Wood floors are a timeless and elegant choice for any home. However, choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors is crucial. Wood floors bring warmth, beauty, and a touch of nature into your living space. But to maintain their natural beauty and ensure their longevity.
This blog post will delve into the secrets of protecting your wood floors by selecting the perfect finish. Whether you have recently installed wood floors or are planning to restore your existing ones, this comprehensive guide will provide you with actionable advice and valuable information.
Don’t forget at the end to download your free eBook, and some extra blogs might help you!
Before we start… aren’t these wood floors stunning!!!
1. Determine your desired look and feel when choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors!
The first step in choosing the right wood floor finish is determining the look and feel you want for your space. Consider factors such as the type of wood, colour, and sheen level. Are you aiming for a natural, matte finish or a glossy, polished look? Your desired appearance will guide your choice of finish.
2. Evaluate your lifestyle and usage when choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors.
To select the perfect wood floor finish:
Consider your lifestyle and how you will use your wood floor.
If you have a busy household with kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic, opt for a durable finish that can take wear and tear.
Prioritise aesthetics and choosing a more delicate finish for areas with less traffic.
3. Understand the types of wood floor finishes.
Several types of wood floor finishes are available, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
The two that Art of Clean offers are:
• Lacquer:
Lacquer finishes create a hard and protective surface on the wood, offering excellent durability and scratch resistance. Lacquer comes as a clear or coloured coating that dries quickly and forms a high-gloss or matte finish.
They often use this finish on furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments. Lacquer finishes provide a smooth and seamless appearance, elevating the natural beauty of the wood grain. They resist moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation.
These finishes can be applied using spray equipment to achieve a thin, even coat. They are available in various sheens, ranging from matte to high gloss, allowing for customisation based on the desired aesthetic.
This is the lacquer we use:
• Oil:
They design oil finishes to enhance the natural beauty of wood and provide a soft, matte finish . Oil finishes penetrate the wood fibres, nourishing and protecting the wood from within. They are known for their ease of application and maintenance.
Oil finishes are available in different types, such as tung, linseed, and Danish. Bringing out the rich tones and textures of the wood while providing some protection against moisture and minor wear.
However, oil finishes are less durable than other finishes and may require more frequent reapplication. They often use this on interior wood surfaces like furniture, countertops, and wooden utensils. Oil finishes can be applied using a brush, cloth, or sponge, and you can reapply as needed to maintain the desired appearance and protection.
This is the oil we use:
Others may offer:
• Hard wax Oil:
Hard wax oil finishes are another popular choice for wood surfaces. They penetrate the wood to achieve a natural, low-sheen appearance. Hard wax oil combines natural oils and waxes to provide both protection and enhancement to the wood.
This type of finish is known for its ease of maintenance and environmentally friendly properties. It creates a breathable and water-resistant surface that helps protect the wood from moisture, stains, and wear.
They suit various wood applications, including furniture, flooring, and countertops. All hard wax oil finishes can be applied using a brush, cloth, or roller, and they are available in various colours to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
4. Consider maintenance and repair when choosing the perfect finish for your wood floor.
Different finishes require varying levels of maintenance and repair. Polyurethane finishes are low maintenance but can be challenging to repair if damaged. On the other hand, oil finishes are easier to repair but may require more frequent maintenance. When choosing a finish, factor in your willingness to invest time and effort into maintaining your wood floors.
5. Consult a professional when choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors.
If you need help deciding which finish to choose, consulting a professional flooring expert is always beneficial. They can provide guidance based on your needs, preferences, and budget. Additionally, they can advise you on the proper application techniques and care instructions for your chosen finish.
6. Test the finish.
Before committing to a finish, it’s advisable to test it on a small, inconspicuous area of your floor or on a sample piece of wood. This will accurately represent how the finish will look and feel once applied to your entire floor.
7. Factor in the room’s humidity and temperature when choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors.
The wood floor finishes you choose should suit the specific room conditions you will install. Some finishes perform better in areas with high humidity or temperature fluctuations, while others may need more resilience. Research how different finishes react to such conditions and select one appropriate for your space.
8. Evaluate environmental impact and safety when choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors!
When choosing a wood floor finish, it’s essential to consider its environmental impact and safety. Any finishes with lower VOC (volatile organic compound) levels, such as water-based polyurethane and hard wax oil, is more eco-friendly. Low-VOC finishes also have fewer fumes, making them beneficial for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to strong odours.
9. Budget and cost considerations when choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors.
Different wood floor finishes come at varying price points. Establish your budget beforehand and evaluate which finishes align with your spending limit. While it’s crucial to prioritise the quality of the finish, it’s also important to consider your budget and cost considerations.
So, choosing the perfect finish for your wood floors is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. By determining your desired look and feel, evaluating your lifestyle and usage, understanding different types of finishes, considering maintenance and repair requirements, seeking professional advice, testing the finish, factoring in room conditions, evaluating environmental impact and safety, and considering budget and cost, you can make a decision that will protect and enhance the natural elegance of your wood floors.
If you’re looking for a floor sanding company in the Cambridgeshire area, check out this blog:
To find out the truth behind wood floor restoration costs, check out this blog:
Download our eBook…
To learn more about caring for your wood floor!
Your Wood Floor
Written by Tracey Gilbey, Marketing
For further advice or information on our Carpet and Soft Furnishing care, please don’t hesitate to contact the Art of Clean team on 01223 901549 in Cambridge. Our services include Carpet Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, oriental and area Rug Cleaning, Curtain Cleaning, Patio and Driveway Pressure washing, Leather Cleaning, Stone and Tile Floor Cleaning and Wood Floor Sanding and Restoration. We also supply new flooring and carpets through our sister company Art of Flooring. Farthings Cambridge provides our Dry Cleaning service.
