Once you’ve made the decision to install a wooden floor, you’ll then be faced with the decision about the finish. How you decide on which wood flooring finish to choose depends upon various things. First, you need to decide what style of finish you like. For example do you like a shiny look or do you prefer a more natural looking finish? Second, the finish you choose will have a lot to do with the traffic the floor is likely to experience. And finally, of course there’s the maintenance question to be answered. How important is low maintenance to you?
There are three main options when it comes to wood flooring finishes. Firstly there’s lacquer which is a durable, low maintenance option but can be prone to scratching. Secondly there’s oil which is slightly less durable but easier to repair if the floor starts to look a bit tired or scratched. And finally there’s UV oil which is a bit of a compromise between the two.
Lacquer Finish
Most lacquers, even matt lacquers give an appearance of an obvious coating to your floor, whereas oils sink in, enhancing the grain of the wood and giving a more natural look. The reason that lacquer looks more obvious is that it effectively sits on top of the wood, rather than sinking in. What this means is that lacquer has a tendency to get worn looking in high traffic areas. What happens is that the traffic effectively sands away the lacquer and leaves scratches on the surface. The only way to repair this damage is to re-sand the whole floor and start again.
Oil Finish
Oil on the other hand, which is effectively the modern day successor to the old fashioned wax option, sinks into the wood grain. Oil finished floors can be repaired by adding more oil on the top off existing oil when needed. Oil is easy to apply and an effective way of keeping your wooden floor in great condition.
UV Oil Finish
UV oil has the advantage of having a low build up and comes in a low gloss finish which helps mask slight imperfections caused by wear and tear. A wood floor finished with UV oil can be easily repaired at any time with a simple wipe of oil on a soft, dry, cotton cloth. Furthermore, extreme stains can be scoured away and re-oiled if necessary.
How These Finish Options Compare
| Finish Type | Appearance | Durability | Repairability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacquer | Obvious coating, less natural look | Durable, but prone to scratching | Requires re-sanding for repairs | Low maintenance |
| Oil | Sinks into wood, enhances grain, natural look | Slightly less durable | Can be repaired by adding more oil | Easy to maintain |
| UV Oil | Low gloss finish, masks imperfections | Moderate durability | Easily repaired with a wipe of oil | Easy to maintain |
So, in summary, how you choose your wood flooring finish depends very much on your personal tastes and needs.
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FAQ
What are the main options for wood flooring finishes?
The three main options for wood flooring finishes are lacquer, oil, and UV oil. Lacquer is a durable, low maintenance option but can be prone to scratching. Oil is slightly less durable but easier to repair if the floor starts to look a bit tired or scratched. UV oil is a compromise between the two.
What are the differences between lacquer and oil finishes?
Lacquer, even matt lacquer, gives an appearance of an obvious coating to your floor, as it sits on top of the wood, whereas oils sink in, enhancing the grain of the wood and giving a more natural look. Lacquer has a tendency to get worn looking in high traffic areas, and the only way to repair this damage is to re-sand the whole floor and start again. Oil finishes, on the other hand, can be repaired by adding more oil on top of the existing oil when needed.
What is a UV oil finish?
UV oil has a low build-up and comes in a low gloss finish which helps mask slight imperfections caused by wear and tear. A wood floor finished with UV oil can be easily repaired at any time with a simple wipe of oil on a soft, dry, cotton cloth. Extreme stains can be scoured away and re-oiled if necessary.
How does the choice of finish affect maintenance of the wooden floor?
The finish you choose can affect the maintenance of your wooden floor. Lacquer finishes are low maintenance but can be prone to scratching and require re-sanding for repairs. Oil finishes are easy to maintain and can be repaired by adding more oil. UV oil finishes are also easy to maintain and can be easily repaired with a simple wipe of oil.
How do I decide which wood flooring finish to choose?
The choice of wood flooring finish depends on your personal tastes and needs. Consider the style of finish you like, the traffic the floor is likely to experience, and the importance of low maintenance to you.