Considering and following these factors can lead to a better timber floor sealing finish.

Whether you’re renovating timber flooring or restoring it to its old glory, adding a sealing finish can introduce a warm, natural, and elegant addition that will significantly change the look and function of your home.

However, most homeowners might overlook the importance of choosing the right finish for their timber – often choosing a readily available one that coincides with their aesthetics, while forgoing factors such as the type of timber and its durability.

In truth, there’s more to timber finishes than just looks. The right one can guard against most forms of damage, and make cleaning easier while enhancing the natural appeal of your timber floors with an elegant sheen.

In this article, Croydon Floors tackles the factors you have to consider when choosing a timber floor sealing finish that’s right for you, as well as extrapolate on the types of finishes you could potentially use in your project.

 

Benefits of Sealing Timber Finishes

Before we go into detail about the intricate specifics of choosing the right sealing finish, it’s important to understand why we do it in the first place.

Unsealed timber, while perfectly good on its own, can easily absorb any liquids that it comes into contact with, and swell with the body of moisture sponged. Sealing the timber with a finish provides the wood with a protective layer of coating that offers the following benefits:

  • Allows them to repel moisture and humidity, preventing it from seeping in and warping / swelling the wood.
  • Makes them less likely to accrue damage from daily wear-and-tear or water damage, extending its lifespan as a result.
  • Eases cleaning efforts, as the seal will protect from stains, dents, chips, or scratches, and retain its natural beauty for as long as possible. These imperfections can trap dirt or dust particles, which can negatively affect its appearance and make cleaning even more challenging.

 

Choosing A Timber Sealing Finish

There are three main timber finishes: water-based finishes, oil-based finishes, and varnishes. Each of them has its own sets of advantages and drawbacks that we’ll need to know, so as to choose the right finish according to your needs and preferences.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Oil is great for highlighting the natural colour of the wood – but it’s important to note that most oil-based finishes have a strong odour, require multiple coats, and have longer drying times when compared to other finishes.

On the other hand, water-based finishes are safe, odourless, and dry faster, in exchange for not penetrating the wood as deeply as their oil-based counterparts, and may elevate the grain of the wood.

Lastly, varnishes utilise a combination of synthetic and natural resins like acrylic, pine, shellac, and polyurethane.

Due to this unique composition, varnishes can be used in various applications when thicker coats are needed, in order to protect against heavy wear and tear.

While varnishes can be a great option, we don’t recommend them if your home experiences frequent temperature changes or has high humidity. 

Varnishes contain natural resins that can be sensitive to these conditions, which may result in inconsistent drying and curing that leads to a ruined finish.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Timber Finish

Timber Type and Aesthetics

Timber can vary depending on its aesthetics and properties, and the wood you choose will directly influence the performance and appearance of the sealing finish.

For example, timber floors built with hardwood such as oak or walnut may work best with water or oil-based polyurethane, as it preserves their warm, natural look. 

On the other hand, softwood floors like pine, spruce, or cedar can easily dent and cup, which may require satin polyurethane, given that it’s tough enough to work well with the wood.

If you would love to get a timber type that’s not too hard to clean and maintain, we recommend choosing a hardwood like oak or walnut, which are both durable and relatively easy to care for.

Personal preferences also matter when choosing a finish. People who prefer a glossy, shiny look may like varnish or high-gloss polyurethane finishes. If you would love to go for a more natural appearance, we recommend considering oil-based finishes.

 

Foot Traffic

Foot traffic is an important metric, as it will determine how long your finish will last until it’s time to sand it back down and reapply it again.

If the flooring is located in an area where it regularly encounters heavy foot traffic such as a hallway, we may need to look into a durable finish that can withstand these conditions. Conversely, low-traffic areas such as bedrooms afford us the flexibility to choose a more ‘delicate’ finish.

Most homeowners also consider opting for an eco-friendly finish, as some types may contain harmful chemicals or emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to indoor air quality.

 

Choose Croydon Floors For Timber Floor Sealing Solutions

With that said, we do not recommend sanding and sealing your timber floors on your own.

While it’s tempting to do DIY, these floors may not come out up as you would want to without the guidance and technical know-how of a professional.

Tried-and-true professionals like Croydon Floor Services can offer solid handiwork and unparalleled advice to get the end result you’re looking for.Ready to get started? Contact us today at 0411 744 969 to get a free quote.