Another thing that might come to your notice when you are selecting engineered wood flooring is the finish that is adopted in the construction. Two finish types, oiled and lacquered, are most widely used and both offer their own advantages. Here are a closer look so you can easily decide on which looks good in your space.
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Is Oil Better Than Lacquer for Engineered Wood?
Oiled finishes retain the appearance of the wood, augmenting plus its grain patterns while providing it with a smooth low sheen. It also provides the floor with a natural look that ‘warms’ it up for the purpose of adding a homely, traditional aspect into the room. Another benefit on the same is that oil penetrates into the pores of the wood hence it is can be easily retired leaving a small spot where the scratch was noted. Nevertheless, this bath finish is best used for rooms that are frequently used since the finish’s appearance deteriorates with time if not frequently polished.
While on the other hand, there are those which create a surface coat to the wood such as the lacquered finishes. This makes them ideal to be used in hallways or other areas which come into contact with traffic or shoes since they are not easily scratched, stained or damaged by moisture In households with children and/or pets, this is an added bonus. Lacquered floors are smoother, shiny in fact hence can make the rooms look more refined and polished. The downside? Recoating can be less complicated because all that is normally done is to apply a new coat of lacquer while repairs can be even more difficult as damage often extends to the lacquer.
What Finish Is Best for Engineered Wood Flooring?
The right finish for your flooring depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Let’s break it down:
Oiled Finish
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Natural Look: Highlights the wood’s grain and texture for a classic, understated style.
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Easy Repairs: Small scratches or marks can be treated with a bit of oil.
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Maintenance Needed: Regular oiling is necessary to maintain the finish and protect the wood.
Lacquered Finish
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Durable: Offers excellent protection against wear and tear.
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Low Maintenance: Keeps its appearance without much effort over time.
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Modern Aesthetic: The glossy or satin finish suits contemporary spaces.
If you’re drawn to a natural, authentic look and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, an oiled finish could be the way to go. If you need something tough and easy to care for, lacquered flooring might be a better fit.
Which Engineered Wood Flooring Is Best?
The best choice depends on your priorities, such as durability, appearance, and budget. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:
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Wear Layer Thickness: Thicker wear layers (3mm or more) allow for more refinishing in the future, extending the life of your flooring.
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Wood Species: Oak is a popular choice for its versatility and strength, while walnut offers a darker, more dramatic look.
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Plank Size: Wider, longer planks can make a room feel more spacious and cohesive.
Both oiled and lacquered finishes are great options, and the best choice will depend on the balance of practicality and style you’re after.
Does Engineered Wood Flooring Need Oiling?
In the case where your flooring has an oiled finish, you will need to occasion re-oil them in order to keep it safe from further damage and to look its best again. That way the wood remains wet to prevent it from cracking up due to the effects of the sun and winds. In contrast, pre-finished lacquered floors do not need further amenities, given that the lacquer presents a definite shield from wears.
The two main types of engineered wood flooring include oiled and lacquered , and can be used immediately after installation since they are already pre-finished. For those floors that are in the process of being, for instance, sanded, oiling is done to seal the floor surface.
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Choosing What’s Right for You
The differences between oiled and lacquered engineered wood flooring purely depend on the appearance and feel of the floors and how much routine maintenance the owner is willing to do. Oiled finishes reveal the unique look of the wood and enable simple spot restoration, on the other hand, lacquered finishes provide a smooth and professional layer which is less problematic to sustain in the long term.
Here at UK Flooring Depot – we are always on hand to assist you with the find the right floor covering for your home. Visit our shops to see the different varieties of engineered wood we offer and let us help you find one that best suits your design desire, need for durability, and cost.
