A solid beech floor is made to last. Here is how it goes in, how it gets its finish, and how to look after it day to day. For anything about the finish itself, follow the instructions from the maker of the oil or coating you choose.

1. Install, then sand, then coat

Our flooring is supplied uncoated. We supply the boards; an installer experienced with solid timber flooring checks the site, lays the floor using standard solid timber flooring practices, then sands it and applies your chosen finish. Ask them to quote laying, sanding and finishing together.

• When your boards arrive: store them flat, dry and off the ground. Your installer should specify unpacking and acclimatisation for your building and installation method. Before cutting or laying, check quantity, width, profile and grade against your order. Set aside any boards you're unsure about and send us photos before using them.
• Before laying: the building must be closed in and wet work dry. Your installer should check the boards and the subfloor, and agree the substrate and fixing system with you.
• Concrete slabs: agree substrate preparation, moisture control and adhesive before laying. BRANZ has good guidance on solid timber flooring on a concrete slab.
• Older homes: have your installer check the subfloor, ventilation and dampness first.
• Underfloor heating: needs a project-specific check with your heating installer. Give them the board size, substrate, fixing method and finish.
• Kitchens and bathrooms: we don't sell this as a waterproof floor. For a kitchen, agree the floor build-up, finish and spill care with your installer. We don't recommend it for wet bathrooms.
• Pinholes in Heritage grade: the pinholes come as they are, part of the Heritage character. Your oil or coating seals them as it finishes the floor. If you'd prefer them filled, your installer can do it while sanding. More about pinholes and grades.

Our data sheet has the board details for your installer. Installer questions: email hello@innatefurniture.co.nz with the product, area, substrate, fixing and finish, and any underfloor heating.

2. Choosing a finish

We like natural oils such as Osmo and Natural House Company, but there is a wide range of flooring oils, waxes and other finishes to choose from. Your installer can advise. Whatever you choose, the maker's own instructions are the ones to follow for application, drying time and care.

• Osmo: Osmo New Zealand application and care advice, including how to maintain your floor, and the Osmo interior care guide (PDF).
• Natural House Company: Natural House Company maintenance and rejuvenation range, with directions on each product.

3. Day-to-day care

• Sweep or vacuum regularly.
• Wipe with a damp, not wet, mop. Don't leave water sitting on the floor.
• Wipe up spills promptly, especially in the kitchen.
• Use the cleaner your finish maker recommends.

4. Protect it from dents and scuffs

Like any timber floor, beech can scuff or dent under furniture legs and pet claws. Felt pads under chair and table legs help a lot. Lift furniture rather than dragging it.

5. Seasonal gaps are normal

Solid timber moves a little with the seasons, so fine gaps in dry months are normal.

6. Re-oiling and refreshing

Maintenance depends on the finish: follow the coating maker's care and refresh instructions, and re-oil as they recommend. A solid beech floor can be sanded and refinished, as long as there is enough timber left above the tongue; your flooring professional can assess it.

Ready to choose your boards?

From $139 per m² incl GST. Get a free sample pair · Work out my order

More about our beech flooring

• Beech flooring: prices, stock and order request
• Natural or Heritage? Beech flooring grades
• Red beech vs silver beech
• How much does tongue and groove flooring cost?
• Download the beech flooring data sheet (PDF)

Questions? Email us at hello@innatefurniture.co.nz or call 027 350 2083.