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20 March, 2025
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Sanding UK
Solid wood floors are already full of natural beauty — but to truly protect and enhance them, a proper wood floor finish is essential. A finish not only adds a visual layer, such as a glossy or matt sheen, but also serves a deeper purpose: it forms a protective barrier on the surface and penetrates the wood to increase durability from within.
The right finish preserves the natural colour, grain, and texture of your floor while shielding it from wear, moisture, and UV damage. It also simplifies cleaning and maintenance, prolongs the floor’s lifespan, and improves its overall appearance. Choosing the correct finish is key — and in this guide, we’ll explore the most popular finishing options for solid wood flooring to help you make a confident, informed decision.
What Does a Wood Floor Finish Do?
A quality wood floor finish performs two critical functions: it creates a protective surface layer and it penetrates the wood’s porous structure. This dual action strengthens the timber from the inside out, helping it withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining its natural beauty.
Finishing your floor helps guard against scratches, moisture, stains, and fading. It also preserves the wood’s original colour, grain, and texture, keeping your floor looking vibrant and fresh for years. On a practical level, finishes make wood floors much easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of damage from spills or foot traffic.
Finally, the finish you choose determines the floor’s visual tone — whether you prefer a matt, satin, or glossy appearance, a finish lets you customise your floor’s style to suit your space.
- Protects against scratches, stains, and daily wear
- Preserves wood’s colour, texture, and grain
- Improves resistance to moisture and UV damage
- Makes cleaning easier and more efficient
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Floor
Not all wood floor finishes are created equal — and not every type is suitable for every space. To choose the best option, you need to consider your wood species, room conditions, and lifestyle needs. A finish that works beautifully in a low-traffic bedroom may not perform well in a busy hallway or kitchen.
Think about the balance between durability and appearance. Do you want a floor that’s ultra-resistant to wear, or are you more focused on achieving a natural, authentic look? Some finishes require regular maintenance, like re-oiling, while others provide long-term protection with minimal upkeep. The key is to match the finish to both the wood and the way the room is used daily.
- High-traffic areas: Choose tough, durable finishes like lacquer
- Sun-exposed rooms: Opt for finishes with UV filters
- Natural look lovers: Consider oiled finishes for subtle elegance
- Busy households: Go for low-maintenance finishes that hide wear
Lacquered Finish
A lacquered finish is ideal for homeowners who want a floor that’s both visually appealing and highly durable. This finish forms a hard, protective coating on the surface of the wood, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture. It is an excellent option for high-traffic areas such as hallways, kitchens, and living rooms.
Visually, lacquered solid wood floors tend to highlight the natural grain, knots, and colour variations of the timber. If you are a fan of a rustic, character-rich appearance, this finish will suit you well. However, if you are looking for a more uniform look, a different finish might be more appropriate.
Another key benefit is its low-maintenance nature. A lacquered floor is easy to clean and requires very little day-to-day care. If durability and convenience are your priorities, this finish is a solid choice for your solid wood flooring.
Brushed and Lacquered Finish
A brushed and lacquered finish combines the best of both worlds — natural texture and maximum protection. The brushing process enhances the wood’s surface by removing softer fibres and exposing the grain, giving the floor a more tactile, rustic appearance. This textured surface is then sealed with a durable lacquer coating, creating a finish that is both beautiful and resilient.
One of the main advantages of this finish is that it hides scratches and everyday wear exceptionally well. The brushed surface helps diffuse natural light, reducing the visibility of imperfections and giving the wood a soft, warm glow. You also have the flexibility to choose between various levels of sheen — from ultra-matt to glossy — depending on your preferred look.
If you want a floor that shows off the natural character of wood while offering excellent durability and easy maintenance, a brushed and lacquered finish is a highly practical and stylish option.
Brushed and Oiled Finish
If you are aiming for the most natural look and feel in your wooden floor, a brushed and oiled finish is the perfect choice. The brushing process enhances the wood’s natural texture, while the oil penetrates deep into the fibres, preserving the authentic character of the timber and adding subtle protection without creating a plastic-like coating.
This type of finish beautifully highlights knots, grain patterns, and organic features, making the floor a true centrepiece of any room. Many modern oil finishes also include UV filters, which help protect the wood from sun damage and discolouration — especially important in bright or south-facing rooms.
A brushed and oiled floor is also excellent at concealing scratches and minor marks, making it a practical option for homes with pets or children. However, unlike lacquer, oil finishes do require periodic reapplication to maintain their protection and lustre. For those who appreciate warmth, character, and a more traditional aesthetic, this finish offers timeless appeal.
Comparison Table: Choosing the Right Wood Floor Finish
| Feature | Lacquered | Brushed & Lacquered | Brushed & Oiled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Smooth, shiny or matt, highlights grain | Textured, soft sheen, shows character | Very natural, rustic, deep grain feel |
| Durability | High resistance to scratches and wear | High durability, hides wear very well | Good, but needs periodic re-oiling |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance, easy to clean | Easy to maintain and clean | Requires re-oiling every 1–2 years |
| Scratch Resistance | Good, but visible over time | Excellent — brushed texture hides marks | Good, scratches blend with natural look |
| Best For | High-traffic homes and easy upkeep | Busy homes with style and practicality | Natural style lovers, rustic interiors |
Frequently Asked Questions
Still unsure which finish is best for your wood floor? These common questions can help you better understand how to choose and maintain the ideal finish for your space.
Can I change the finish on my solid wood floor later?
Yes, one of the great advantages of solid wood flooring is that it can be sanded and refinished multiple times. If you decide you prefer a different look or need to repair wear, our wood floor refinishing services can help restore or change your floor’s finish professionally.
How often should I re-oil a brushed and oiled floor?
On average, oiled wood floors should be re-oiled every 12 to 24 months, depending on use and exposure. High-traffic areas may require more frequent maintenance, while rooms with low footfall can go longer between treatments.
Is lacquered flooring more slippery than oiled flooring?
Lacquered floors, especially those with a gloss finish, may feel smoother underfoot compared to oiled surfaces. However, modern lacquers can include anti-slip additives. If safety is a concern, opt for a matt lacquer or oiled finish for more traction.
Which finish is easiest to clean?
Lacquered and brushed & lacquered finishes are generally easier to clean and require less frequent maintenance. Their sealed surface repels dust and spills, making them ideal for busy households looking for low-maintenance solutions.