Flooring for Grafton's Older Timber Homes on Stumps — What Can Go Over Old Floorboards?

Quick answer: In most older Grafton homes, a hybrid floor can float over the existing timber boards once they're firmly fixed and reasonably flat. Hybrid's rigid core bridges small gaps between boards, while thin vinyl plank tends to show every board edge over time. Fix loose or springy boards first, check the subfloor has good airflow, and choose a hybrid with an attached underlay.

The classic Grafton home

Walk around Grafton and South Grafton and you'll see plenty of older weatherboard homes raised on timber or concrete stumps, with timber floorboards inside. They're cool in summer, full of character and often built on higher ground for good reason — the Clarence River has flooded the city many times.

The floors in these homes are often:

• Uneven — boards have cupped, sagged or settled over decades.

• Gappy — boards shrink and gaps open up.

• Squeaky or springy — nails have loosened or joists have moved.

• Covered — with old carpet, lino or vinyl that's past its best.

Step 1: Check the old floor

Before choosing any new floor, the old one needs a health check:

• Is it firm? Walk around. Springy or bouncy spots need fixing — usually re-nailing or screwing boards down, or packing joists.

• Is it flat enough? Floating floors need the subfloor to be reasonably flat (the manufacturer will give a tolerance, typically a few millimetres over a metre or two). High spots may need sanding; dips may need packing.

• Any rot or termite damage? Soft or crumbly boards must be replaced. Termite damage needs a pest inspector first.

• Good airflow underneath? Raised homes need ventilation under the floor so moisture doesn't build up. Make sure vents aren't blocked.

Step 2: Choose the right floor

Hybrid — the best fit for most old Grafton homes

• Rigid core bridges small gaps. Hybrid's stiff SPC core doesn't sink into every gap and board edge.

• Floats on top. No glue, so the old boards stay underneath untouched.

• Waterproof core. Kitchen spills and wet feet won't swell it.

• Attached underlay. Helps soften the hollow sound you get on raised timber floors.

Why not thin vinyl plank?

Thin and flexible vinyl follows whatever is underneath. On old boards, you may start to see the lines of the boards and nail heads showing through over time. Glue-down vinyl usually needs a plywood or hardboard layer put down first — extra cost and extra height. Hybrid avoids most of that.

What about polishing the original boards?

If your original boards are in good condition and you love the look, polishing can be lovely. But many old Grafton floors have been patched, painted or damaged, and sanding them back is noisy, dusty and doesn't remove deep gaps or cupping. Covering them with hybrid keeps the originals safe underneath and gives you a fresh, even floor.

Laminate?

Laminate can float over old boards too, but it isn't waterproof, so it's riskier in kitchens and entries.

Step 3: Think about height and doors

A new floor adds height — usually somewhere between about 6.5 mm and 10 mm for hybrid, plus any levelling. Check:

• Doors may need a trim off the bottom.

• Transitions to tiles or carpet will need a trim or reducer.

• Kitchen appliances like dishwashers need room to slide out.

Step 4: Keep the floor floating

• Leave an expansion gap around walls and fixed items.

• Don't put fixed kitchen cabinets on top of the floating floor.

• Don't silicone or nail the floor down.

Frequently asked questions

Can I put hybrid over carpet?

No. Carpet and underlay must come up first. Hybrid needs a firm, flat base.

Do I need to remove the old lino?

Not always. If old lino or vinyl is well stuck down, flat and in decent condition, hybrid can often go over it. Loose or lifting sheets should come up. Some very old floor coverings and adhesives can contain asbestos — if in doubt, have it tested before disturbing it.

Will hybrid stop my floor squeaking?

A new floor won't fix squeaks in the old boards underneath. Those need to be screwed down or fixed first. Once they're fixed, hybrid gives a quiet, solid feel.

Need a hand?

We install across Grafton and the Clarence Valley. See hybrid flooring in Grafton, read our Clarence Valley flooring guide, or book a free measure and quote and we'll check your boards for you.