Bleaching & Lime Washing Carbonised Timber Flooring for a Modern Finish - Toorak

From Dark Orange-Brown to Light, Modern Timber Floors

Not every timber floor needs replacing—sometimes the right refinishing process can completely transform it. This project involved carbonised timber flooring that was structurally in great condition but not to the client’s taste. The original tone was a heavy orange-brown that felt dated against their modern interiors. Our brief was to completely change the look, making the floors lighter and contemporary, while finishing with Rubio Monocoat penetrating oil for a natural and durable surface.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Dark orange-brown carbonised timber flooring before sanding and bleaching.

Sanding Carbonised Timber Flooring

The first step was to sand the entire area. Sanding carbonised timber flooring removes the existing finish and exposes the raw timber beneath. The sanding revealed the natural grain, already stripping away some of the depth of the original dark colour and preparing the surface for the next stage.

Sanding carbonised timber flooring to prepare for bleaching

Sanding carbonised timber flooring to prepare for bleaching

Sanding carbonised timber flooring to prepare for bleaching

Bleaching Carbonised Timber Flooring

Even after sanding, the orange-brown tones of the carbonised timber flooring were still dominant. To tackle this, we applied a bleaching process. Bleaching carbonised timber flooring lightens the base colour and reduces strong undertones, providing a much more neutral starting point. This step was essential in moving from the original dark look toward the client’s desired modern style.

Bleaching carbonised timber flooring to reduce heavy tones

Bleaching carbonised timber flooring to reduce heavy tones

Bleaching carbonised timber flooring to reduce heavy tones

Testing Samples on Carbonised Timber Flooring

Before committing to the final look, we created sample finishes on the carbonised timber flooring. These samples allowed the client to see how different levels of lime wash and Rubio Monocoat would interact with the bleached timber. By testing first, we ensured the chosen finish would deliver exactly the result the client wanted.

Test samples of lime wash and Rubio Monocoat on bleached carbonised timber flooring.

Lime Washing Carbonised Timber Flooring

Once the preferred sample was selected, we applied a lime wash across the floors. Lime washing carbonised timber flooring adds a soft, light tone that neutralises any residual warmth in the wood. This stage was key in creating the modern, airy look that perfectly suited the client’s interior design.

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Final result: light, modern carbonised timber flooring

Contemporary living space featuring carbonised timber flooring transformed with Rubio Monocoat.

Contemporary living space featuring carbonised timber flooring transformed with Rubio Monocoat.

Contemporary living space featuring carbonised timber flooring transformed with Rubio Monocoat.

Finishing Carbonised Timber Flooring with Rubio Monocoat

To complete the project, we applied Rubio Monocoat penetrating oil. Unlike traditional surface finishes, Rubio bonds with the timber fibres to create a protective layer while maintaining a natural look. On carbonised timber flooring, Rubio Monocoat enhances the lime-washed tones, brings out the grain detail, and provides long-term durability.

The Result: Modern Carbonised Timber Flooring

The transformation was striking. What began as a dark, heavy orange-brown floor was reborn into a light, modern, and elegant surface. Through sanding, bleaching, lime washing, and finishing with Rubio Monocoat, the carbonised timber flooring now perfectly matches the client’s vision for a contemporary home.

What it could look like with the help of Ai interior furnishing tool.

Contemporary living space featuring carbonised timber flooring transformed with Rubio Monocoat.

Contemporary living space featuring carbonised timber flooring transformed with Rubio Monocoat.