0
Flooring plays a defining role in the outcome of any home renovation, setting the tone, texture, and flow of each space. Matching old with new takes precision and vision. Choosing the right floorboards for your renovation can transform a tired space into a warm, welcoming, and cohesive environment.
Flooring plays a defining role in the outcome of any home renovation, setting the tone, texture, and flow of each space. Matching old with new takes precision and vision. Choosing the right floorboards for your renovation can transform a tired space into a warm, welcoming, and cohesive environment. At Western Distributors, we understand how flooring choices shape not just the look, but also the feel of a home. We offer a wide range of floorboards to help renovators find the perfect fit, whether blending with existing interiors or building something bold from the ground up.
Flooring forms the foundation of any interior space. It’s the first element people touch and one of the most dominant features in any room. Renovating without addressing your flooring is like painting walls without priming them, it often leads to incomplete results. Floorboards, whether solid timber, engineered wood, or laminate, remain a top choice due to their visual appeal, long lifespan, and ability to complement a wide range of interior styles. They offer a natural, warm texture underfoot and can be refinished multiple times (in the case of timber) to extend their life. For many homeowners, the charm of authentic wood grain and the rich variety of finishes make floorboards ideal for both modern and traditional settings.
Before purchasing floorboards, it’s essential to assess several factors:
Consider the amount of foot traffic in the area. For high-use zones like hallways or kitchens, opt for sustainable harder woods flooring material like oak or bamboo, or high-quality engineered boards with a durable finish.
Floorboards react to moisture. In areas with high humidity, engineered wood is less prone to warping compared to solid timber.
Cost plays a significant role. Solid wood floors are the most expensive, followed by engineered and then laminate. Factor in not only the price of materials but also installation, future maintenance and care.
One of the most complex aspects of flooring renovations is matching new boards with existing ones, especially in partial renovations or heritage homes. Seamlessly blending old and new requires attention to several details:
Start by identifying the species of the existing floorboards. Is it oak, pine, jarrah, or another timber? Wood species have unique grain patterns, colours, and hardness. If you’re unsure, consult a flooring specialist who can help determine the type through grain analysis or testing.
Also, check the finish, whether it’s matte, semi-gloss, or high-gloss, and whether it’s stained or natural. These small details significantly affect how the floor appears under different lighting conditions.
Over time, wood develops a patina that can change its colour and texture. New boards may look starkly different even if they are the same species and stain. You might need to artificially age new boards using stains or custom finishing techniques to match older flooring.
In cases where a perfect match is impossible or impractical, using a transition zone like a threshold or inlay border can visually separate the two areas. This approach makes the contrast intentional and aesthetically pleasing rather than jarring.
If you’re replacing a large section of floorboards, consider sanding and refinishing the entire floor to create a uniform look. This is often the best option when blending new timber with older boards that have seen years of wear.
For heritage homes or unique profiles, you may need to have new boards custom-milled to match the dimensions and tongue-and-groove profile of the existing flooring. This is especially true for homes built before the standardisation of board sizes.
Beyond technical matching, style coherence is key to a successful renovation. Here are a few stylistic tips:
Floorboards are more than just a surface, they’re a central feature of any renovation. Whether you’re updating a single room or embarking on a full home transformation, choosing the right flooring is essential. At Western Distributors, we provide the knowledge, variety, and support you need to make confident, stylish choices for your project. Contact us today to speak with a flooring specialist and get started on your renovation journey.
What type of floorboard is best for renovations?
It depends on your needs. Hybrid flooring is ideal for wet areas, while engineered timber suits most interiors and offers a real-wood finish.
Can I match new floorboards with existing ones?
Yes, but it requires attention to tone, grain, size, and finish. Bring a sample or photo to help us guide your selection.
Are hybrid floorboards suitable for kitchens?
Absolutely. Hybrid floorboards are waterproof, durable, and easy to clean, perfect for moisture-prone areas.
How do I maintain my new floorboards?
Use soft brooms or microfibre mops, avoid excessive moisture, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines to preserve the finish.
Do you offer installation services?
Yes, Western Distributors can recommend trusted installers who understand our products and ensure a professional result.
Flooring choices in 2026 are shaping how Australian homes feel, perform, and endure over time. Materials are being selected with greater care, striking a balance between design clarity and real-world demands, including climate, traffic, and maintenance. Western Distributors works with flooring trends that prioritise longevity, proportion, and suitability for Australian living. From natural textures to seamless indoor–outdoor transitions, these emerging flooring trends reflect a shift towards thoughtful design decisions that support both lifestyle and long-term value in modern homes.
Read more
Tile choices influence how a home functions, wears, and presents over time. From wet areas to high-traffic living spaces, the right tile supports comfort, safety, and long-term durability when selected with care. Western Distributors supplies tile solutions suited to homes, helping homeowners and designers balance material performance with proportion, finish, and everyday practicality across a wide range of residential spaces.
Read more
Indoor spaces are expected to deliver more than visual appeal; they must also support cleaner air and daily comfort. As households and workplaces look for flooring that enhances wellbeing, attention has shifted toward options that balance practicality with performance. Western Distributors has observed rising interest in carpet tiles for their ability to manage dust, reduce noise and create a more comfortable indoor environment. Their design features make them a valuable choice for modern interiors.
Read more