If you’ve invested in beautiful wooden floor, the last thing you want is signs of wear and tear, damage, or the need to replace it after only a short time. The good news is, there are ways to avoid this with proper wood floor maintenance. It’s always recommended that you hire a contractor to help you maintain your floor properly. This is the same whether it’s a floor in a residential or commercial property. Proper care and upkeep will help keep your floor looking great, for longer, which ultimately saves you in the long run. One of the best ways to protect your floor is through a quality finish. These come in many shapes and sizes and have multiple benefits. Here’s a guide to how wood floor finishes can help protect your floor.
What types of finish are available?
Lacquers
When it comes to choosing a wood floor finish, there are a few different options you can pick from. Lacquers are a good option for both commercial and residential properties as they add an extra barrier between the wood floor and furniture, foot traffic or other objects which may damage the floor. Lacquers are what give wood floors the shiny appearance. Not only do they protect the floor, but the gloss finish will also help make them easier to clean.
For commercial spaces where there is likely to be a heavier amount of use, a professional will be able to recommend a stronger solution which will provide adequate protection for your floor. There are plenty of contractors who offer commercial wood floor varnish Manchester. Speak to a professional about the needs for your commercial space and they can advise on products which will provide a suitable level of protection.
Oil finish
Another great option for wood floor finishes is an oil-based finish. This finish has many benefits. One of the reasons many people choose to pick an oil finish is for the aesthetics. Oil finishes don’t leave the glossy, shiny looking feel that lacquers do. Instead, they enhance the natural look of the floor and manage to offer an excellent level of protection that is virtually invisible. The chances are you’ve picked this type of floor because you like the way it looks, so this is a perfect option for visual appeal.
Oil finishes, unlike other types, penetrate the wood and protect the layers underneath the surface. Lacquers only offer a layer on top of the surface. So, whilst both offer excellent protection, if you’d like to protect the whole floor, this is a great option.
Plus, if you’re looking to keep your wood flooring for years to come, the chances are you’ll need to replace the finish at some point. Another benefit to oil finishes is when they need replacing you can simply re-apply another layer of the finish. This is compared to lacquers which need to be removed via floor sanding processes before you can re-apply the finish. This can prove more expensive, take more time and is ultimately more disruptive.
Oil finishes can also be maintained yourself. There are lots of different products on the market for wood oil maintenance which you can apply as part of your cleaning processes.
A professional flooring contractor will be able to advise on the process of wood floor oil finish Manchester.
What are the benefits to wood floor finishes?
Anti-stain
One of the worst forms of damage for a wooden floor is stains. Whether your floor is residential or commercial, there are always chances of accidental spillages. Wood finishes can help stop the liquid from penetrating the wood itself, so stains become much easier to clean up. Even the worst offenders liked red wine and coffee can be combated with a good quality, well-maintained finish.
Avoid scratches and scuffs
Much like stains, scratches and scuffs can be avoided with a good finish. Certain finishes will prevent scratches better than others, so it is always recommended that you speak to an expert if you think your floor may be more likely to become damaged. They will be able to help you pick a product that will reduce the likelihood that your floor will become scratched down the line.
Stop water damage
Water can be a disaster for your wooden floor. Many people think water damage only occurs when there is a leak or large amount of water which comes into contact with your floor. Unfortunately, water damage can occur even when small amounts of water is left on the floor. This can happen through cleaning processes such as using steam cleaners, which can damage a floor or using excessive amounts of water when cleaning the floor with a mop. By choosing a finish which is water repellent, you can make sure your floor is protected for longer.
For more information about wood floor finishes, or to speak to an expert for advice call us on 0161 945 8475 or email info@naturalflooringsolutions.co.uk
