Floor Polishing Brisbane — Professional Timber Floor Polishing & Refinishing

Need your timber floors polished and protected? Quality Floors by Max Francis delivers professional floor polishing in Brisbane for homes and businesses across South East Queensland. With over 30 years of experience and a range of finish options — from high-gloss to natural matte — we help Brisbane homeowners get the exact look and level of protection their timber floors need.

Call Max on 0411 883 249 for a free quote, or phone our office on (07) 3345 2097.

Expert Floor Polishing for Brisbane Homes & Businesses

Floor polishing is the finishing step that transforms freshly sanded timber into a beautiful, protected surface. At Quality Floors, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. The best floor polish depends on your timber species, lifestyle, traffic level, and the look you want to achieve. As QBCC licensed professionals (#64691) and ATFA members (#98), we guide you through the options and apply the finish with precision that 30+ years of experience provides.

Our Floor Polishing Process

Surface Preparation

For freshly sanded floors, we ensure the surface is completely clean and free of dust. For recoating jobs, we lightly abrade the existing finish to create a key for the new coat to bond to, then clean thoroughly.

First Coat Application

The first coat seals the timber and starts building the protective layer. We apply it evenly using professional applicators, working methodically to avoid lap marks and ensure consistent coverage.

Light Sand Between Coats

Once the first coat has dried, we lightly sand with fine-grit abrasive to remove minor imperfections and create a smooth base for the next coat — essential for a professional-grade finish.

Final Coat Application

The final coat provides the finished appearance and the bulk of the floor’s protection. We take extra care to ensure an even, flawless result.

Floor Polish Options

We offer a full range of floor finishes to suit every style and practical requirement. View examples in our floor renovation gallery.

Water-Based Polyurethane

The most popular choice for Brisbane homes. Dries quickly, has low odour, and maintains the timber’s natural colour without adding an amber tone. Available in matte, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss sheen levels.

Solvent-Based Polyurethane

Provides a warm, amber-toned finish that many homeowners associate with the classic polished floor look. Extremely durable and builds a thicker protective film. Takes longer to dry and has a stronger odour during application.

Hard-Wax Oil

A natural, penetrating finish that soaks into the timber rather than forming a film on the surface. Gives a matte, natural appearance that highlights the timber’s raw character. Easy to spot-repair — scratch an area, re-oil just that section.

Sheen Levels

Matte — minimal shine, natural timber look. Hides minor scratches well.
Satin — subtle, soft sheen. The most popular choice for Brisbane homes.
Semi-gloss — moderate shine that adds warmth and depth.
Gloss — high-shine finish for a striking, formal look.

Floor Polishing vs Floor Sanding: When You Need Which

Floor sanding strips the floor back to bare timber, removing old finish, scratches, and surface damage. Needed when the finish is worn through, there are deep scratches or stains, or you want to change colour or finish type.
Floor polishing applies a new protective coating — after sanding as part of a full restoration, or as a standalone recoat over an existing finish that’s still in reasonable condition.

If your existing polish is dull but not worn through to bare timber, a recoat may be all you need. We’ll assess your floor and recommend the right approach during our free quote visit.

Floor Polishing Cost in Brisbane

Floor area — measured in square metres
Finish type — water-based, solvent-based, and hard-wax oil have different material and application costs
Number of coats — most floors need two to three coats for adequate protection
Floor condition — recoating an existing finish costs less than a full sand and polish
Room access — built-in furniture, tight spaces, and staircases affect time and complexity

We provide free, obligation-free quotes based on an in-person inspection — no guessing, no surprises.

Service Areas

Quality Floors provides floor polishing services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, including Brisbane CBD, South Brisbane (Sunnybank Hills, Mt Gravatt, Carindale), North Brisbane (Chermside, Aspley, Pine Rivers), East Brisbane (Cleveland, Redlands, Wynnum), West Brisbane (Kenmore, Indooroopilly), Logan, and Ipswich.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does floor polishing take to dry?

Water-based polyurethane typically dries for light foot traffic within two to four hours, with full cure in seven to fourteen days. Solvent-based finishes take longer — usually overnight between coats.

How many coats of polish does a timber floor need?

Most floors receive two to three coats. The first coat seals the timber, and subsequent coats build the protective layer. Hard-wax oil finishes may only need one to two coats.

Can I polish my floors without sanding them first?

Yes, if the existing finish is still intact. We lightly abrade the surface to create a key for the new coat, then apply fresh polish. This is called a recoat and is faster and more affordable than a full sand and polish.

Which floor polish is best for high-traffic areas?

For hallways, living rooms, and commercial spaces, we typically recommend water-based or solvent-based polyurethane for their superior wear resistance.

How often should timber floors be re-polished?

With proper care, a quality floor polish can last 7 to 15 years before needing a full sand and re-polish. Some homeowners do a maintenance recoat every 3 to 5 years to keep the finish looking fresh.

Get a Free Floor Polishing Quote

Whether you need a full sand and polish or a maintenance recoat, Quality Floors by Max Francis delivers a quality finish every time. With over 30 years of experience across Brisbane, we know timber floors inside and out.

Call Max on 0411 883 249 or phone our office on (07) 3345 2097 for a free, obligation-free quote.

Quality Floors by Max Francis — QBCC Lic #64691 | ATFA Member #98 | Serving Brisbane & SE QLD since 2000.

Joel House

05:17 04 Jan 16

Max was a true pleasure to work with. Our hard wood was very damaged through several previous owners who had painted over them. Max and the team at Quality floors did an awesome job. They came on time, finished on time, and even cleaned up (something very rare with trades!). I couldn't recommend them highly enough.

Adriana Summers

23:04 04 Feb 13

Our timber floors were rather tricky - thin and some water damaged. Max and his team did a great job of making them look great, filled with character. Very pleased with the aftersales service too.Adriana & Rod Summers, Indooroopilly

Hayley Kilmister

01:30 20 May 19

Had the floors done on my place, floorboards are from the 1972 and they were beat up, Max did an excellent job and they came up looking brand new, I highly recommend this company for their work and friendliness!

Callum Marsh

20:50 12 Sep 19

Max and his team we’re amazing to work with Max provided us with more than 8 different samples. Was so accomodating with our needs The finish product is more than we could of ever hoped for! Would highly recommend max and his team to anyone! Thank you so much

20:53 12 Sep 19

Scott Ellem

08:16 03 Oct 19

Max and his team did a wonderful job sanding and polishing our wood floors. We highly recommend him.

Julie Cork

04:39 04 Oct 19

Max has done a fantastic job in restoring my hardwood floor after a mishap during carpet cleaning that looked as if it would end in disaster. It wasn't a straightforward job and involved the Carpet Cleaner & insurance company as well as me. Max was responsive, helpful, honest and patient throughout. He arrived when he said he would and did what he agreed to do. Great people skills and a great job. I can confidently recommend him and his work.

bristow62 .

07:11 09 Oct 19

Max stripped and sealed our front and back decks. We were really pleased with the end result. Highly recommended. Would have him back again in the future.

Rick Scott

05:50 14 Nov 19

Max's team did a great job on a particularly difficult floor that had been covered with Fibro and tiles foe 40 years. Max always kept me informed on his progress and his knowledge of different timbers and finishes is extensive. Can't recommend him enough.

Peter Kaye

23:17 15 Nov 19

As a builder I have used Quality Floors by Max Francis for many jobs over close to two decades. Max and his team always produce a top quality job on time and on budget. Nothing is a problem for these guys from big jobs to small and even little patch jobs occasionally. Max is always keen to offer sound advice gained from 2 generations in the floor polishing business, and now with his son working for him it will be 3 generations of floor polishers. All this means is a vast base of knowledge and experience to draw from and I have no hesitation on recommending Max and his team for any internal or external floor polishing job you may have.

Sharyn Gaunt

20:37 02 Dec 19

From the first phone call to the quote and the final finished product, I could not have been happier with the team. Very friendly, reliable and they did a fantastic job on my old verandah floors. I will definitely be getting them back again when I do the floors inside.

Kell

00:40 05 Feb 20

Excellent service and finish. Great blokes, can't fault their work or attitude ???? would recommend to everyone. Thanks boys