Wood Flooring In Different Finishes You Must Know

Wooden flooring is the new trend of the era. People prefer having wooden floors not only at home but also in retail stores. There are several reasons why people are opting for wooden floors. Some of the significant benefits are that they are strong and durable, making them perfect for heavy foot traffic. Additionally, they are easy to clean and maintain, and they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space. These are some of the essential reasons why people are now preferring wooden floors. Wooden floors are available in different shades, which further enhances the look of the space. You will have a wide range of options, including oak herringbone flooring, herringbone engineered flooring and unfinished wooden flooring. Make sure to choose one that complements the colour of the walls, the design of the ceilings, furniture, and other elements in the house. Whether you install wood floors in your home, office space, or retail store, you will always find a warm, cosy, and inviting atmosphere that elevates your mood.

In this article, we will explore the myriad finishes for wood flooring, each offering unique design possibilities. There are two main categories of wood finishes: surface finishes and penetrating finishes. Both finishes come with different subtypes, each with its distinct aesthetic. Surface finishes build up a protective layer on the top of the wood, while penetrating finishes, as the name suggests, go deep into the wood fibres, hardening and making them strong and durable from within. You can find these various finishes of wood flooring at stores near you, offering a wide range of design options. Floorsave is one of them, offering multiple floors in exceptional finishes, including engineered oak flooring and luxury vinyl tile flooring. Let’s now explore the diverse world of wood flooring finishes.

Polyurethane

This is a standard surface finish found in wooden floors. It is strong and durable, creating a tough, plastic-like coating that prevents the floor from scratches, moisture, and stains. You will find this surface finish in several sheens, ranging from high-gloss to semi-gloss, satin, and matte finishes. You will have a wide range of aesthetic choices if you opt for a wood floor with polyurethane. Oil-based polyurethanes have an amber tone and are highly durable. On the other hand, water-based polyurethanes have low volatile organic compounds. They dry quickly and maintain the natural colour of the wooden floor. If you want a similar finish for your floors, consider wooden floorings with either an oil-based polyurethane finish or a water-based polyurethane finish. Hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring, and other types of wooden flooring are some of the options you will find in this finish.

Tung oil or linseed oil finish

Tung oil or linseed oil finish falls under the category of penetrating finishes. They penetrate the wood, thereby improving its natural beauty. Not just that, they also provide a low-lustre, matte finish to the wooden floor. You will find wooden floors in these finishes offering warm and rich tones. These finishes allow the wood to breathe and, therefore, are suitable for solid wooden floors. If you opt for wooden floors with oil finishes, ensure that you regularly maintain them. Re-oil them every few years, and in case of damage, they are easier to repair than the surface finishes.

Aluminum oxide

Aluminium oxide is a surface finish and is highly durable. You will find this finish mainly on prefinished hardwood flooring. To create a hard and scratch-resistant surface, it is infused into polyurethane layers. Wooden floors with this finish are suitable for spaces with heavy foot traffic. Therefore, you can have them at your retail store, office, or at home with children and pets.

Wax finish

Wax finish is another crucial penetrating finish that you will find in wooden floors. It is mainly used in conjunction with an oil finish. It gives a soft, low-sheen finish to the wooden floors. It protects the floors from moisture and scratches. Wooden floors with a wax finish require regular maintenance, including buffing and re-waxing.

Summing up
These are some of the finishes which you find in wooden floors, whether it is solid oak flooring or standard wood flooring. Other surface and penetrating finishes that you will find on wooden floors include lacquer, varnish, and hardwax oil, among others. Choose wisely, depending on your lifestyle, the wood species, the aesthetic you want for your space, and whether you are willing to maintain the wood floors regularly or not. If you’re looking for an affordable option that gives you the vibe of unique wooden floor finishes, you can try SPC flooring and similar alternatives.