How to Care for Your New Timber Floor (So It Lasts 30+ Years)

A well-installed timber floor is a 30-year asset. Most damage we're called back to repair isn't from wear — it's from a few simple habits that are easy to avoid.

The first 7 days

• Walk on it in socks only for the first 24 hours.
• Don't put rugs down for at least 5–7 days — the finish needs to cure.
• Lift, don't drag, furniture into place. Use felt pads on every chair and table leg.

Day-to-day care

• Sweep or vacuum with a soft-brush head 1–2× per week. Grit is the #1 enemy of any finish.
• Damp mop with a microfibre — never a wet mop. Water + timber = trouble.
• Use a pH-neutral floor cleaner (e.g. Bona). Avoid vinegar, methylated spirits and supermarket "shine" sprays.
• Place doormats at every external entry.

Watch the climate

Sydney's humidity swings between summer and winter. Boards naturally expand and contract — small gaps in winter are normal. Try to keep indoor humidity between 40–60% if you have ducted aircon.

Recoat before you re-sand

Every 7–10 years, a light buff-and-recoat refreshes the finish without sanding the timber. It's a fraction of the cost of a full re-sand and keeps your floor looking new for decades.