How to Maintain and Care for Engineered Timber Floors

Beautiful Floors Deserve Lasting Car

Engineered timber floors bring warmth, sophistication, and timeless style to any home. They’re built to last — but like all natural materials, they need a little care and attention to stay beautiful.

Whether you’ve just had your floors installed or you’ve been enjoying them for years, knowing how to maintain and protect them will keep your investment looking stunning for decades.

At AJ Flooring, we’ve been helping Sydney homeowners care for their timber floors for over 40 years. In this guide, we’ll share our best expert tips for cleaning, protecting, and preserving your engineered timber floors, so they stay as beautiful as the day they were installed.

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Understanding Engineered Timber Floors

Before we talk about maintenance, it helps to understand what makes engineered timber different from solid wood.

Engineered floors feature a top layer of real hardwood — such as Oak, Spotted Gum, or Blackbutt — bonded to multiple layers of stable plywood beneath. This structure prevents expansion and contraction caused by humidity or temperature changes.

While more durable than traditional hardwood, engineered floors still need proper care. They have a protective surface coating that shields against scratches and stains — but that coating must be maintained to protect the timber underneath.

Engineered timber is real wood, and real wood responds to the environment. The right maintenance keeps it strong, resilient, and naturally beautiful.

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Honoured For Excellence: 2023 Runner Up for Our Timber Deck

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Trades Champions 2024 Finalist

Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2025 Finalist

The Top Reasons Sydney Homeowners Choose Timber Floorboards

The Golden Rules of Everyday Care

The secret to maintaining engineered flooring is consistency. Small, simple habits make the biggest difference over time.

1. Keep It Clean (Without Overdoing It)

Dirt and grit act like sandpaper on your timber’s finish. Sweep or vacuum regularly using a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum head designed for hardwood floors.

Avoid using brushes with stiff bristles or beater bars — they can leave fine scratches on the surface.

2. Mop Smartly

Less is more when it comes to water. A damp (not wet) microfibre mop is perfect for lifting dust and footprints. Always wring the mop out thoroughly.

Use pH-neutral cleaners formulated for timber flooring. Harsh detergents or bleach can strip protective coatings and dull the finish.

3. Wipe Spills Immediately

Liquids are timber’s enemy. Wipe up any water, wine, or pet accidents straight away to prevent swelling or staining around the joints.

4. Use Mats and Rugs Wisely

Place quality door mats at entry points to catch dirt and grit before it reaches your floors. Use rugs in high-traffic areas for extra protection — just ensure they have non-slip pads that won’t mark or trap moisture underneath.

A few minutes of light cleaning each week can prevent years of damage.

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Protecting Your Floors from Everyday Damage

1. Furniture Pads Are Your Best Friend

Attach felt pads to the legs of chairs, tables, and heavy furniture to prevent scratches. Replace them every few months — worn pads collect grit and can do more harm than good.

When moving large items, lift rather than drag them. Even a single scrape can leave a mark that’s hard to remove without refinishing.

2. Control Humidity and Temperature

Timber is a living material. Changes in humidity cause slight expansion and contraction. To keep floors stable, maintain indoor humidity between 30–50% if possible.

Use blinds or curtains to protect floors from direct sunlight, which can cause fading over time.

3. Pet & Footwear Tips

Keep pets’ nails trimmed and avoid walking on timber floors in high heels or cleated shoes. Small, sharp points can dent or scuff even the toughest coatings.

Sydney’s changing weather can challenge any timber floor. Controlling indoor humidity and using proper finishes helps your engineered flooring last for generations.

Deep Cleaning and Seasonal Maintenance

Even the best cleaning routine benefits from occasional deep care.

Every few months, use a specialised timber floor cleaner approved by your flooring manufacturer. These products refresh the surface and remove built-up residue from standard cleaning.

For homes with heavy foot traffic or pets, consider professional maintenance every few years. Recoating helps restore shine and reinforces the protective layer that guards your timber veneer.

Avoid sanding engineered timber yourself — the surface hardwood layer is thinner than solid timber, and improper sanding can cause permanent damage.

AJ Flooring provides professional recoating, polishing, and restoration services to keep engineered floors looking their best. A little expert care every few years can add decades to your floor’s lifespan.

Long-Term Maintenance Tips

1. Rotate Rugs and Furniture

Sunlight can fade or darken timber unevenly. Occasionally, rotate rugs and furniture to ensure even exposure.

2. Avoid Steam Mops and Harsh Chemicals

Steam cleaning may seem convenient, but it introduces moisture and heat — both of which can harm the adhesive layers and coatings of engineered floors. Stick to damp mopping only.

3. Schedule Regular Inspections

Each year, take a few minutes to inspect your floors for lifted edges, worn finishes, or loose boards. Small repairs are far easier and cheaper than large restorations.

Think of floor care like car servicing — routine check-ups keep everything running smoothly and prevent costly surprises.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using all-purpose cleaners: These can dull the surface and strip the coating.
Over-mopping: Excess water seeps between boards and causes swelling.
Dragging furniture: Always lift heavy items, never push or pull them.
Rubber-backed rugs: They can trap moisture and leave marks.
Ignoring small scratches: Early professional touch-ups prevent deeper damage later.

Most floor damage we repair at AJ Flooring starts with small oversights. Preventing problems early is the easiest way to save money and maintain your floor’s beauty.

When to Call in the Professionals

Even well-maintained floors need expert attention from time to time.

If your engineered timber looks dull, scratched, or uneven — or if you notice peeling finishes — it may be time for professional maintenance.

AJ Flooring can help with:

Recoating and refinishing to restore shine and protection.
Sanding (where appropriate) using specialised equipment.
Replacing damaged planks or addressing moisture-related issues.

Our team uses Australian-made finishes that are safe, sustainable, and designed for Sydney’s conditions.

From installation to aftercare, AJ Flooring provides complete lifecycle support for your timber floors — ensuring they stay strong, beautiful, and easy to love.

The AJ Flooring Difference: Care That Lasts a Lifetime

For over four decades, AJ Flooring has been Sydney’s trusted name in timber flooring — from installation to restoration. We understand how timber behaves in Australia’s unique climate, and our team is committed to helping homeowners protect their investment long after the job is done.

As a family-owned and AFTA-accredited business, we pride ourselves on delivering honest advice, expert workmanship, and sustainable solutions that stand the test of time.

Great flooring service doesn’t end at installation — it’s about helping you maintain your floor for the life of your home.

Avoid Costly Flooring Mistakes:

Learn how to spot red flags, ask the right questions, and ensure flawless results.

Preserve the Beauty of Your Engineered Floors

With just a little care and the right advice, your engineered timber floors can last for decades while maintaining their warmth and character.

Whether you need help restoring shine, recoating high-traffic areas, or simply want a professional inspection, AJ Flooring is here to help.

📞 Call: 0408 659 109
🏠 Visit: 10 Riley Ave, West Pennant Hills NSW
💬 Book a Flooring Maintenance Consultation »

Protect your investment. Preserve your style. Trust the experts who’ve been caring for Sydney’s timber floors for over 40 years.