In a Chatswood apartment, new timber or hard floors are a minor renovation under NSW strata law, so you need owners corporation approval and usually an acoustic rating set by the building's by-laws. In a Chatswood house, laying a new floor inside is internal work that usually does not need council approval, even in a heritage conservation area.
Strata approval for timber floors in Chatswood apartments
Under section 110 of the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, installing or replacing timber or other hard floors is a minor renovation. So is pulling up carpet to expose existing hard floors. You need approval from the owners corporation by resolution at a general meeting. It can set reasonable conditions, cannot refuse unreasonably, and can only hand the decision to the strata committee if a by-law allows it.
Most of the conditions are about noise. Hard floors carry footsteps into the unit below far more than carpet. Many buildings have a flooring by-law that sets a minimum acoustic rating, often using the star ratings of the Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants (AAAC).
| Step | What it involves | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Read the by-laws | Find the flooring rule and acoustic rating | Ask the strata manager for the current version |
| Choose floor and underlay | The rating depends on the whole system and the slab | Ask for test reports on a similar slab |
| Get approval | Owners corporation vote at a general meeting | Lodge details early; meetings take time |
| Install | Work within by-law hours and protect common areas | Book the lift and loading dock |
| Test, if required | Some buildings ask for an on-site acoustic test | Budget for it before you start |
General guide. Your by-laws and approval conditions take priority.
Acoustic ratings and what they mean
The AAAC star system rates how much impact noise reaches the room below, with more stars meaning a quieter floor. Hard floors rarely reach the top ratings, and the result depends on the slab, the underlay and how the floor is laid. Floating floors are usually still covered by a timber floor by-law.
Don't buy flooring until you know the rating. Ask the supplier for an acoustic test report for the floor and underlay together, and check it matches what your by-law asks for.
Chatswood houses, heritage areas and original boards
Willoughby City Council covers Chatswood. It has twelve heritage conservation areas, including Blue Gum, Findlay & Wyvern, North Chatswood and South Chatswood, with many Federation and interwar homes. Heritage rules mostly affect work you can see from the street, so a new floor inside is usually internal work without council approval. If your home is a listed heritage item, check with council first, as some listings cover interiors.
Many of these homes still have original hardwood boards under carpet or lino. Before you replace them, ask whether they can be repaired and sanded. If you are adding new timber to match, a good installer can source boards of a similar species and width.
- Older homes often have suspended floors on piers, so check ventilation, bearers and termite damage while boards are exposed.
- In apartment towers near the interchange, deliveries usually need a loading dock booking, as street parking is tight.
What to tell the crew when you ask for quotes
Say whether it is an apartment or a house, the floor area, and what is there now. For apartments, share the flooring by-law and acoustic rating, and say whether approval has been given. For houses, mention original boards, the age of the home and whether it is in a conservation area. Note access, lift bookings and parking.
Our guides to timber flooring costs, engineered vs hybrid flooring and floor sanding and polishing help you compare options. See the main timber floor installation service, our Chatswood guide and the North Shore local guide. When you're ready, describe the job to MyTradeCrew and we'll match you with up to three vetted local trades from our crew who quote you directly.
Common questions
Do I need approval to put timber floors in my Chatswood apartment?
Yes. Installing hard floors is a minor renovation under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. You need owners corporation approval by resolution at a general meeting, and it may set conditions such as an acoustic rating, working hours and protection of common areas. Check your by-laws and talk to your strata manager first.
What acoustic rating will my building ask for?
It depends on your by-laws. Many buildings use the AAAC star ratings, and some set a specific number that must be reached. The rating depends on the floor, the underlay and the slab together. Ask your strata manager for the exact wording, then ask flooring suppliers for test reports that match it.
Can I sand the original boards in my Chatswood house?
Often, yes. Federation and interwar homes often have hardwood boards that sand back well. Badly damaged boards can be replaced with similar timber. A floor sander can tell you whether the boards are thick enough to sand and whether repairs are needed first. Internal floor work usually does not need council approval, unless the house is a listed heritage item.
Will a floating floor avoid the strata rules?
Usually not. Most timber floor by-laws cover any hard floor, floating or fixed. Pulling up carpet to expose hard floors is also listed as a minor renovation. Treat any floating timber, hybrid or laminate floor as needing approval, and check the by-law's wording.
More on timber floor installation
Scope checklists, price drivers and quote comparisons are on the main Timber floor installation in Sydney page. For costs, read Floor Sanding and Polishing Cost Sydney (2026).