Oil vs Lacquer — Choosing the Best Finish for Your Wood Floor

Why Your Floor Finish Matters

When restoring or installing a wood floor, the finish you choose makes a huge difference — both to how the floor looks and how it wears over time.
At DAB Floor Care, we regularly help homeowners and businesses choose between oil and lacquer finishes as part of our wood floor sanding services.
Each option has its own strengths — and the best choice depends on your lifestyle, flooring type, and the look you want to achieve.

An Oak floor sanded and oil samples applied to help client decide on their preferred finish in Brighouse - completed by DAB Floor Care — 2k Oil samples on an oak floor for client to consider – by DAB Floor Care.

oiled-floor-completed-luddenden-halifax — An Oiled floor finished with a 2k oil by DAB Floor Care

What is an Oiled Finish?

An oiled floor finish penetrates deep into the wood fibres, enhancing the natural grain and giving the surface a rich, organic appearance.
Rather than forming a surface coating, oil integrates with the wood, offering a natural feel underfoot. We recommend and use oils from Rubio and Treatex as well as other leading brands to get the perfect floor for you.

Pros of Oiled Floors

Beautiful natural appearance — enhances grain and texture.
Easier to repair — small scratches and wear can often be spot-treated without re-sanding.
Non-glossy look — perfect for traditional and rustic interiors.

Cons of Oiled Floors

Higher maintenance — floors need periodic re-oiling to stay protected.
Less resistant to stains and spills compared to lacquered finishes.

What is a Lacquered Finish?

A lacquered finish creates a protective top layer on the surface of the wood.
It seals the wood completely, offering excellent resistance to wear, moisture, and stains. Lacquers come in various sheens, from matte to high gloss. We recommend and use lacquers from Berger Seidle and Bona. Our preference for heavy duty residential and commercial floors is Berger Seidle Greenstar, a two-part polyurethane lacquer that is available in matt, semi-gloss and gloss; it is free from hazard warnings, meaning a safe environment for everyone!

Pros of Lacquered Floors

Highly durable — ideal for high-traffic areas.
Low maintenance — no regular re-oiling needed.
Spill and stain resistant — easier to clean.
Customisable colour options — stains can be applied before lacquering to change the floor’s tone or colour while still providing excellent protection.

Adding a wood stain before applying lacquer allows you to completely transform the appearance of your flooring.
Whether you want to enhance the natural warmth of oak, create a richer antique tone, or modernise the floor with cooler grey hues, staining gives you flexibility before the lacquer is applied for durability.

Cons of Lacquered Floors

Surface scratches are more visible — and harder to patch invisibly.
Less natural feel compared to oiled floors.

oak-floor-after-sanding-and-lacquer-in-linthwaite — An oak floor finished in Berger Seidle Greenstar Semi-Gloss lacquer by DAB Floor Care

How to Choose Between Oil and Lacquer

When deciding between oil and lacquer, consider:

Your lifestyle: Busy households or commercial settings often benefit from the durability of lacquer.
Desired appearance: If you love a warm, natural look, oil may be the better choice.
Maintenance commitment: Oiled floors require more regular care, but can be maintained in smaller sections without major work.

If you’re unsure, DAB Floor Care is happy to provide sample areas so you can see how different finishes look on your actual floor before making a final decision. Contact us today for a no obligation estimate.

DAB Floor Care — Expert Advice and Floor Finishing Services

At DAB Floor Care, we offer professional wood floor sanding and a full range of bespoke finishes —
including hardwax oils, stains, and lacquers — to suit your floor type and lifestyle needs.

We use Lagler PST® sanding technology for virtually dust-free preparation and only recommend finishes that combine beauty with durability.

Serving Huddersfield, Halifax, Rochdale, Manchester, and surrounding areas.

Revive. Restore. Protect. — with DAB Floor Care.

Can I change an oiled wood floor to a lacquered finish?

Yes, it’s possible, but the floor will generally need to be professionally sanded back to bare wood before applying lacquer. It may be possible to add a coat of maintenance oil and / or hard-wax oil to protect the floor. We recommend a full assessment to ensure the best results.

How often does an oiled floor need maintenance?

Oiled floors should ideally be re-oiled every 12–24 months depending on foot traffic. High-traffic areas may need a maintenance coat sooner to keep the wood protected.

Is lacquer more durable than oil on wood floors?

Yes — lacquer forms a hard surface layer that resists scratches and spills more effectively than oil. It’s ideal for busy households or commercial spaces.