Lime Wash & Whitewash Floors
Priced from $50/m2
Lime wash and whitewash finishes turn a warm-toned hardwood floor into something coastal, calm and Scandinavian. They’re a popular request across Peninsula holiday homes, beach houses and Airbnbs where the brief is often “lighter, softer, less orange”.
The technique involves an initial sand, a white or lime-toned pigment applied to the raw timber, then a hard-wearing clear topcoat to lock it in.
It looks best on straighter-grain species — Tas Oak, European Oak, some Blackbutt. Ironbark and Jarrah don’t take the wash the same way. We’ll always sample test first.
OUR PROCESS
- 01 Full sand as per standard sand-and-polish preparation.
- 02 Sample test the wash on a spare board or in a cupboard to confirm colour.
- 03 Apply lime or white pigment evenly across the raw timber.
- 04 Sealer plus two topcoats, water-based to keep the colour true.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- From $50/m² — includes sanding, wash and finish.
- Best on straight-grain species like Tas Oak and European Oak.
- Sample tested on-site before committing.
- Popular in Peninsula holiday homes and coastal renovations.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Will lime wash look like white paint?
No — done properly, the wash sits in the grain and lets the timber texture show through. You get a light, soft floor rather than a flat painted look.
Does lime wash yellow over time?
It shouldn’t, if a water-based clear coat is used over the top. Oil-based topcoats will amber and pull the wash yellow — which is why we default to water-based here.
Can any timber be lime washed?
Best results on Tas Oak, European Oak and some Blackbutt. Ironbark, Jarrah and dark hardwoods don’t take the wash cleanly.
How is it different from staining?
Staining changes the timber colour to a specific tone. Lime wash lightens and softens the natural colour while preserving the grain pattern.
Is lime wash durable enough for a busy holiday home?
Yes, once sealed with a hard-wearing water-based topcoat. It handles guest turnover well — and a targeted re-coat every few years keeps it looking fresh.
Can you match a lime wash across new and existing boards?
Yes but sample testing is essential. New replacement boards need to be washed alongside the existing to blend.
How long does it take?
Add half a day to a full sand-and-polish schedule for the wash application. So a typical Peninsula job runs four to six days.
Can we go lighter or darker with the wash?
Yes — the pigment intensity can be dialled up or down. We’ll do two or three sample panels for you to choose from.