Care & Maintenance
How to Care for Your New Timber Floor (So It Lasts 30+ Years)
4 December 2025 · 4 min read
Simple, no-nonsense habits that keep timber floors looking new, from day-one protection to year-ten recoats.
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.
