Preserve the history, strength and beauty of your heritage timber floors with expert restoration backed by 30+ years of specialised experience.
Heritage floors demand more than standard sanding — they require precision, historical knowledge and the skill to protect irreplaceable craftsmanship. We restore timber floors the right way, ensuring they remain structurally sound and true to their original character.
Heritage timber flooring requires far more than standard sanding or refinishing — each board carries historical and architectural significance that demands precision, care and deep technical understanding. Today, more homeowners, councils, and building managers across Sydney are realising that incorrect restoration may permanently damage or devalue a heritage-listed property. This is why engaging specialists who understand period-accurate methods, traditional installation techniques and historical material sourcing is essential.
Heritage timber floors reflect the craftsmanship and architectural history of Sydney’s most iconic buildings. From heritage-listed homes to historic churches, museums and landmarks, these floors hold immense cultural value. Without proper care, however, age-related wear, water damage and structural issues can compromise their integrity. Glen Gilbertson Floor Sanding specialises in heritage floor restoration, ensuring that these rare and historically significant floors are revived while maintaining their authenticity.
Backed by over 30 years of experience and certification from the Australasian Timber Flooring Association (ATFA), our team expertly restores parquetry, tongue-and-groove hardwood and decorative inlays using authentic techniques and premium materials. From warping and loose boards to bituminous adhesive deterioration and over-sanding damage, we ensure these irreplaceable floors remain strong and structurally sound for years to come.
Unlike modern flooring, heritage timber often contains hand-cut boards, bespoke parquetry patterns, rare species no longer widely available, and finishes that were originally applied using traditional oil or wax systems. This makes the restoration process more complex and far more valuable. Proper restoration does more than enhance the visual appeal — it protects original craftsmanship, prevents structural decline, and preserves the building’s cultural significance for future generations.
Historic timber floors require specialised care to maintain their original craftsmanship, structural integrity and historical significance. Professional restoration extends their lifespan and enhances their durability without compromising their authenticity.
Preserving Architectural History
Restoration ensures that original timber flooring, parquetry patterns and decorative inlays remain intact, preserving the historical character of the space.
This is especially important in Federation, Edwardian and Victorian-era properties, where decorative borders or hand-laid timber patterns form a central part of the home’s architectural identity. Even slight alterations to these features may compromise the building’s heritage compliance or aesthetic value.
Protecting Against Further Damage
Heritage timber can suffer from cupping, splitting and instability due to moisture exposure, improper maintenance, or old adhesives. Precision repairs help stabilise the flooring and prevent further deterioration.
Avoiding Costly Replacements
Replacing heritage flooring is expensive and often impractical. Restoration is a cost-effective alternative that maintains historical accuracy while improving the floor’s strength and longevity.
Eco-Friendly Solution
Reviving original timber floors reduces the need for new materials, minimising waste and ensuring sustainability.
Surface Wear & Sanding Damage: Older floors often show signs of excessive sanding, leading to thin surface layers that weaken the structure. We restore floors without further compromising the timber’s integrity.
Loose Boards & Gaps: Over time, boards may loosen or shift, creating gaps. Our team secures and re-aligns floorboards to reinforce the original structure.
Water & Moisture Damage: Sydney’s high humidity and historical water exposure can cause warping and rot. We stabilise the timber and apply moisture-resistant finishes to prevent further damage.
Bituminous Adhesive Deterioration: Heritage parquetry flooring was traditionally installed using bituminous adhesives, which break down over time. Our restoration process reinforces the bond and stabilises the parquet structure.
Accurate diagnosis is essential in heritage restoration, as surface symptoms often indicate deeper structural concerns. Our assessment process includes moisture mapping, subfloor movement analysis, adhesive failure testing and timber density evaluation to determine the safest restoration method. We also examine historical repair attempts, many of which were completed using incompatible modern materials that accelerate deterioration. By identifying the underlying causes — whether environmental, mechanical or age-related — we develop a restoration strategy that protects the remaining timber depth, stabilises movement, and prevents recurring failures. This ensures the floor retains both structural integrity and historical authenticity for decades to come.
Many older Sydney properties have experienced some level of termite activity. Even minor damage can compromise the subfloor and require precision restoration to maintain stability.
Homes built before the 1950s often have shifting foundations or settlement movement, leading to uneven or sloped floors. We use period-sensitive levelling and reinforcement methods that protect the original structure.
Unfortunately, many heritage floors have suffered inappropriate past repairs using modern materials that are incompatible with historic timbers. We reverse incorrect repairs and reinstate proper restoration techniques.
Precision Floor Sanding for Heritage Floors
Our technicians assess the floor’s remaining timber depth, ensuring sanding does not reach tongue level or weaken structural boards. This is one of the most critical skills in heritage restoration — improper sanding may permanently shorten the floor’s lifespan.
Period-Accurate Polishing & Finishing
We also identify the original finish where possible, matching sheen levels and undertones that align with the building’s construction era. Whether your home originally had shellac, tung oil, beeswax or early polyurethane, our team recreates the appropriate finish using modern, durable equivalents.
Structural Repairs & Timber Replacement
Parquetry & Decorative Inlay Restoration
We work with artisans and reclaimed timber suppliers across NSW to source rare or discontinued species, including:
This ensures any replacement boards blend organically with the existing floor.
Parquetry Floor Installation
Parquetry Floor Sanding & Restoration
Parquetry Floor Polishing & Sealing
Parquetry Floor Repairs & Maintenance
Parquetry restoration is one of the most delicate aspects of heritage work. Patterns like herringbone, chevron, block, basket weave and decorative borders require precise alignment, sanding and colour blending to ensure the repaired areas remain invisible. Our team uses advanced moisture balancing techniques to prevent lifting, cupping or movement after restoration.
During the inspection, we also assess subfloor ventilation, rising moisture levels, old fixings, and existing coating thickness — all of which influence the safest restoration method. This level of detail ensures we preserve as much original material as possible.
Federation & Victorian-Era Homes
Restoring traditional wide-plank hardwood, herringbone parquetry and decorative borders.
Historic Churches & Cathedrals
Preserving century-old timber floors while ensuring durability for continued use.
Government & Heritage-Listed Buildings
Expert restoration for historic landmarks, museums and cultural centres.
✔ Hammondville Anglican Church
✔ Royal National Park
✔ Sydney Opera House
We have also worked across numerous privately owned heritage-listed homes throughout the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and North Shore, where restoration must comply with strict heritage guidelines. Our detailed documentation and photographic process helps property owners meet council or conservation reporting requirements.
Choosing the Right Finish for Heritage Floors
Selecting the right finish for heritage floors is critical to preserve their character, durability and historical integrity. From traditional oil-based finishes to modern waterborne coatings, the right choice enhances both aesthetics and protection.
Here’s what to consider when choosing a finish that respects the craftsmanship of the past while ensuring long-term resilience.
✔ Natural Oils & Wax Finishes – Historically accurate and breathable.
✔ Satin & Matte Sealers – Enhances grain without excessive sheen.
✔ Low-VOC & Eco-Friendly Coatings – Modern protection with minimal impact.
When restoring heritage floors, the finish is more than an aesthetic choice — it determines breathability, moisture balance, sheen consistency and historical accuracy. In some cases, we may recommend heritage-grade oils instead of polyurethane to preserve authenticity, especially in 19th-century homes.
Daily & Weekly Care
Preventing Wear & Damage
Long-Term Preservation
We also recommend scheduling periodic inspections every 3–5 years for heritage-listed buildings. This allows early detection of structural concerns, moisture issues or surface wear before they become major repairs.
For properties with heavy foot traffic — such as historic churches, government buildings or museums — we may apply an additional protective coat or recommend a maintenance plan tailored to expected usage.
Heritage timber floors deserve expert care to ensure their longevity while preserving their original craftsmanship. Whether you need sanding, polishing, repairs, or parquetry restoration, our specialists provide the knowledge and skill required for historically accurate floor restoration.
We use gentle sanding techniques, traditional finishes and precision repairs to maintain the floor’s integrity while strengthening its structure.
Older floors must be sanded with extreme care to avoid removing too much material. We use fine-grit sanding and dust-free technology to prevent over-sanding.
Yes! We use custom staining, waxes and oil finishes to match the floor’s original colour and texture.
We source matching timber species to replace damaged sections while ensuring the restored floor blends seamlessly with the original.
Most projects take a few days to a week, depending on the level of damage and the restoration process required.
Yes — we frequently collaborate with architects, conservators and council heritage officers to ensure all restoration works meet compliance, preservation guidelines and material specifications.
Absolutely. Restored heritage floors significantly improve both aesthetic appeal and valuation, especially for buyers seeking authentic period features. Fully preserved timber floors often become the standout feature of the home.
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