Tassie Oak Timber Floor Transformation - Balwyn North

Bringing warmth and depth with rich oak-inspired tones

Our latest project in Balwyn North involved a complete transformation of a Tassie oak timber floor. The client was undergoing a kitchen renovation and wanted their interiors to feel more modern, with a preference for darker, brown oak-inspired tones. Their original Tassie oak had aged into a very orange and amber colour, which didn’t reflect the look they wanted for their new space.

Understanding the Client’s Vision

The client wanted a more sophisticated, brown-toned floor that complemented their new kitchen and gave the home a refreshed sense of character. To help them decide, we prepared samples across the spectrum of brown, finished in a lime wash and sealed with water-based polyurethane.

This process allowed the client to visualise different tones before committing to the final choice.

The Restoration Process

The original Tassie oak floors

The floors were heavily marked by wear, with orange and amber tones dominating the colour. In addition, some areas showed visible damage.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Worn Tassie oak flooring in Balwyn North with orange and amber colouring before restoration.

Colour sampling

We created four test samples using lime wash and finished with water-based polyurethane. These showed the client a range of brown hues, helping them select a shade that perfectly aligned with their preference for deeper, oak-like tones.

Timber floor colour samples in Balwyn North showing four brown-toned finishes

Timber floor colour samples in Balwyn North showing four brown-toned finishes

Sanding the timber

After confirming the chosen finish, we sanded the entire floor. This removed scratches and surface damage, leaving a smooth base. The raw sanded Tassie oak was still naturally quite orange and yellow, but free of imperfections.

Tassie oak floors in Balwyn North after sanding, showing a smoother surface with natural undertones

Tassie oak floors in Balwyn North after sanding, showing a smoother surface with natural undertones

Tassie oak floors in Balwyn North after sanding, showing a smoother surface with natural undertones

Applying lime wash and water-based polyurethane

Once prepared, we applied the lime wash to neutralise the underlying orange. The final step was a water-based polyurethane finish, which enhanced the chosen brown tone while protecting the timber with a long-lasting, low-VOC coating.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

Restored Tassie oak timber floors in Balwyn North finished in darker oak brown tones.

The Final Result

The results were outstanding. The orange, dated floor was transformed into a rich, oak-inspired brown that perfectly matched the client’s interior vision. The new kitchen design and the darker timber finish worked hand-in-hand to create a modern, elegant space.

The client was thrilled with the result, and we believe this brown oak colour palette will become increasingly popular in the future for homeowners who want a warmer, more contemporary aesthetic.

How the interior could look like, using our Ai-Furnishing tool

How the interior could look like, using our Ai-Furnishing tool

How the interior could look like, using our Ai-Furnishing tool

Disclaimer

While we can achieve near-perfect tonal transformations, each timber species has its own grain and natural undertones. Tassie oak, for example, will always show its unique characteristics, even when adjusted to reflect darker oak tones.