Is penetrating oil a good choice for hardwood flooring?

Hardwood flooring has many types of finishes, but penetrating oil is often favored. Read on to learn why many prefer this to the traditional polyurethane finish.

Natural appearance

The oil becomes part of the wood, so it’s the most natural. It has a somewhat low sheen and a warm appearance.

Polyurethane does come in satin or matte options. It still has that plastic-like look, though.

Penetrating oil is also a favorite among installers for its easy application. This eliminates worries about streaking or feathering, which can make a floor look sloppy and shabby.

Penetrating oil is more durable

Penetrating oil is just that. It absorbs into the hardwood and becomes part of it. Some oils even include hardening agents.

Others sit on top of the wood, creating a sort of wear layer. It protects it, but keep in mind that effectiveness depends upon how it interacts with the hardwood floors.

This key difference makes oil the more durable choice.

No re-application necessary

Walking on floors is a normal occurrence of living. Wood flooring is no exception, and eventually, there’ll be some normal wear.

When finished with penetrating oil, however, it’s a little easier. All it needs is a cleaning and re-oil–and that you can easily do yourself with your hardwood flooring in Woodstock.

Others need to be refinished. That can be a time-consuming and expensive procedure.

Hardwood flooring expertise for 50 years

At Cherokee Flooring, we’re the wood floor experts in the Metro Atlanta area. We’ll help you choose the right hardwood flooring and give you a great installation–and then offer tips on taking care of it. We’ll help you decide on the best finish for your needs.

Visit our showroom in Woodstock, GA, where you’ll see top brands like Mohawk, Palmetto Road, Somerset, and more. We work with homeowners and businesses in Woodstock, Marietta, Canton, Acworth, and Kennesaw.