Jarrah Floor Lightening and Lime Wash - Bentleigh East

Preparing the floors before a new kitchen installation

This Bentleigh East project involved a full restoration and colour transformation of Jarrah timber floors. The clients were in the process of updating their kitchen and wanted to have the floors restored before the new cabinetry and bench installation - an ideal timing that made the sanding process smoother and more precise.

Working before the new kitchen arrived allowed us to bring in our larger sanding machines and ensure the entire space was perfectly level - something that benefits both the flooring finish and the cabinet joinery team later on.

Starting with Deep Red Jarrah

The original Jarrah was rich in red tones - a deep, warm hue that can be beautiful but sometimes difficult to match with modern interiors. The clients wanted a lighter, more neutral finish that would complement their timber-based furniture without overwhelming the space.

They also wanted the staircase to blend more naturally with the main floor. This meant developing a consistent tone across all levels of the home while maintaining Jarrah’s natural grain and depth.

Sampling and Colour Choice

As with all our projects, we created on-site samples to show realistic results directly on the client’s own floors. Jarrah can vary greatly from one home to another, so it’s important that samples are done in place rather than on different timber boards.

The clients reviewed a few variations the darker tones were too heavy for their taste, so they chose a neutral, balanced tone that softened the red without turning the timber grey or pale.

*What the timber looks like just after sanding.

Bleaching, Lime Wash, and Rubio Oil Finish

Once the colour tone was confirmed, we bleached the entire floor to lift the deep reds and even out the tone. After bleaching, we applied a lime wash to neutralise the warmth and create a more contemporary base.

The final finish was completed using Rubio Monocoat Oil, providing a natural matte sheen that highlighted the grain without glare. The end result was a soft, medium-light Jarrah tone - natural, elegant, and perfectly balanced with the clients’ furniture style.

Final Result

The transformation brought the Jarrah floors from dark ruby red to a lighter, more timeless look. The new tone will also work beautifully with the upcoming kitchen installation - blending seamlessly with timber furniture and other natural finishes throughout the home.

The clients were thrilled with the new look, especially how the staircase and main floor now flow together in both colour and sheen.

Imagined interior with the assistance of Interior AI Tool

Disclaimer

Bleaching results can vary depending on the density and tannin level of Jarrah timber. Because every batch of timber reacts differently, on-site sampling is essential to ensure the final colour matches the client’s expectations. Our lime wash and Rubio Oil system helps achieve a stable, natural tone that retains Jarrah’s character while reducing its redness.

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