In a distinctive Melbourne property that marries old and new, the flooring told a story of two eras. The original sections of the home featured Baltic pine, while the new extension and central staircase were constructed with blue gum floors. The client’s vision was to create a seamless transition between the aged and modern timber, achieving a light, cohesive finish throughout.
The Initial Condition
The contrast between the old Baltic pine and the freshly laid blue gum floors was striking. Baltic pine, naturally lighter and softer, had aged with a warm patina, while the new gum timbers carried bold red and orange undertones. The challenge was to create visual harmony between the two distinct types of wood without compromising their inherent characteristics.
Approach to Sanding and Bleaching
We began by carefully sanding all timber surfaces, ensuring that the aged Baltic pine was delicately handled to preserve its integrity. For the blue gum, the sanding process was more aggressive to remove the deeper, richer tones that naturally occur in these hardwoods.
Once the sanding process was complete, the blue gum were bleached to neutralize the red hues. This lightened the timber significantly, allowing for a fresh, modern base that better aligned with the aesthetic goals of the project.
Post- Bleaching, still contains a lot of dark grained areas.
Lime Washing for Consistency
Recognizing that Baltic pine and gum timbers would never fully match, we applied a light lime wash to both surfaces. This subtle finish introduced a consistent, pale tone across the floors and staircase, visually tying the different sections of the home together.
The lime wash softened the variance between the two timbers, allowing them to complement one another while preserving their unique grain and texture.
The Role of Rubio Monocoat White Oil
To enhance and protect the bleached blue gum flooring, we finished the floors with Rubio Monocoat White Oil. This high-quality penetrating oil offers several benefits:
Durability: Rubio Monocoat provides excellent wear resistance, crucial for high-traffic areas like staircases and living spaces.
Natural Look: Unlike surface finishes, Rubio oil enhances the natural grain of the timber without creating a plastic-like layer.
Single Coat Application: The unique molecular bonding technology of Rubio Monocoat allows for effective coverage in just one coat, reducing the need for extensive reapplication.
Eco-Friendly: Rubio Monocoat is VOC-free, making it a safe and environmentally conscious choice for home renovations.
The Final Outcome
The result was a beautifully cohesive interior where the character of the Baltic pine and the strength of the blue gum complemented one another perfectly. The soft, light finish brightened the entire home, aligning with the client’s vision of a modern yet timeless space.
By carefully selecting finishes and tailoring our approach to each type of timber, we successfully bridged the gap between old and new. The client was thrilled with the outcome, noting how the Rubio White Oil brought warmth and subtlety to the gum timbers, while the lime wash allowed the Baltic pine to shine in its own unique way.
Why Blending Timbers Matters
Blending multiple timber species within a single property adds depth and richness to the design, but achieving visual consistency is essential.
Techniques such as lime washing and the use of Rubio Monocoat create harmony while respecting the differences between timbers, offering a sophisticated and elegant solution for mixed flooring projects.