak, or rising damp) has not yet been dealt with, then at this point we would call in the plumber, building inspector, or pest control expert to rectify the problem before we continue with the timber floor restoration. Once the source of the problem is eliminated, we can then work on replacing the damaged timber from underneath the house, ensuring that the structural timber is strong and safe to support the timber floor above it.
Repairs and replacement of timber floorboards
In many older houses, especially those which have been renovated or extended, there may be areas where the timber floor is not consistent or has not been continued in an area or a section of the floor. Examples of this include concrete slabs where wet areas or fireplaces may have been removed or relocated, patches where walls have been removed, or extensions to the house where other floor coverings were used. If the project requires timber floors throughout, our job is to make the floor as consistent as possible. This may require sourcing the same timber as the existing floorboards (unless as is often the case there are spare boards stored on the property). If the floor is particularly old, then the timber may also be a rare species such as Kauri or King Billy pine, or particularly sized boards that are no longer milled in the same way. We are able to source timbers through recycled building materials companies throughout Australia, although budget and time constraints are also an important consideration.
Once we have the timber, our timber floor repair specialist removes the damaged boards and then uses precision tools and machinery to cut each new floorboard to fit seamlessly into the existing floor. Each board has to be staggered and colour selected so as not to create an obvious patch where the repair is.
Punch and fill
Where top nails have been used (as with most floors more than 30 years old), and all boards 130mm wide or more, the nails must be individually punched under the surface of the board with a hammer and nail puncher. The nail holes must then be filled with putty to match the colour of the timber. In the case of old recycled flooring with many character marks, we often use a black butty to highlight the character or ‘story’ of the floor rather than disguise it.
Sanding the timber floorboards
The floor is then sanded in the same way as any other new floor. However, old floors will often require initial leveling with a rough grit such as 40grit sandpaper.
Coating and timber floor polishing
With any timber floor restoration, the style and history of the building may often dictate the type of finish that is chosen. For example, if it is a heritage building, it may require a finish to match the age and style of the building and to show the original timber in the most effective way. However, if the restoration was extensive and there are differences visible between old sections of the floor and new sections, or if the timber was unable to be matched in the case of a rare timber, then the client may choose to stain the floor to create a consistent look for the whole floor.
