Rimu Renovation with Bona HD - Mont Albert

From Orange Tones to a Modern Finish

This Mont Albert timber flooring project involved an older property undergoing major kitchen and bathroom renovations. The client wanted their floors to blend better with the new modernised interior. The existing timber was Rimu, a pine species known for its strong orange and amber tones. While full of character, the colouring felt outdated against the fresh new design.

The solution was straightforward but effective—sanding and polishing the Rimu floors, then applying Bona HD water-based polyurethane to give them a lighter, more natural look.

Before Sanding – Strong Orange and Amber Tones

The original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert was showing signs of wear, with a dated orange and amber hue dominating the space. Years of use had dulled the surface, but the bold colouring was still very noticeable and clashed with the client’s new renovation style.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

Original Rimu timber flooring in Mont Albert showing strong orange and amber tones.

During Sanding – Exposing the Raw Timber

We used a professional timber floor sanding process, including cross sanding, to remove the old finish and reveal the lighter raw Rimu beneath. This stage highlighted just how much potential the flooring had once freed from its heavy orange tone.

Cross sanding Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert, exposing lighter raw timber beneath.

Cross sanding Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert, exposing lighter raw timber beneath.

Cross sanding Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert, exposing lighter raw timber beneath.

Cross sanding Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert, exposing lighter raw timber beneath.

In-Between – Applying Bona HD Water-Based Polyurethane

With the surface prepared, we applied Bona HD water-based polyurethane using rollers. This product is ideal for Mont Albert homes because it protects the timber while enhancing its natural beauty, leaving behind a more neutral tone that feels modern and fresh.

Applying Bona HD water-based polyurethane to sanded Rimu floors in Mont Albert.

Applying Bona HD water-based polyurethane to sanded Rimu floors in Mont Albert.

Applying Bona HD water-based polyurethane to sanded Rimu floors in Mont Albert.

Final Result – A Softer, More Contemporary Floor

The finished Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert now look lighter, cleaner, and far more in line with the property’s updated kitchen and bathroom. The water-based polyurethane not only protects the surface but also softens the amber tones, giving the Rimu a refined and contemporary finish.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Completed Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane.

Key Points

• Old Rimu timber floors in Mont Albert restored through sanding and polishing.

• Cross sanding exposed the natural, lighter tones beneath the amber surface.

• Finished with Bona HD water-based polyurethane for durability and a natural look.

• Result: a modern timber floor that complements fresh renovations.

Potential interior design after all the work has been completed - interior furnished with our Ai interior furnishing tool.

Potential interior design after all the work has been completed - interior furnished with our Ai int

Potential interior design after all the work has been completed - interior furnished with our Ai int

Disclaimer on Pine Timber Flooring

Rimu is a pine species, which means it naturally carries orange and amber tones that may vary across the boards. While sanding and finishing with Bona HD water-based polyurethane can significantly reduce these tones, it cannot completely remove them. Pine timbers like Rimu are also softer than hardwood species, making them more prone to dents and surface wear over time. Ongoing maintenance and care are recommended to preserve the appearance of your floors.