Floor Sanding for Auckland's Heritage Homes
Auckland's heritage homes—the grand Villas of Ponsonby, the solid Bungalows of Mt Eden, and the Art Deco flats of Mission Bay—share one common treasure: native timber flooring.
Restoring these 100-year-old floors requires a delicate touch and an understanding of historical timber. You aren't just renovating; you are preserving history.
The "Big Three" Heritage Timbers
1. Kauri (The Gold Standard)
Found in early colonial villas (1880s-1910s).
- Characteristics: Pale amber/gold, incredible shimmer, often very wide boards.
- Restoration: Kauri is soft. It needs gentle sanding. We usually recommend a Satin finish to enhance its natural glow without making it look plastic.
2. Matai
Common in high-traffic areas and later villas.
- Characteristics: Deep honey/red color, very hard, resistant to dents.
- Restoration: As it ages, it turns dark red/black. Sanding reveals a bright yellow gold. It's stunning but requires experienced sanders to avoid "burning" the wood.
3. Rimu
The backbone of NZ housing (1920s-1960s).
- Characteristics: Rich, varied grain with colors ranging from deep brown to light sapwood.
- Restoration: Very forgiving and takes stain well. It's the perfect timber for a family home.
Common Heritage Challenges
Old houses come with old house problems:
- Borer: Small flight holes from insects. We treat active borer, but inactive holes are often left as "character."
- Gaps: Seasonal movement over a century creates gaps. We fill small ones, but leave larger ones to prevent cracking in summer.
- Lead Paint: The edges of rooms are often coated in "Black Japan" or lead-based paint. We use specialized HEPA extraction to safely remove this toxic dust.
Preservation vs. Perfection
When restoring a heritage floor, the goal isn't to make it look brand new (plastic). It's to make it look beautifully aged.
We preserve the patina, the nail marks, and the history, while creating a smooth, protected, and clean surface for modern living.
Own a Villa or Bungalow?
We specialize in heritage restoration. Let's discuss how to bring your native timber back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are old borer holes a problem?
Usually, no. In most heritage homes, the borer is long gone. The holes are purely cosmetic and add character. We typically fill large clusters for stability but leave scattered holes to maintain the 'antique' look.
Can you match new boards to old ones?
Yes. We source recycled native timber (Rimu, Matai, Kauri) from demolition yards to replace damaged boards. This ensures the grain and age match perfectly with your original floor.
What if there is no subfloor insulation?
If you have access underneath the house, we highly recommend installing underfloor insulation (and a vapor barrier) before or after sanding. It stops moisture rising into the timber and keeps the home warmer.