When choosing a new wood floor there is a lot of choice such as; Type of wood, colours, sizes and so on… One of the main choices to be made is whether you want an oiled or lacquered finish, this can be a hard choice when you don’t understand the differences between them. So to make that choice easier, we have compared them both so you can see what will better suit you needs…
Oiled
What is it?
Oil typically involves a hardwax oil, an oiled finish on wood flooring provides both surface protection and deep penetrating protection.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The great thing about oiled finishes is that your floor looks as if it has no protection applied whatsoever. There really are no disadvantages to this type of finish.
Ease of care
Although oiled wood flooring is slightly higher maintenance on an ongoing basis, it tends to need fewer major interventions because the protection goes deeper than the surface. Unlike lacquered finish, when the top layer of oil wears away, there is still a level of protection underneath. And like any wooden floor, if you protect it with good doormats, and sweep or vacuum it regularly and give it a light mopping, it’ll stand the test of time.
Protection Level
The good thing about oiled wood flooring finish is that it goes deep into the heart of the wood and provides not only protection on the surface, but into the core too, which means that your wood is protected to the max.
Visual Effect
Oiled wood flooring has a natural look and enable the colour of the wood to deepen over time.
When should you choose it?
An oiled finish is the perfect solution when you’re looking for a natural looking finish for you’re wood floor. Basically, this solution will give you a nice natural, matt look.
Additional options available..
Oiled floor finishes often come with a brushed effect, which serves to open up the grain of the wood even more, enhancing the natural look. Certain finishes may also come with a UV filter to help protect the floor from becoming sun damaged.
Lacquered
What is it?
A lacquer is applied to a wood floor as a way of protecting the floor and often giving it a shine. Lacquer effectively sits on top of the wood and doesn’t sink in like oil does.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the best things about lacquered finish wood flooring is that a spill, if wiped up reasonably quickly, won’t seep into the body of your floor. The main downside to choosing a lacquer is that it has a tendency to scuff and scratch more easily than an oiled finish, so it’s important to invest in really good doormats and sweep or vacuum regularly.
Ease of care
The good thing about a lacquered finish is it becomes somewhat water resistant. That said, it’s never a good idea to splash lots of water about on any wood floor. The one downside is that it has a tendency to show scratches more easily than an oiled wood floor. Because of this, when the floor ends up looking tired and worn, the best course of action is normally a re-sand and re-finish.
Protection Level
The protection offered by lacquered wood finish is arguably the toughest of all and this is probably why, in the good old days, gyms and dance halls were finished in this way, rather than simply waxed or oiled. That said, because lacquer sits on top of the wood, when it has been worn away with wear and tear, the bare wood is left exposed and is susceptible to damage.
Visual Effect
Lacquer comes in high gloss, gloss and matt finishes. Although, even a matt finish tends to have a bit of a shine to it. So if you choose a lacquered finish for your floor, it’s important to be aware of the shine you’ll get.
When should you choose it?
A lacquer finish is ideal in a room where you anticipate high or heavy footfall or where you want a gloss or high gloss finish.
Additional options available..
As mentioned, you can choose either a high gloss, gloss, a matt finish or something in between, however there’s another option that particularly appealing if your room gets a significant amount of sunshine. This is a UV filter, which works like a sunscreen and helps avoid your floor becoming faded by too much sunshine.
Summary
These 2 types of finishes are very similar. To make your choice, there are a few factors to bare in mind when making your decision.
If your looking for a natural looking wood floor with a deep level of protection and needs fewer major interventions, then a oiled finish is the best choice.
If your looking for a shiny new floor for a space with high or heavy footfall, and is somewhat water resistant, then a lacquered finish is the best choice.