Parquet Flooring Finishes & Treatments
Unfinished
Unfinished flooring is just that, essentially, wood has been cut and shaped into planks with no other finishing process such as oiling or lacquer.
Whilst unfinished flooring does require treatment or protection after fitting and before use, it does offer the benefit of a wider range of styles available, thanks to the availability of oils, waxes or stains.
Brushed
Brushed flooring is finished using a steel wire wool during production, removing the upper layer of wood grain, leaving a textured finish. Brushed floors offer a textured surface with enhanced grain and pattern.
Depth of texture varies, depending upon the level of brushing and wood type.
Lacquered
Lacquer is a protection finish applied to flooring to reduce the damage caused by spillages, effectively creating a thin surface layer which prevents liquids seeping into wood grains.
Often considered the modern varnish equivalent, lacquered flooring is ideal for heavier traffic areas that need a higher protection level.
Oiled
Oil provides a deeper protection than lacquer, by seeping into wood grain, enhancing the aesthetic of wood flooring, however, as there is no surface layer created, oiled flooring usually requires greater maintenance and care over spillages.
Oiled flooring is preferred by those looking for a natural, ‘untreated’ look, whilst still offering some level of protection and longevity.