Now that you have decided on a timber floor for your home, there’s another decision you need to make before going ahead with the installation. What is your most preferred finish in timber flooring?
From matte and satin lacquer to distressed, timber floors can be finished in different ways to suit your design sensibilities and aesthetic objectives. For instance, you can retain the natural look by leaving it unfinished; alternatively, you can choose the popular oiled finish that lets the natural beauty of the timber shine through. Or perhaps the distressed look for an antique vibe that seems to be trending today.
Obrien Timber Floors has created a handy flooring finish guide that will explain the unique characteristics of each finishing choice.
Unfinished floors
An unfinished floor is one, which will simply have its surface sanded before being installed. The unfinished look helps create a bespoke floor; however, the lack of an appropriate protective finish can cause damage to the surface.
Satin lacquer flooring finish
Recommended for Obrien Timber Floors’ solid or engineered timber floors, a satin lacquer finish combines excellent durability with easy cleaning. The even sheen allows light to gently reflect off the surface for a fresh and airy feel. The satin lacquer finish is especially useful in rooms that don’t possess an abundant natural light source.
Oiled flooring finish
An all-time favourite, the transparent finish of oiled flooring lets the natural beauty of the timber floor shine through. Modern production methods allow some of Obrien Timber Floors’ products to be fully prefinished with natural oils before they arrive. Offering superior protection, these timber floors will still require occasional maintenance including regular cleaning.
Matte flooring finish
A matte lacquer finish allows the wood floor to appear as nature intended without the extravagant glossy effect while still offering excellent protection. Though the matte lacquer layer is virtually invisible, it does a superb job in terms of function and aesthetic. A floor with a matte lacquer finish is also simpler to maintain.
Brushed flooring finish
The brushed finish comes from roller brushing the timber surface to remove the softer summer growth rings from the grain. The flooring finish is then applied to reveal a naturally textured surface that does a brilliant job highlighting the structure of the grain and providing a fine, rich texture.
Distressed flooring finish
Be it clothing or interiors, the ‘distressed’ look is experiencing a big comeback in design. Using a machine, and sometimes through more manual means, the surface is scraped away and a stain is applied to complement the newly uneven finish. The end outcome is a deliberately aged, distressed look and feel that adds real charm and character to the home.
