Selecting the best oil for wooden floors

In this post we will try to help you selecting the best oil for wooden floors so stay with us and the blog of Resand.co.uk…

The beauty and elegance of wooden flooring are widely recognised among UK homeowners. Over the past decade, hardwood floors have grown significantly in popularity.

More than 60% of UK homeowners favoured hardwood floors over carpeted options, praising their timeless charm, durability, and the unique character they add to any interior.

Yet, it’s not enough to simply install these sought-after wooden floors – they need to be maintained and nurtured to preserve their charm. And a key factor in ensuring the longevity and good looks of your wooden floors is the type of oil used for their upkeep.

A well-chosen oil doesn’t just nourish the wood; it accentuates its natural grain, protects it from everyday wear and tear, and gives it an inviting lustre. With a myriad of options available in the UK market, it can be quite daunting to choose the right oil.

This quick guide aims to demystify the process, guiding you through the intricacies of wooden floor oils, and helping you make an informed decision that will keep your floors looking their best.

Understanding the role of oil for the wooden floors

Before diving into the types of oils available, it’s essential to understand why choosing the best oil for wooden floors is vital for wooden floor maintenance.

Unlike surface finishes, which create a protective layer on top of the wood, oil finishes penetrate deep into the wood fibres.

This not only enhances the natural colour and character of the wood but also provides protection from the inside out, increasing its resistance to scratches, dents, and even water damage.

The importance of oiling wooden floors is underscored by a consumer study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders. In this study, a striking 78% of participants found that oiled wooden floors managed to retain their aesthetic appeal far longer than those that had been left untreated.

So, if you want your hardwood floors to continue to dazzle for years to come, you can’t afford to overlook the importance of oiling.

Types of oil for wooden floors

The type of oil you choose for your wooden floor can dramatically influence its appearance and durability.

Here are some of the most popular oils in the UK market and their distinct properties:

Linseed Oil

Linseed oil is an all-natural oil that is extracted from flax seeds.

Due to its excellent penetrating properties, it offers robust protection for your wooden floors by seeping deep into the wood fibres.

It is biodegradable and completely non-toxic, making it an environmentally friendly choice that aligns well with the preferences of the 42% of UK consumers who aim to make environmentally friendly purchases.

Tung Oil

Originating from the Tung tree, Tung oil creates a hard, durable surface that’s resistant to water, alcohol, and even mild acids.

This property makes it a fantastic choice for homes in areas with high humidity or for rooms where spills are frequent, such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Danish Oil

A blend of Tung oil, varnish, and sometimes other ingredients like linseed oil, Danish oil offers the best of both worlds.

It penetrates deep into the wood to provide protection, while also forming a hard, durable surface. Furthermore, it gives the wood a warm glow, enhancing its natural beauty.

Teak Oil

Despite its name, Teak oil isn’t derived from the teak tree. Instead, it’s a mix of linseed oil, Tung oil, varnish the floor, and mineral spirits.

It is ideal for dense woods and creates a long-lasting finish that brings out the natural grain of the wood.

Although often used for outdoor furniture, it’s also a suitable choice for indoor floors.

The Best oil for wooden floors – factors to consider

There are several key factors to consider when choosing an oil for your wooden floor:

Wood Type

Different types of wood absorb oil in varying ways, which impacts your choice of oil.

For instance, softwoods like pine tend to absorb oil more readily than hardwoods, and therefore might require multiple coats of a lighter oil like linseed.

On the other hand, hardwoods like oak or maple, due to their denser structure, might do well with a single coat of a denser oil like teak.

Finish

Your personal aesthetic preferences also influence your oil selection.

Different oils produce different finishes.

Linseed oil gives a matte finish that showcases the raw, natural look of the wood, Danish oil produces a satin finish that imparts a subtle sheen, and teak oil results in a semi-gloss finish that gives the wood a rich lustre.

Location

The geographical location of your home and the local climate can dictate the best oil for your wooden floor.

For example, if you live in a region with high humidity, such as London, where the relative humidity can fluctuate between 60% and 80% throughout the year, an oil like Tung oil with superior water resistance might be ideal.

Choosing the best oil for wooden floors in the UK Market

Renowned brands such as Ronseal, Fiddes, and Osmo have carved a niche for themselves among UK consumers.

Fiddes Hard Wax Oil, for instance, is an excellent all-around choice. It offers a blend of natural oils and waxes that provide a durable, hard-wearing, and water-resistant finish.

What is the best oil for my wooden floors

The selection of the best oil for wooden floors for your home is a crucial step towards ensuring longevity and aesthetic appeal.

Choosing the best oil for wooden floors will not only preserve the beautiful character of the wood but also offer protection from everyday wear and tear.

This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process, equipping you with the knowledge needed to make a wise choice that suits your wooden floors and your home’s unique needs.

However, remember that it’s always beneficial to seek professional advice when unsure.

Floor companies like Resand.co.uk, with their extensive experience and expertise in wooden floor maintenance, can provide personalised advice and services tailored to your needs.

Finally, bear in mind that a well-maintained wooden floor is not just about preserving aesthetics – it’s also a sound financial investment.

So, by choosing wisely and investing in high-quality floor polish care, you can ensure that your wooden floors continue to be a defining feature of your home, potentially boosting its market value.

Don’t let the beauty of your wooden floors fade with time!

Keep them gleaming and protected with professional floor oiling services from Resand.co.uk –  Contact us now!.