Selling Houses Australia Season 12, Episode 8 Recap
By: Michelle, Published: May 8, 2019
Pymble in Sydney is a truly aspirational suburb for families. Leafy, tree-lined streets, generous houses and block sizes and access to prestigious schools. Charles and Dale can attest to this, bringing up their four children in the suburb and living here for thirty-two years. But with all children (bar one very lucky adult son who still lives at home!) gone, the property feels like a burden. Many unnecessary rooms to clean and seemingly endless gardens to maintain.
The home is classically designed with separate formal and kitchen spaces. This ‘old-fashioned’ style of home layout is not what prospective buyers are looking for, particularly with a price tag of $2.4 million. This is just one of the many issues with the home which Charlie, Andrew and Shaynna address. The couple is open to investing in the renovation and spruce. They want to sell; they want to downsize, and they would love to also financially help their four children in a tough Sydney housing market. Whatever will make the home sell!
Shaynna’s design skills really shine in this episode. Walls are removed and manipulated throughout to create larger spaces where required, an additional bedroom and much-needed storage in the master bedroom. A brand-new kitchen is the centrepiece of her work, with a bright, classic design seamlessly blending old with new. Our Timber Engineered Boards are a highlight, transforming the open plan spaces and moving it away from a hodgepodge of different materials.
Timber and laminate flooring is an investment but nothing really compares with the visual feast that timber affords. Some points to consider if you’re thinking of installing timber or engineered boards:
- Timber is a luxurious product and one that adds a level of authenticity and quality to a home. It exudes style and substance.
- While they’re often a more expensive option for flooring, they will add value to your property if correctly maintained, luckily, they’re relatively easy to look after!
- Engineered boards are considered a sustainable option as they are constructed from a thin layer (veneer) of timber, therefore, use less than solid timber boards.
- Solid timber boards can last for many, many years, however- flooring in period homes are a great example of this!
- Preventative measures are the best method for extending the life of timber floors. Avoid shoes which can bring small stones and scratches to timber flooring. Regularly vacuum and mop floors to remove potential grit and dirt. Don’t use steam mops, a quality, damp mop is all that is required.
- Rugs are an excellent option to protect high-traffic areas of the home, such as a hallway.

With new flooring, along with the kitchen, garden, painting, styling, new bathroom and all the small touches that the talented team bring, it’s no surprise the home-owners receive a very tempting offer soon after the renovation. Charles and Dale have decided to hold off however, in the hopes that higher prices will come their way. Best of luck! Stream new episodes of Selling Houses Australia every week or watch Wednesdays 8.30pm AEST only on Foxtel’s Lifestyle.
FAQs
Are timber floors high maintenance?
Timber floors sit higher on the maintenance scale in the hard flooring world. But while laminate flooring, vinyl and hybrid flooring might require less maintenance, all flooring requires some level of care to keep it looking like new for longer. The look and feel of real timber is also aspirational, authentic and full of genuine character which can last for years if cared for. It also has the ability to be repaired in many cases, that is why we see beautiful old homes with original (restored, often) flooring.
Why choose engineered timber oak flooring?
Engineered boards are beautiful to look at as they’re made from layers of real timber. The character, markings and personality of natural timber shine through and add something to the interior design that’s authentic (although there are lots of great timber-look alternatives!). They’re relatively easy to maintain and are quick to install.
How should you care for your engineered boards?
All flooring requires some level of maintenance and care to ensure it’s longevity. Regular sweeping or vacuuming to remove grit and sand means it’s less likely to scratch flooring. Encourage a “shoes off” mantra at home to avoid traipsing in dirt. There are some great hard flooring care tips on our website.
Michelle
Marketing ManagerAs Marketing Manager, Michelle is across all aspects of the entire product range. Her passion for Flooring Xtra means her knowledge extends from product details to full ranges, trends and more. As a mum of two active boys her favourite products are those that focus on resilience and ease of maintenance- without compromising on style. Amato authentic timber floors tick all of the boxes for her while also being waterproof and scratch and stain-resistant.
