Oil vs lacquer: how to choose the right wood floor finish

Once a floor has been sanded back to bare timber, the finish you choose matters just as much as the sanding itself. It changes how the floor looks, how it stands up to daily life, and how you maintain it. The two main options are hardwax oil and lacquer — here's how they compare.

What's the difference?

Hardwax oil soaks into the timber and hardens within the wood, leaving a natural, low-sheen surface you can feel. Lacquer (also called varnish) sits on top of the wood as a protective film. Both protect the floor; they just do it in very different ways.

Hardwax oil

• A natural, matt look that keeps the real feel of the wood
• Easy to spot-repair — worn areas can be refreshed without sanding the whole floor
• Brands we use include Osmo, Rubio Monocoat, Blanchon and Ciranova
• Needs occasional re-oiling to stay at its best

Oil is the natural choice for period homes and anyone who wants the floor to look and feel like real timber.

Lacquer

• A tough surface film that resists scuffs and spills
• Very low maintenance day to day
• Available in matt, satin or gloss — brands we use include Bona, Loba and Morrells
• Harder to spot-repair — worn patches usually mean re-coating the area

Lacquer is ideal for busy households, rentals and commercial floors where durability and easy cleaning matter most.

Which should you choose?

For a natural look and floors you don't mind maintaining, choose oil. For maximum durability and minimal upkeep, choose lacquer. We'll always talk you through the options for your particular floor and how the room is used before you decide.

Don't forget sheen

Whichever you pick, you can usually choose matt, satin or gloss. Matt and satin hide everyday wear better and suit modern interiors; gloss makes more of a statement but shows scratches sooner. It's all part of our sanding and sealing service.