The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular destinations for Airbnbs and holiday rentals, with properties booked year-round by beachgoers, families, and travellers. If you run a short-term rental, that kind of demand is great for business, but it definitely puts your floors to the test. Sand, spills, luggage wheels, and constant cleaning can wear down timber surfaces fast, especially in high-traffic zones like entrances and hallways. That’s why choosing the right timber floor finish is key to keeping your floors looking great and holding up to the wear.
In this post, we’ll explore what makes a great timber floor finish for short-term rentals and other high-traffic environments, highlight some of the best options for long-term durability, style, and ease of maintenance.
What to Look for in a Floor Finish for Holiday Rentals
Before we dive into floor coatings, it’s important to understand what you should look for in a floor finish, especially when your property is welcoming new guests daily or at the very least every few days. Short-term rentals see much more wear than a typical home. Between rolling suitcases, sandy feet, and constant cleaning, your floors need to handle the pressure without requiring constant attention.
The ideal finish for a holiday rental should be:
- Durable. Able to withstand daily foot traffic, scrapes, and minor spills.
- Low-maintenance. Easy to clean between stays and resistant to stains, moisture, and cleaning products.
- Fast drying and recoat friendly. Keep your booking calendar full without unnecessary delays due to resurfacing.
- Attractive. It should complement your space and stay looking fresh.
- Repairable. Touch-ups or recoats should be possible without starting from scratch.
With the right floor coating, you’ll spend less time dealing with damage and more time welcoming happy guests.
Best Timber Floor Finishes for Holiday Rentals & Airbnb’s
If you own a short-term rental on the Gold Coast, chances are your floors take a beating from sandy feet and regular cleanings between stays. Choosing the right timber floor coating in Surfers Paradise and other holiday hotspots can help protect your investment, reduce maintenance, and keep your space looking sharp for every guest.
Water-Based Polyurethane
Water-based polyurethane is a popular choice for rentals because it strikes a good balance between durability, appearance, and ease of maintenance. Unlike older solvent-based products, this finish emits low odour during application and dries quickly, usually within 2 to 4 hours between coats. That means you can often apply multiple coats in a single day, which helps keep turnaround times short when your floor is due for a recoat. It also resists yellowing, making it ideal for lighter timber tones or modern interiors. One excellent option is Bona Mega water-based polyurethane..
This coating forms a clear, protective layer over your timber floors, helping to guard against scratches, scuffs, and light moisture. It’s easy to recoat without needing to sand back to bare timber, so touch-ups and ongoing maintenance are simple to manage. While it’s not quite as tough as two-component polyurethane, it’s more than capable for most Airbnbs and holiday homes, especially those with moderate guest turnover and no heavy-duty use from pets.
Two-Component Polyurethane (2K)
If you’re after maximum durability, two-component polyurethane (also called 2K polyurethane, or 2 pack polyurethane) is one of the toughest finishes available. It’s a commercial-grade coating made by mixing a polyurethane base with a hardener, resulting in a highly resistant surface that can handle heavy foot traffic, furniture movement, and frequent deep cleans. This is perfect for rentals with constant turnover or guests who aren’t always gentle with the space. If your rental allows pets, 2K polyurethane offers excellent scratch and moisture resistance, especially when combined with other pet-proofing strategies like rugs and furniture pads.
2K polyurethane offers excellent resistance to abrasion, moisture, and chemical cleaners, meaning it holds up well over time, even when cleaning with chemical floor cleaners is frequent. It also comes in low-sheen options like satin or matte, helping disguise everyday wear while keeping a stylish finish. The main trade-off is its longer curing time and the need for professional application. But if you’re after a “set-and-forget” solution with minimal upkeep between bookings, this finish delivers reliable performance and long-term value. One option worth considering is WaterKote 2K, a high-performance two-component system designed for heavy-duty residential and commercial use.
Hard Wax Oil
Hard wax oil is a great option if your short-term rental leans toward a boutique, rustic, or eco-conscious vibe. Unlike polyurethane, which forms a surface film, hard wax oil penetrates the timber and protects it from within, bringing out the wood’s natural grain and leaving a soft, matte finish that feels warm and organic underfoot. Minor damages like scratches or scuffs can often be fixed with a quick spot repair, which makes it a practical choice if you’re hands-on with your maintenance or want to preserve the character of older timber boards. Products like Whittle Waxes Hardwax Oils offer a natural, breathable finish that’s easy to maintain between guests.
However, it’s worth noting that hard wax oil does require more frequent upkeep than polyurethane finishes, especially in high-traffic zones. If your property gets a constant stream of guests or isn’t cleaned as carefully, you may need to reapply the oil more regularly to maintain its protective qualities, so it’s best suited to niche, eco-conscious boutique rentals.
Final Tips
Even with a tough floor finish or a low-maintenance flooring system in place, a few simple habits can help your floors last longer between refits:
- Use rugs or mats in high-traffic zones like entrances, hallways, and under dining tables. These help trap sand, grit, and moisture before they reach the timber surface.
- Stick felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches when guests move chairs or rearrange furniture.
- Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning. Use timber-safe cleaning products and avoid wet mops or steam cleaners, which can damage the coating.
- Train your cleaners to check for new scuffs or spills after each stay. Quick spot cleaning can prevent long-term damage.
- Schedule a recoat or deep clean annually, depending on your booking frequency. Keeping up with maintenance means you won’t need a full resand soon.
Taking care of the little things protects your investment and helps your place stay looking great in photos, which can mean better reviews and more bookings. For more ongoing care strategies, check out our post on timber floor maintenance tips.
Making the Right Flooring Choice for Gold Coast Rentals
When it comes to flooring for Airbnbs and holiday rentals on the Gold Coast, durability, appearance, and ease of maintenance all matter. The right finish can reduce turnaround stress, stand up to guest wear and tear, and still look great in photos. Each finish offers something different. Water-based polyurethane is great for quick turnarounds and easy care. Two-component polyurethane handles heavy wear. Hard wax oil suits boutique spaces with a natural look.
If you’re a short-term rental property owner and your floors are due for a refresh, we can help you choose a solution that fits your style, booking frequency, and budget. We specialise in timber floor coating across the Gold Coast, including popular rental areas like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Southport. Call us on (07) 5651 0891 to get a free quote and we’ll make sure your floors impress every guest.
