Meticulous Craftsmanship - A Guide to Wood Flooring Finishes

A floor's "face" depends not just on the wood, but crucially on its surface finish, determining its looks, feel, and durability.

• UV-Lacquer Finish:

  • Process: Paint cured instantly under UV light. Multiple layers create a very hard surface.

  • Traits: Range of sheens (gloss, semi-matt, matt); Extremely wear/scratch-resistant; Easy to clean; Smooth, uniform look. The most common finish, especially for laminate and some solid/engineered.

  • Feel: Smooth, you feel the protective film.

• Oil / Hardwax Oil Finish:

  • Process: Natural oils (e.g., linseed) and waxes soak into the wood pores, rather than sitting on top as a thick film.

  • Traits: Reveals the wood's true texture, feels authentic; Eco-friendly & healthy, very low VOCs; Easy spot repairs (small scratches can be re-oiled); Requires periodic maintenance (every 1-2 years).

  • Feel: Warm, tactile, you feel the wood grain. Highly natural.

• White Washed / Stained:

  • Process: Special coloring applied before sealing (with oil or lacquer). White washing lowers value for a weathered, Nordic look. Staining changes the wood's color and enhances grain contrast.

  • Traits: Highly decorative, enables rich color effects. Performance depends on the final sealant (oil or lacquer).

• Hand-scraped / Brushed:

  • Process: Mechanical or manual texturing creates a 3D, uneven surface mimicking old hand-planing or emphasizing the wood's natural grain.

  • Traits: Strong rustic/antique feel, highly textured; Excellent at hiding scratches and wear; May feel rough barefoot.

  • Feel: Distinctly textured and uneven, full of character.

• Matte / Microporous:

  • Trend: Extremely popular recently. Special paints/processes create very low light reflection.

  • Traits: Sophisticated, subtle, soft appearance; Hides dust and footprints well; Better at concealing scratches than glossier finishes; Creates a calm, soothing atmosphere.