Lime Wash Finish for Tassie Oak Floors - Murrumbeena

Blending Old and New Timber with Design-Focused Flooring Solutions

This project in Murrumbeena involved an older home at the front with a modern extension at the back. The owner, being design-focused, wanted more than just a standard timber floor restoration—she wanted a customised look that tied both sections together.

The front section featured Tassie oak flooring, worn down over time and covered in old carpet. Once the carpet was removed, we found raw timber underneath with remnants of black Japan stain around the edges. Our challenge was to sand everything back, create custom lime wash colour samples, and help the owner decide on the right tone for her space.

Before Sanding – Tassie Oak Hidden Beneath Carpet

The Tassie oak floorboards had been covered for years, with the carpet trapping dust and hiding the true condition of the timber. Along the edges, there were darker areas where black Japan stain had been applied, giving the floor an uneven appearance.

Tassie oak timber flooring uncovered after carpet removal, showing worn boards and black Japan edges

Tassie oak timber flooring uncovered after carpet removal, showing worn boards and black Japan edges

Tassie oak timber flooring uncovered after carpet removal, showing worn boards and black Japan edges

Tassie oak timber flooring uncovered after carpet removal, showing worn boards and black Japan edges

Tassie oak timber flooring uncovered after carpet removal, showing worn boards and black Japan edges

Tassie oak timber flooring uncovered after carpet removal, showing worn boards and black Japan edges

Old Tassie oak timber floors in Murrumbeena with carpet removed and black Japan stain visible before

Old Tassie oak timber floors in Murrumbeena with carpet removed and black Japan stain visible before

Old Tassie oak timber floors in Murrumbeena with carpet removed and black Japan stain visible before

Old Tassie oak timber floors in Murrumbeena with carpet removed and black Japan stain visible before

Old Tassie oak timber floors in Murrumbeena with carpet removed and black Japan stain visible before

Old Tassie oak timber floors in Murrumbeena with carpet removed and black Japan stain visible before

After Sanding and Colour Samples

Once the carpet, adhesives, and black Japan were removed, the Tassie oak was brought back to a clean, natural state through careful timber floor sanding. This gave us a perfect surface to work with for sampling.

Contrary to common belief, lime wash is not limited to just white. There are many subtle lime colour tones available, and we were able to create custom blends to test different looks. Together with the client, we trialed several options until we found the ideal shade—softening the natural timber tones while steering clear of the yellow and amber hues Tassie oak often develops.

Freshly sanded Tassie oak floorboards with custom lime wash samples prepared for colour selection.

Freshly sanded Tassie oak floorboards with custom lime wash samples prepared for colour selection.

Freshly sanded Tassie oak floorboards with custom lime wash samples prepared for colour selection.

The Final Result – Vintage Oak Look with Modern Protection

The chosen lime wash created a heritage oak look, subtle yet stylish, complementing both the old and new sections of the home. To preserve the finish, we sealed the floor with a durable water-based polyurethane, giving it a durable and long-lasting surface with a natural matte aesthetic.

The client was delighted with the outcome, as the floors now reflect her design vision while maintaining the warmth and character of Tassie oak.

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Completed Tassie oak floors in a vintage oak lime wash finish, sealed with Bona HD water-based poly

Key Points

• Old Tassie oak floors were refreshed after years of carpet coverage and black Japan staining.

• Custom lime wash samples allowed the client to choose a tone tailored to her design preferences.

• Lime washes can be created in multiple shades—not just white.

• Finished with a durable 2-part component water-based polyurethane for durability and a natural matte look.

What the interior could look like, imagined with our interior furnishing Ai tool