A quality timber floor is built to last for decades, but that longevity depends on how it's protected day to day, not just how well it was installed. Below, we answer the questions Sydney homeowners most often ask about keeping a timber floor looking its best for years to come.

How do I protect timber floors from scratches?

Fit felt protector pads under every piece of furniture that sits on the floor, including chairs, tables, couches and cabinets. Most scratching happens when furniture is dragged rather than lifted, so pads on moveable items are the single most effective everyday prevention step — no coating type is fully scratch-proof, no matter how durable the finish.

It's also worth placing a doormat at every entry point to catch grit and small stones before they're tracked across the floor, since loose grit underfoot is one of the most common causes of fine surface scratching over time.

How do I protect timber floors from pets?

Trim pets' nails regularly, since long or overgrown nails are one of the most common causes of scratching on timber floors, particularly in high-traffic zones like hallways and entryways. Placing rugs or runners in areas pets use most, such as favourite resting spots or paths to the door, adds an extra layer of protection in the zones that see the most wear.

A quality wear layer and a durable factory finish also make a meaningful difference — some floors are genuinely better suited to households with active pets than others, so this is worth discussing before you choose your flooring if pets are a major factor in your home.

Do I need to protect timber floors from sunlight?

Yes — prolonged direct sunlight can cause timber flooring to darken, lighten, or fade unevenly over time, depending on the species. Areas exposed to consistent direct sun, such as beneath large glass doors or skylights, will age differently to areas that stay shaded, which is why floors under rugs or furniture often appear a different tone once that item is moved.

Using window coverings such as blinds or curtains during peak sun hours reduces this effect, and rotating rugs and furniture periodically helps prevent an obvious tonal difference from developing in one fixed spot.

How much water can timber floors handle?

Timber floors should never be exposed to standing water or wet-mopping — excess moisture is one of the leading causes of cupping, buckling and coating damage. A lightly damp mop is fine for wiping up an isolated spill immediately, but water should never be left sitting on the surface, and steam mops should never be used on timber flooring under any circumstances.

Wipe up spills as soon as they happen, and place absorbent mats in front of sinks, entryways and any area where water is regularly present.

What's the best way to clean timber floors day to day?

Regular sweeping, dust-mopping or vacuuming is the best way to protect a timber floor's finish over time, since grit and dust act like fine sandpaper if left to grind underfoot. For a deeper clean, use a manufacturer-recommended timber floor cleaner rather than a general-purpose product, as many household cleaners can dull or damage the coating.

Avoid vacuum attachments with a beater bar or rotating brush designed for carpet, as these can scratch a timber surface — use a hard floor attachment instead.

How do I protect timber floors from expansion and contraction?

Maintain reasonably consistent humidity and temperature in the home where possible, since timber naturally expands and contracts with seasonal changes in both. Avoid running heating or air-conditioning at extreme settings, and consider a humidifier in very dry, heavily heated rooms during winter, or a dehumidifier in persistently humid spaces.

A small amount of seasonal gapping between boards is completely normal and will typically close again once conditions even out — this isn't something to actively "protect" against, just something to expect.

How do I protect timber floors during a home renovation?

Cover timber floors with a breathable protective covering — such as builder's paper or a dedicated floor protection product — for the full duration of any renovation work, not just the messiest stages. Tools, ladders, dropped materials and foot traffic from trades can all cause damage that's easy to prevent but expensive to fix afterwards.

Avoid plastic sheeting directly on timber for extended periods, as it can trap moisture underneath and cause its own set of problems.

How often should timber floors be resealed or refinished?

Most timber floors benefit from a fresh coat of finish roughly every 7–10 years under normal household use, though this varies significantly with foot traffic, sunlight exposure and how well the floor has been maintained day to day. Recoating before the existing finish wears through to bare timber is far less invasive — and less expensive — than waiting until a full sand-back is required.

Watch for early signs the finish is wearing thin, such as duller patches in high-traffic areas or the coating no longer beading water on contact, and plan a recoat before those areas progress to visible bare timber.

What everyday habits protect timber floors the most?

The habits that make the biggest long-term difference are simple and consistent: felt pads under furniture, doormats at entry points, prompt spill clean-up, regular dust-mopping or vacuuming, and avoiding excess water or extreme heating and cooling settings. None of these require significant time or cost, but together they're what separates a timber floor that still looks new after fifteen years from one that needs early refinishing.

Want tailored advice for protecting your specific timber floor? Visit the Acorn Timber Flooring showroom at 209 Albion St, Surry Hills, or call us on (02) 9167 3624 — we're happy to recommend the right care products and habits for your species, finish and household.

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