What hardwood floor finish should I choose?
Struggling to choose the right hardwood floor finish? You’re not alone.
With so many beautiful options available, each offering unique benefits, it’s important to understand what sets them apart. Below, we explain the most popular hardwood floor finishes and outline the key advantages of each, so you can feel confident in making the right choice for your home.
Oiled Hardwood Floor Finish
If you’re after a natural, timeless look, an oiled finish could be the ideal choice. This type of hardwood floor finish enhances the character of the wood and leaves a soft, matte sheen that feels warm underfoot.
It also offers practical benefits. Oiled floors are easier to spot-repair – just apply a little oil to minor scratches and they blend right in. For the best durability, we recommend a hard wax oil, which penetrates deeply into the wood grain and protects it from within.
However, oiled floors need more frequent upkeep, especially in high-traffic areas.
Lacquered Hardwood Floor Finish
Prefer a low-maintenance option? A lacquered finish might be your best bet. It involves applying several coats of UV lacquer, often 7 layers, to form a smooth sealed surface over the wood.
This gives the floor a glossy, polished appearance and creates a strong barrier against spills and stains. Liquids sit on top rather than soaking in, so you can wipe them away even after some time.
The trade-off? While oiled floors are easy to touch up, scratches on lacquered finishes are harder to fix. Repairing them often requires sanding and refinishing a wider area.
Brushed Hardwood Floor Finish
Brushed finishes add subtle texture and highlight the wood’s natural grain. Whether paired with an oiled or lacquered surface, the brushing process involves running the wood planks through a brushing machine that lifts the softer fibres, creating a gently distressed look.
This finish not only enhances the grain but also makes daily wear less noticeable. It’s an excellent option if you if you want character and durability in equal measure.
Vintage / Antique Hardwood Floor Finish
Looking to make a statement? A vintage or antique finish brings charm and individuality to any space. These floors are made using hand-selected boards that highlight natural imperfections like cracks, knots, and unique markings
You can combine this look with a brushed or oiled finish to further enhance the detail and bring out the wood’s texture. The result is a floor that feels established, and full of character, making it perfect for period properties or anyone wanting a classic, lived-aesthetic aesthetic.
Unfinished
An unfinished floor gives you total creative control. Whether it’s solid or engineered wood, these planks arrive raw and are ready to be sanded, stained, and sealed to your specifications.
This is ideal if you want to match existing flooring, tailor the tone precisely, or simply decide on the finish after installation. It does require extra preparation and drying time, but the result is a fully customised floor.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right hardwood floor finish is essential to achieving the perfect look and durability for your space. Each option comes with its own practical aesthetic benefits—it all depends on the style you want and the level of upkeep you’re happy with.
At Woodfloors4u, we help customers make confident choices every day. If you need guidance, our expert team is here to talk you through the options and help you get the perfect finish for your project.