A timber floorboard transformation

Timber floorboards can transform your house, but quality control is imperative for longevity. Many companies say they can supply and fix your timber floor, but when something goes wrong they pass the work to another contractor. 

When Andrew, a professional tiler by trade, and his wife Julie decided to make-over the living room of their 1980s home with beautiful timber floorboards, he understood the importance of prioritising quality workmanship from the start.

There are plenty of people out there who will take a 'that'll do' attitude when it comes to renovating or remodelling their home. But short-term fixes invariably fall apart later without the right person to see the job through. "I thought it was better to spend the money up front rather than getting someone in to fix a sub-standard job - it almost always costs more in the long term and it's more stressful," Andrew says.

For this reason Andrew and Julie chose Sydney Flooring, a family business that has specialised in flooring for over 47 years. Sydney Flooring does all its work under one licence, meaning a continuity of project from start to finish with the original contractors.

Although more expensive than other quotes, Andrew was impressed by the level of detail and advice they gave before starting the job and satisfied that his home would be done properly first time around.

The job at hand involved three adjoining areas that had curved tiles with carpet. The living and dining area was a particular problem because it was rarely used. Apart from the dated look, the family was always worried about spilling something and staining the carpet.

"We just never used the space and it seemed to be such a waste," said Andrew. We wanted to use the area and feel comfortable in it."

Steve Carroll of Sydney Flooring enjoyed the job, with the challenges it presented, and was happy that it made a positive difference to the clients' lives. "The shape that we had to change was pretty difficult," says Carroll. "The area is curved and there's a difference between the height of the tiles compared to timber floorboards, so we had to create a ramp to blend them together. I was really happy with how it came together in the end actually."

Sydney Flooring's secret to creating great wooden floors lies in their thorough approach. They start by assessing the location for excess damp or drying conditions. Their concern lies with both the work that needs to be done and how they need to treat the wood to optimise its lasting quality.

Andrew has only positive things to say about his experience, yet urges others to be aware of what they are getting into. "Be sure to choose someone who understands your needs and can deliver on what they promise."

Steve Carroll

Sydney Flooring

What was unusual about the brief? 

It was filling an unusual and difficult shape, because part of the room had tiles that were cut in a curve. Also, tiles are 10mm in height, whereas the boards are 34mm, so we had to create a ramp to connect the two together. 

How did you go about creating that?

We made the ramp into a bit of a feature and that tied the two elements together well. The curve was difficult to cut but all in all it came up well. 

Were there any other details in the design?

We also put up the skirting boards, then returned to sand and paint it all. It's important to take each step at a time and not rush, because that shows in your work.  

Andrew and Julie

What were you looking for when you contacted Sydney Flooring?

Actually the living room just wasn't useable, so we wanted to make it more modern. We liked the idea of a hard floor so you can wash away any stains, and the tiles are Travertine tiles so the beige works well with the wood.

Andrew and Julie

What were you looking for when you contacted Sydney Flooring?

Actually the living room just wasn't useable, so we wanted to make it more modern. We liked the idea of a hard floor so you can wash away any stains, and the tiles are Travertine tiles so the beige works well with the wood.