Engineered Flooring Finishes

When it comes to engineered wood flooring, the finish you choose will not only determine the final appearance of your floor but also its durability, maintenance requirements, and the overall ambience it adds to your room. The finish is the protective layer applied to the wood's surface that can enhance the wood's natural grain and provide a specific level of sheen. Here, we'll explore some of the popular finishes for engineered wood flooring: satin lacquer, matt lacquer, natural oil, and unfinished floors.

Satin Lacquer Finish

A satin lacquer finish adds a slight gloss to your engineered wood floor, accentuating its rich natural beauty. The smooth, lustrous finish brings out the wood's grain and patterns, adding an element of sophistication to the room. It offers an ideal balance between a high-gloss shine and a matt finish, contributing to its popularity among homeowners and designers.

Moreover, a satin lacquer finish is durable, providing a robust layer of protection against scratches, spills, and everyday wear and tear. This makes it a particularly suitable choice for high-traffic areas or households with pets and children. The lacquer finish also has the added benefit of slowing down the colour changing effects caused by exposure to sunlight.

Matt Lacquer Finish

The matt lacquer finish gives your engineered wood flooring a more natural, understated aesthetic. By toning down the level of gloss, this finish offers the charm of an oiled or waxed floor, with the additional resilience of a lacquered finish. The matt finish minimizes light reflection, drawing attention to the wood's texture and grain.

Like the satin lacquer finish, the matt lacquer finish also provides a protective shield against scratches and spills and is resistant to the effects of sunlight. Despite its understated look, it requires minimal maintenance, making it a popular choice for those seeking a natural-looking floor with practical benefits.

Natural Oil Finish

The natural oil finish is the most traditional finish for engineered wood floors. It seeps into the wood's pores, enhancing the grain and adding a warm, rich depth to the wood's natural colour. This finish leaves the wood looking and feeling natural, with a beautiful low sheen.

While a natural oil finish requires more frequent maintenance compared to lacquer finishes, the application process is straightforward. The oil finish, however, offers a slightly lower level of protection against wear and tear and sunlight. Despite this, many homeowners appreciate the traditional and warm feel that a naturally oiled floor brings to a room.

Unfinished Floors

Choosing an unfinished engineered wood floor gives you the ultimate freedom in deciding the final look of your floor. Unfinished floors come without any protective coating, leaving the wood in its most natural state. This gives you the opportunity to customize the floor's finish to your specific preferences, allowing for a truly unique floor.

However, it's important to note that unfinished floors require a finish to be applied post-installation to protect the wood from damage and wear. This can include applying a stain to achieve a desired colour, followed by a protective coating like lacquer or oil.

Each of these finishes has its unique benefits and characteristics, making it important to consider your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and maintenance willingness when making a choice. A well-chosen finish can significantly enhance the beauty of your engineered wood floor, contributing to the overall ambience of your space.