Get Simple Solution With Timber Floor Coatings Perth

Frequently Asked Questions About Timber Floors in Perth

How do I maintain and care for my timber floors?

Regular maintenance is required and some specific practices to combat the region's warm weather and varying humidity levels. Here are some essential tips:

Regular Cleaning

• Sweep or Vacuum: Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with a hard floor attachment to remove dust and debris that can scratch the surface.
• Damp Mopping: Mop with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth using a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for timber floors. Avoid excessive water, as it can cause the timber to swell or warp.

Protect Against Sunlight

Perth's intense sunlight can fade timber over time. Use rugs or curtains to reduce direct exposure and consider UV-protective coatings or finishes to preserve the timber's colour.

Minimise Moisture

High humidity or spills can damage timber. Wipe up any liquid spills immediately, and use a dehumidifier during particularly humid seasons. A well-ventilated home can also help regulate moisture levels.

Use Protective Pads

Attach felt pads to the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. Avoid dragging heavy furniture across the floor, as this can cause deep gouges.

Refinish When Necessary

Over time, timber may develop minor scratches or lose their sheen. Re-sanding and refinishing every 8–10 years (or as needed) will restore their original beauty and protect them against further wear and tear.

What is the lifespan?

The lifespan in Perth homes depends on the type of timber, the quality of the installation, and how well the floors are maintained. On average:

Solid Hardwood Flooring

With proper care, solid hardwood floors can last 50 years or more. High-quality Australian timbers like Jarrah and Blackbutt are especially durable and can be sanded and refinished multiple times to extend their lifespan.

Engineered Timber

Engineered timber typically lasts 20–30 years. Its top layer of real wood provides a similar look to solid hardwood, but its lifespan depends on the thickness of the veneer and the quality of the core materials.

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is another durable option, with a lifespan of 20–25 years when well-maintained. It is highly resistant to wear and moisture, making it ideal for Perth's climate.

Laminate

While not genuine timber, laminate flooring can mimic the look of timber and lasts around 10–20 years. Its lifespan is shorter due to its susceptibility to wear and damage compared to solid or engineered options.

Are timber floors suitable for all areas of a house?

They are a versatile and stylish choice for many areas of a home in Perth, but their suitability depends on the specific room and environmental conditions. 

Ideal Areas

• Living Rooms and Bedrooms: Timber adds warmth, elegance, and comfort, making it an excellent choice for these spaces. Its natural insulation properties also help maintain a cosy atmosphere.
• Dining Rooms: Durable and easy to clean, timber is are perfect for areas prone to spills and foot traffic.

Areas Where Caution Is Needed

• Kitchens: Timber can be used in kitchens but requires extra care due to potential water and food spills. Engineered timber or bamboo flooring may be a more moisture-resistant choice in this area.
• Entryways and Hallways: These high-traffic areas are suitable for timber, but protective finishes and regular maintenance are essential to prevent wear and tear.

Areas Where Timber May Not Be Suitable

• Bathrooms and Laundries: These areas are typically too humid and prone to water exposure, which can damage timber over time. Waterproof alternatives like tiles or vinyl are better suited here.
• Outdoor Spaces: Direct exposure to Perth's sun and weather can cause timber to warp or fade. For outdoor areas, consider materials designed specifically for external use.

Is it true that timber floors improve indoor air quality compared to carpet?

Yes — timber floors generally do improve indoor air quality compared to carpet, largely because they don’t trap dust, allergens and other pollutants the way carpets can.

They don’t trap allergens and dust -  Timber’s smooth, solid surface doesn’t hold dust mites, pollen, pet dander and other airborne particles deep in fibres like carpet does. That reduces the amount of allergens circulating in the air.

They reduce pollutants building up in the home -  Carpets can act like a reservoir for dirt, mould spores and other indoor pollutants that get stirred up into the air when people walk on them. Timber floors minimise this because particles sit on the surface and are removed when swept or mopped.

Lower risk of mould and moisture-related issues -  Carpet fibres can hold moisture and foster mould and mildew growth — both of which can release spores into the air. Timber doesn’t absorb moisture in the same way when sealed and finished correctly.

 Do timber floors feel cold in winter?

Timber floors can feel cooler than carpet in winter, but they’re not cold in the way tiles or concrete are, and there are very practical ways to keep them comfortable year-round.

Timber is a natural material that doesn’t trap heat like carpet fibres, so when the air temperature drops, the surface can feel cooler underfoot — especially first thing in the morning.

That said, timber:

• Retains warmth better than tiles or stone
• Doesn’t have the “icy shock” feeling of hard masonry floors
• Quickly adjusts once the room is heated

Can damaged timber planks be replaced individually?

Yes. Damaged timber planks can often be replaced individually, but whether it’s the right solution depends on the floor type, age, and condition.

When individual plank replacement works well

• The damage is localised (deep scratches, water staining, pet damage, burns)
• The floor is solid timber or engineered timber
• Matching timber species and board profiles are available
• The surrounding floor is still structurally sound

When replacement becomes more complex

• The floor is very old, and the timber profile is no longer available
• The boards have a significant colour change from age and UV exposure
• The damage affects many boards across a large area
• The floor has already been sanded close to its limit

Will the repair be visible?

When done properly — no. With correct timber matching, precise fitting, and professional sanding and coating, repaired boards blend naturally into the floor. Poor repairs stand out because of rushed workmanship or incorrect finishes — that’s where experience really matters.

Are timber floors noisy for apartments and multi-storey homes?

Not when installed correctly. Noise issues almost always come down to what’s underneath the floor, not the timber itself. In apartments, the main concern isn’t footsteps in your own space — it’s impact noise transferring to the level below. 

Problems usually occur when:

• Floors are installed without a proper acoustic underlay
• The wrong flooring system is used for an apartment setting
• Building or strata acoustic requirements are ignored

When corners are cut, noise travels. When things are done properly, timber floors perform extremely well. With the right system, timber floors meet — and often exceed — apartment noise standards:

• Acoustic underlay systems -  Purpose-designed underlays absorb footfall noise and vibration before it reaches the slab.
• Engineered timber flooring -  More dimensionally stable and quieter underfoot than many people expect — ideal for apartments.
• Floating floor installations -  Decouples the timber from the concrete slab, reducing sound transmission.
• Correct installation tolerances -  Prevents creaking, movement, and hollow sounds over time.

Can timber floors keep my home cooler in summer?

Yes — timber floors do help homes feel cooler during Perth summers, especially when compared to carpet. Timber is a naturally temperature-neutral material. Unlike carpet, which traps heat and holds warm air close to the surface, timber:

• Allows heat to dissipate more quickly
• Feels cooler underfoot during hot days
• Doesn’t store heat the way dense materials can

Homes with timber flooring often feel fresher and easier to cool, particularly in open-plan areas.

Is timber flooring fire-resistant or bushfire safe?

Timber flooring is not fireproof, but it can be suitable and compliant for many homes in Western Australia, including some bushfire-prone areas when the right timber type, construction, and overall building design are used.

Timber behaves very differently to synthetic materials:

• It chars rather than melts -  This char layer can actually slow the spread of fire and protect the structural core.
• Predictable performance -  Unlike some plastics or laminates, timber doesn’t release toxic fumes at the same rate.
• Commonly used in Australian construction -  Including homes designed to meet bushfire construction standards.

That’s why timber remains widely accepted under Australian building regulations.

Which coatings last the longest without yellowing?

High-quality water-based polyurethane coatings last the longest without yellowing. They’re the go-to choice when you want durability, colour stability, and a clean, natural timber look that holds up over time.

Coatings that resist yellowing best:

Water-based polyurethane (best overall)

This is the clear winner for long-term colour stability.

• Remains clear and colour-stable for many years
• Doesn’t amber or darken timber over time
• Excellent resistance to UV light
• Tough enough for high-traffic family homes

Oil-based polyurethane (very durable, but yellows)

Oil-based coatings are strong, but they come with a trade-off.

• Develop a noticeable amber/yellow tone over time
• Colour change is permanent
• Can exaggerate darkening in sun-exposed rooms

Hardwax oils (natural look, limited UV stability)

Products like Osmo offer a beautiful, natural finish, but:

• Can slowly darken with UV exposure
• Require periodic maintenance
• Not as resistant to long-term colour change as water-based coatings

Which Perth timber species are most resistant to termites?

Dense Australian hardwoods are the most termite-resistant timber flooring options — particularly Jarrah, Spotted Gum, and Blackbutt.

Jarrah (WA classic – naturally resistant)

• Extremely dense hardwood
• Natural oils deter termites
• Proven performance in WA homes for generations

Jarrah is classified as Durability Class 2, meaning strong natural resistance to termites and decay when properly installed and maintained.

Spotted Gum (very high resistance)

• High density and hardness
• Naturally unappealing to termites
• Excellent structural and flooring performance

Spotted Gum is widely used where durability and pest resistance matter.

Blackbutt (good resistance with correct protection)

• Naturally resistant hardwood
• Performs best with proper subfloor ventilation and termite management
• Popular for lighter, contemporary interiors

While not as naturally resistant as Jarrah, Blackbutt still outperforms many softer timbers.