{"id":34145,"date":"2021-09-01T14:25:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-01T18:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wideplankflooring.com\/?p=34145"},"modified":"2021-09-15T14:00:41","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T18:00:41","slug":"the-3-most-popular-finishes-for-your-hardwood-floor-hard-wax-oils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wideplankflooring.com\/blog\/the-3-most-popular-finishes-for-your-hardwood-floor-hard-wax-oils\/","title":{"rendered":"The 3 Most Popular Finishes For Your Hardwood Floor: Hard Wax Oils"},"content":{"rendered":"
In the two previous posts in this series, we looked at the benefits and challenges of water-based polyurethane finishes<\/a><\/span> and oil-based finishes<\/a><\/span>. In this post, we\u2019ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of the third most popular finish for hardwood floors \u2013 hard wax oils.<\/p>\n Hard wax oil is a combination of natural oil and wax along with an optional pigment that can bring color to the floor.\u00a0 These finishes have been in use throughout Europe as a site-applied finish for a very long time and like matte hardwood floors<\/a><\/span>, are growing in popularity in the United States.<\/p>\n Hard wax oils permeate the wood to create a protective barrier against stains and water damage. By hardening or \u201ccuring\u201d the wood, hard wax oils extend the life of the floor and help to retain the beauty of the original wood for a longer period of time. These finishes provide a low-build, low-sheen alternative to other popular floor finishes and are often offered as prefinished hardwood flooring<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n Because hard wax oils provide a low-build, low-matte finish, they allow the original beauty and personality of the wood to shine through. Hard wax is extremely water repellent, helping to effectively protect the wood from spills and water damage. In many situations, hard wax oil requires only a single application, helping to speed along the finishing process. And repairing a scratch or a worn spot is quite simple on a floor finished with hard wax oil \u2013 you can easily buff out the scratch and apply more finish to the spot to create an even look.<\/p>\n Hard wax requires a far different level of short-term maintenance and long-term care for your floors. Because the finish contains wax, it never cures into a hardcover finish.\u00a0 While this softness makes it easy to buff in a new coat of oil when refinishing the floor, it means you also have to reapply oil every 2 \u2013 4 years to maintain the fresh appearance of the finish. Hard wax oil also requires specialty cleaners so that the wax and oils are replenished on a regular basis. This requirement not only adds to the cost of maintaining the floor but can result in the warranty being voided if other products are used. Additionally, hard wax oils are highly impacted by UV light, so rooms with greater exposure to the sun will result in significant degradation in color over time.<\/p>\n Cleaning a floor finished with hard wax oil can be more difficult.\u00a0 Although dust can be regularly vacuumed or swept away, stubborn dirt or grime must be removed using a proprietary finish for that specific floor.\u00a0 This can add cost to the maintenance program of the floor.\u00a0 You must check with the manufacturer to ensure you are using the cleaners approved for your finish. As with all hardwood floor finishes, it\u2019s essential that any spills are cleaned up immediately and that water is never left standing on the floor.<\/p>\n Many hard wax oils use little to no volatile organic compounds \u2013 the chemicals that emit gasses that can be harmful to people and the environment. Consequently, they offer healthier, more eco-friendly options for finishing your floors.<\/p>\n Selecting the type of wood, the width of your planks, and the color of your stain will always be the first and most exciting choices when designing a hardwood floor. But choosing the right finish can help to protect your investment and allow your floors to become the defining feature of your home.<\/p>\n At Carlisle, you\u2019ll not only find the finest wide plank surfaces in the country, but you\u2019ll also get the assistance you need to design the floors of your dreams. We\u2019ve been handcrafting exquisite floors for more than half a century, and our products are widely recognized for their incredible beauty and quality. Our floors are fashioned by artisan craftsmen and master woodworkers who live and breathe fine wood. We obsess over every detail, creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that will truly be an expression of your sense of style. Whether you\u2019re interested in a hard wax oil finish or an oil or water-based finish, our design consultants will work closely with you to understand your vision for your space and help you realize it with the perfect Carlisle wide plank floor.<\/p>\n Read Part 1:\u00a0 The 3 Most Popular Finishes For Your Hardwood Floor: Water-based Polyurethane Finish<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is hard wax oil?<\/h2>\n
Advantages of a hard wax oil finish<\/h2>\n
Disadvantages of a hard wax oil finish<\/h2>\n
Maintenance<\/h2>\n
Environmental impact<\/h2>\n
Carlisle Wide Plank Floors<\/h2>\n