Solid wood floors bring timeless beauty and warmth to any home, but selecting the right finish can transform them into a practical and stylish choice that suits your lifestyle. With so many finishes available, it’s important to understand their unique characteristics to make the best choice for your space. Let’s explore the five main options: brushed & oiled, brushed & lacquered, oiled, hand-scraped, and unfinished.
Brushed & Oiled Finish for your Solid Wood Floors
If you’re after a natural and rustic look, a brushed and oiled finish might be the perfect match. The brushing process enhances the wood’s natural texture by removing softer grains, resulting in a more tactile surface. This is followed by oiling, which deepens the wood’s colour and provides a protective layer.
This finish is excellent for family homes, like mine, where the occasional scrape or scratch from kids or pets like our Labrador, can blend into the textured surface rather than standing out. However, regular maintenance is needed to reapply the oil and keep the floor looking its best.
Brushed & Lacquered Finish
For those seeking durability with a touch of sophistication, a brushed and lacquered finish is a great choice. Like its oiled counterpart, this finish involves brushing the wood for texture but is followed by a lacquer layer that forms a smooth, protective surface.
This finish is ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways or living rooms because it resists spills and stains better than oiled finishes. A neighbour of mine opted for this finish in her dining area, and she’s thrilled with how easy it is to wipe away the inevitable food spills after dinner parties.
Oiled Finish
An oiled finish offers a classic, understated charm that penetrates deep into the wood to enhance its natural grain. It creates a soft sheen rather than a high-gloss look, perfect for cosy and elegant settings.
However, this finish requires a bit more upkeep. The oil wears away over time, meaning it will need periodic reapplication. It’s worth it if you love the tactile quality and warmth it brings to a room. My cousin chose this finish for her snug, and its cosy appeal is undeniable, but she admits to needing a good maintenance routine to keep it looking fresh.
Hand-Scraped Finish
For homeowners who want their floors to make a bold statement, a hand-scraped finish provides a unique, artisanal touch. This process creates a slightly uneven surface with visible tooling marks, giving the wood a vintage, distressed appearance.
This finish is perfect for older homes or anyone who loves the shabby-chic aesthetic. I once visited a gorgeous country home with hand-scraped floors, and I couldn’t resist running my hand over the textured planks—it felt as special as it looked! On the practical side, this finish hides wear and tear exceptionally well, making it a good option for busy households.
Unfinished Floors
For the creative and adventurous, unfinished solid wood floors offer a blank canvas. These come without any protective coating, allowing you to customise the finish entirely to your liking. Whether you want a high-gloss varnish, a specific stain, or a bespoke treatment, unfinished floors can be tailored to your vision.
However, this option requires a bit more time and effort. Once installed, you’ll need to sand, stain, and seal the wood before it’s ready to use. It’s not a route I’d recommend for households with young children or pets unless you’re prepared for some disruption during the finishing process.
Which Finish is Right for You?
The right finish ultimately depends on your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and willingness to maintain the floors. If you value low maintenance and durability, brushed & lacquered might be your best bet. For a natural, rustic vibe, brushed & oiled or oiled finishes are beautiful options. If you’re drawn to unique textures, hand-scraped floors are hard to beat. And if you love the idea of complete customisation, unfinished floors provide endless possibilities.
At FlooringHub.co.uk, we understand that choosing the right finish is a big decision. Our free samples can help you see and feel the difference, making it easier to find the perfect match for your home. Order yours today and start your journey towards stunning solid wood floors.
