📖 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔍 Got questions? Find answers here!
What We Do – Install, Repair, Sand, Coat and Polish
We Sand, Coat & Polish Floors – Canberra’s Premier Service
We are Canberra’s leading floor sanding, coating, and polishing specialists with decades of experience. Whether you’re restoring old floors or finishing a new installation, we deliver premium quality and long-lasting results.
✅ State-of-the-art sanding equipment – minimal dust & smooth finishes
✅ Professional-grade coatings – matte, satin, gloss & ultra-durable options
✅ Custom colour staining solutions
✅ Eco-friendly & low-VOC coatings – safer for families and pets
✅ Fast-drying technology – less downtime
✅ Non-toxic and child-friendly finishes
✅ Long-term protection – scratch, stain & moisture resistance
📌 If we can help, we’ll let you know the best solution for your floor.
🪵 What Is the Best Coating for My Floor?
Choosing the right coating depends on how you live in your home, the level of traffic, and the look you want to achieve. All coatings have strengths and limitations, and every timber floor will naturally wear over time. Our role is to recommend the product that gives you the best balance of durability, safety, and aesthetic appeal. Download the Quick Reference Guide
Our Most Recommended Option: 2-Pack Water-Based Polyurethane
For the majority of homes—especially those with children, pets, or high foot traffic—we recommend a premium 2-pack water-based polyurethane. It offers:
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Strong durability suitable for everyday family life
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Low toxicity and low odour, making it safer during application and curing
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A natural, modern finish that keeps timber looking clean and fresh
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Faster drying and quicker re-entry to the home
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Less yellowing over time compared to solvent-based options
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Easier maintenance and smoother future re-coating
This finish is ideal for busy families who want longevity without harsh fumes or long disruptions.
Solvent-Based Polyurethane (Oil-Based / Moisture Cure)
Best for: Extreme durability or commercial-style hardness.
While solvent-based polyurethane is exceptionally tough, it comes with important considerations:
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High VOCs, strong fumes, and longer airing-out time
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The home often must be vacated during coating and early curing
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Tends to amber/yellow over time
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Scratches can be more visible on gloss finishes
We generally only recommend this option when maximum hardness is required and the home can be vacated during the process.
Hard Wax Oils
Best for: Clients who want a natural, hand-rubbed, organic look and are comfortable with more maintenance. CHFloors does not use these coatings.
In Summary
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Most homes: 2-pack water-based polyurethane
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Commercial or ultra-heavy use: Solvent-based polyurethane
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Natural look & easy spot repairs: Hard wax oils
✔️ Pros & Cons of Each Floor Coating Type
Choosing the right coating depends on durability needs, appearance, maintenance expectations, and whether children or pets live in the home. Below is an easy-to-read breakdown of the advantages and limitations of the three main coating systems.
✨ 2-Pack Water-Based Polyurethane (Recommended for Most Homes)
Pros
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Low odour and low toxicity – far safer for families, children, and pets
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Excellent durability for busy households
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Maintains a natural timber colour with minimal yellowing
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Available in matte, satin, and gloss finishes
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Faster drying and quicker return to normal use
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Easier to refresh or re-coat in the future
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Better indoor air quality compared with solvent-based systems
Cons
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Slightly less hard-wearing than the toughest solvent-based polyurethanes
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Higher product cost than single-pack or oil-based finishes
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May show wear sooner in extremely high-traffic commercial spaces
🔥 Solvent-Based Polyurethane (Oil-Based / Moisture Cure)
Pros
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Extremely durable and highly resistant to abrasion
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Long-lasting, tough finish suitable for high-impact environments
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Creates a rich, warm tone that enhances the timber’s depth
Cons
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High VOCs and strong fumes – not suitable for children, pets, or anyone with sensitivities during application
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The home often must be vacated during the coating period
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Tends to yellow over time, especially in sunlight
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Gloss finishes can highlight scratches and imperfections
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Longer cure time and more challenging future re-coating
🌿 Hard Wax Oils (Not a good option.)
Pros
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Beautiful, natural look with a soft timber feel
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Easy spot-repairs without sanding the entire floor
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Breathable coating suitable for certain heritage or rustic styles
Cons
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Requires regular maintenance and periodic re-application
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Less durable against claws, toys, and regular foot traffic
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More susceptible to staining and marking
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Not ideal for busy family homes unless maintained very diligently
🏡 Summary – Best Options by Household Type
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Families with children & pets:
✔️ 2-pack water-based polyurethane -
Commercial or extremely heavy-use areas:
✔️ Solvent-based polyurethane -
Rustic, natural, or heritage-look homes:
✔️ Hard wax oils (with acceptance of maintenance needs)
📌 We’ll assess your home and recommend the coating that provides the best long-term value and performance.
🐶What’s the Best Floor Coating for Homes with Children & Pets?
Homes with kids and dogs need a coating that balances safety, durability, and appearance.
All timber floor coatings will wear over time—especially with toys, sand, running children, and dog claws—however, some coatings perform better in busy family environments.
⭐ Our Recommendation: 2-Pack Water-Based Polyurethane
This is the coating we recommend for most family homes because it offers:
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Lower toxicity and odour – safer for children, pets, and anyone with sensitivities
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Fast re-entry times – reduced disruption for family routines
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A natural, modern look that resists yellowing
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High durability, especially when paired with a matte or satin finish
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Easier future maintenance with less sanding required
Why not solvent-based polyurethane?
Solvent-based polyurethane is extremely tough, but:
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It has strong fumes and high VOC levels. Chemical smell that takes a long time to dissipate
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Less environmentally compatible
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The home often needs to be vacated during coating and early curing. Longer drying times
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It looks yellow/orange over time
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Scratches may be more visible, especially in gloss finishes
For these reasons, we typically avoid using solvent-based coatings in busy family households unless specifically requested.
📌 We’re happy to talk you through each option based on your lifestyle.
What’s Involved in Floor Sanding, Coating & Polishing?
1️⃣ Floor Preparation
✔ Removal of old coatings and imperfections
✔ Minor repairs to scratches, dents, and gaps
✔ Thorough cleaning to ensure smooth application
2️⃣ Sanding Process
✔ Multi-stage sanding with professional machinery
✔ Fine sanding for a flawless finish
✔ Minimal dust thanks to advanced extraction systems
3️⃣ Coating & Finishing
✔ Water-based, oil-based, or solvent-based options
✔ Protective top coats for durability
✔ Final buffing and polishing
What Type of Floor Finishes Can You Choose?
✔ Matt Finish: Modern and forgiving with everyday wear
✔ Satin Finish: Classic and balanced
✔ Gloss Finish: High shine for statement floors
✔ Hard Wax Oils: Enhances natural grain
✔ Water-Based Coatings: Fast-drying, eco-friendly, durable
✔ Polyurethane Finishes: Extra tough, long-lasting
📌 Unsure which finish is best? We’ll guide you.
When Can I Walk on My Newly Coated Floors?
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Next day: Socks only
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After 3–5 days: Move furniture back carefully
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Full cure in 7 days: Avoid rugs and heavy items
📌 We provide tailored aftercare advice.
Timber Floor Installations
We install:
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Parquetry flooring
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Solid timber flooring
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Engineered timber flooring
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Floating timber flooring
📌 We only source high-quality materials and pass on our trade discounts.
Timber Floor Repairs
We repair scratches, dents, water damage and more.
A minimum call-out fee applies to cover labour and materials.
Quotes and advice are free.
📌 Sanding, coating and polishing remain our core specialty.
Do You Have a Showroom?
We no longer maintain a showroom to keep client costs lower.
We recommend trusted suppliers and handle ordering, delivery, and installation.
📌 Best selection, best value.
Do You Charge for Quotes?
No – all quotes within Canberra and surrounding areas are free.
📌 Honest and transparent pricing.
Do You Travel Outside Canberra?
We occasionally service regional areas.
Travel and accommodation costs may apply.
📌 Contact us to discuss your location.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
We were founded in 1978 and have completed more than 1,800 floors.
Most of our work comes from repeat clients, referrals, and local builders.
📌 Experience you can trust.
How Far in Advance Should I Book?
We recommend booking 2–3 weeks ahead.
Urgent jobs may be accommodated depending on scheduling.
What Payment Options Do You Accept?
We accept bank transfer, credit card, and cash.
Full details are provided in your invoice.