Understanding Timber Flooring: Colour Changes and Stains

Timber flooring is known for its natural beauty and durability, but it’s also subject to various changes and challenges over time. From colour shifts to stains and the complexities of restoration, there’s a lot to consider for homeowners and professionals alike. In this blog, we’ll delve into the nuances of timber floor colouration, common staining issues, and the intricacies involved in restoring and maintaining these beautiful surfaces.

The Dynamics of Timber Colour Changes

Timber is a living material that undergoes noticeable changes when exposed to different conditions. One of the most striking observations is how quickly the colour of freshly cut wood can change when left in the sun. If you cover half of a freshly cut piece of timber and expose the other half to sunlight, you’ll see a distinct difference in colour tone within just a day. This phenomenon is due to the wood’s reaction to UV rays and environmental factors.

Coatings and Their Impact on Timber Colour

Solvent-Based Coatings and Oils: These tend to darken timber over time. When applied to lighter timbers, they often impart a warm, golden hue. This deepening effect can be desirable for creating a rich, aged look, but it’s essential to consider how it will evolve over the years.
Water-Based Coatings: Typically, water-based finishes do not cause significant darkening. Instead, they help preserve the timber’s original colour and can even lighten it, especially in areas exposed to intense sunlight.

The Role of Sealers

The sealer applied before the coating can also influence the final colour tone. Choosing the right sealer in conjunction with the coating helps maintain the desired appearance of the floor over time

Challenges in Matching Timber Floors

One common issue arises in situations where only part of a floor is sanded and coated, such as in insurance claims or renovation projects. If an architectural break divides the areas, the newly treated room can appear vastly different in colour from the untreated space. Homeowners often don’t realize the extent of these colour differences until after the work is completed.

Options for Addressing Colour Variations

If you face significant colour discrepancies, consider having the untouched room sanded and coated to match the newly finished area. While this may involve additional costs, it ensures a uniform appearance throughout the space.

Common Stains and Their Solutions

Timber floors are prone to various types of staining, which can become more apparent after sanding and recoating. Here are some common issues:

1. Historical Stains: Older homes may have hidden stains from past leaks, pet urine, or other sources that become visible only after sanding. These stains can be particularly challenging to address if they were not previously noticeable.
2. Carpet Underlay Marks: When a carpet is removed, the underlay may leave marks on the timber floor. These can often be remedied through sanding and refinishing.
3. Pet Urine Stains: Urine can penetrate water-based coatings, degrading the finish and causing dark stains due to chemical reactions with the timber’s tannins. While oxalic acid can sometimes remove these stains, it may also lead to bleaching, so it’s crucial to use such products with caution.
4. Iron Tannate Stains: Older floors, especially those exposed to weather conditions or floods, may show iron tannate stains. These occur when iron nails react with the timber’s tannins, creating dark, stubborn stains. These can be challenging to remove and may require specialized treatments.

Restoring and Maintaining Timber Floors

Restoring timber floors involves more than just sanding and coating. It requires careful consideration of how the timber’s colour and condition will evolve. To achieve the best results:

• • Consider Long-Term Effects: Think about how the coating will affect the timber’s colour over time and choose products accordingly.
• • Address Stains Early: Identify and treat any stains before proceeding with sanding and coating.
• • Regular Maintenance: Keep up with regular maintenance to prevent future issues and preserve the floor’s appearance.

In conclusion, while timber floors add timeless elegance to any space, they come with their own set of challenges. Understanding how timber changes with exposure, choosing the right coatings, and effectively managing stains can help ensure that your timber flooring remains beautiful and durable for years to come. For more information on how to restore your hardwood floors to their former glory, contact the expert team at Brisbanes Finest Floors on 0411 220 488 today.

References

1. Australian Timber Flooring Association ‘Effects of Heating Systems on Timber Floors’, Australian Timber Flooring Association blog, accessed 21 August 2024