Flooring

Engineered Timber (Tongue N Groove European Oak)

Your floors are Tongue N Groove Freado Eterno Classic European Oak in a herringbone pattern.

• Never wet mop. Use a dry or barely damp microfibre mop only.
• Wipe up spills immediately. Standing water will damage the finish and cause swelling.
• Use felt pads under all furniture legs. Replace pads regularly.
• Maintain indoor humidity between 40 % and 60 %. Excessive dryness can cause gaps between boards; excessive moisture can cause cupping.
• Place mats at all external doorways to catch grit and moisture.
• Do not drag furniture or heavy objects across the floor.
• Avoid direct prolonged sunlight. Use blinds or curtains to minimise UV fading.

🚨 CRITICAL — Do not use steam mops or harsh chemicals

Do not use steam mops, vinegar, or harsh chemical cleaners on engineered timber floors. Recommended cleaners: BONA or LOBA pH-neutral timber floor products only.

Polished Concrete (Premix Concrete SA — Greystone)

Polished concrete features in selected living areas. The surface has been mechanically ground and polished to a smooth, reflective finish.

Daily / weekly care

• Sweep or dust-mop daily to remove grit. Grit is the main cause of surface scratching.
• Damp-mop weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner only. Do not use acidic or alkaline cleaners.
• Wipe up spills promptly, particularly acidic liquids (wine, lemon juice, vinegar, tomato).

Periodic care

• Reseal every 12 to 24 months depending on traffic. The sealer protects against staining and oil absorption.
• Inspect for hairline cracks during routine cleaning. Minor hairline cracking is normal and is not a defect.

Do NOT

• Use vinegar, citrus cleaners, bleach, or strong commercial floor cleaners on polished concrete.
• Drag furniture across the surface.
• Use steel wool or abrasive scouring pads.

Honed Concrete (Premix Concrete SA — Greystone)

Honed concrete features in selected interior areas with a matt, low-sheen finish, and outdoors at the alfresco and pool surrounds. The everyday care is the same as polished concrete — what differs is the sealer interval and the outdoor exposure points below.

Daily / weekly care

• Sweep or dust-mop daily.
• Damp-mop weekly with a pH-neutral cleaner only.
• Wipe up spills promptly — honed surfaces can absorb stains faster than polished because the surface is more porous.

Periodic care

• Reseal every 12 months for honed surfaces (more frequent than polished because the open finish absorbs sealer faster). Reseal the outdoor alfresco and pool areas more diligently — sun, weather and pool splash break the sealer down faster.
• Use a penetrating concrete sealer designed for honed surfaces. Premix Concrete SA can advise on the correct sealer for their Greystone.

Outdoor alfresco + pool surrounds — extra care

• Rinse pool splash off with fresh water. Chlorinated or salt pool water left to dry will stain the surface and degrade the sealer.
• Wipe up suncream, tanning oils, and food and drink spills promptly — these are the most common alfresco stains.
• Keep undiluted pool chemicals off the concrete. Never tip or store chlorine, acid, or salt directly on the surface.
• Honed concrete can be slippery when wet — take care around the pool and alfresco after rain or splashing.

Do NOT

• Allow standing water for long periods on honed concrete — the open finish can stain.
• Use the same products as for polished marble or limestone (different pH requirements).
• Pressure-wash on a high setting — it can erode the surface paste and strip the sealer.

Porcelain Tiles + Grout (Italia Ceramics + Ardex)

Porcelain floor and wall tiles have been supplied by Italia Ceramics. Floor tiles include Dogal UL02 Rectified 600×600 mm (Cream), Gargoa 600×600 mm (Blanco Matt), and Rialto 600×600 mm (Graphite Matt). Grout is Ardex FG 8 in Misty Grey 241 or Midnight 202.

Post-installation

• After installation, the protective wax film from the manufacturing process is removed. Italia Ceramics recommends applying a high-quality penetrating sealant to grout lines using Miracle Spray On Grout Sealer — just spray and wipe. Reapply periodically depending on foot traffic and wear.

Everyday cleaning

• Vacuum or sweep tiles first to remove loose dust and grit from the surface.
• For a thorough clean, use a dedicated tile cleaner (e.g. Beaumont’s GreenClean Everyday Tile Cleaner or Miracle Tile & Stone Cleaner) with warm water and a damp microfibre mop.
• Avoid all soap-based products — they can leave a thin film on tiles that attracts more dirt over time.

For stubborn stains

• Use a dedicated porcelain tile stain remover. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
• If grout haze, rust, or mineral deposits need removing, safer acids include citric, phosphoric, or sulfamic acid. Avoid muriatic or hydrochloric acid — these are too harsh for sensitive surfaces and grout edges.

⚠️ CAUTION — Never use acidic cleaners on marble or limestone

They will etch the surface. See Stone Benchtops for stone care.

Periodic care

• Regrout or reseal grout lines every 2 to 3 years to prevent staining and protect water resistance in wet areas.

Full manufacturer guidance at italiaceramics.com.au — Care & Maintenance Guidelines.

Pool Tiles (The Pool Tile Company, Melbourne)

Pool tiles have been supplied by The Pool Tile Company in Melbourne. Product codes: CMC114 and CMC115. Grout is Ardex EG 15 Easy Clean Epoxy (Misty Grey 641).

• Maintain proper pool water chemistry (pH 7.2–7.6, sanitiser per pool builder’s spec) to prevent calcium build-up and grout deterioration.
• Brush the waterline weekly using a soft pool brush to prevent algae and calcium build-up.
• Do not use acid wash on pool tiles unless recommended by a pool professional. Acid can damage glass mosaic finish and epoxy grout.
• Check tiles annually for any loose or cracked units. Tony Romeo (TG Excavations & Unique Pools) is your first call.

📞 Call Tony (pool issues)

See Pool Glass & Fence for fence cleaning + compliance.

Wool Carpet (Victoria Carpets — Everest Magnet)

Wool loop pile carpet (Magnet) has been installed in select areas.

• Vacuum at least twice weekly with a suction-only vacuum (no beater bar on loop pile).
• Professionally clean every 12 to 18 months.
• Blot spills immediately. Do not rub.
• Wool is naturally moth-resistant but consider moth protection in low-traffic areas.

Existing Tessellated Tiles

Heritage tessellated tiles have been retained in the existing portion of the home.

• Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner. Do not use acidic products.
• Seal with a penetrating sealer every 1 to 2 years.
• These tiles are heritage items and cannot be easily replaced. Take extra care to protect them.