How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Wood Floor: Lacquer vs Oil vs Hardwax

Choosing a finish for your wood floor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make — whether you’re installing new boards or restoring an existing floor. The right finish not only defines the look and feel of your space, but also affects how well your floor resists wear, moisture, and daily use over time.

At Mazon Flooring, we guide clients through this choice every day. With options including lacquer, oil, and hardwax oil, it’s important to match your finish to your lifestyle, home aesthetic, and maintenance expectations.

Why the Finish Matters

A wood floor’s finish serves two purposes:

Protection – Acting as a barrier against dirt, moisture, scratches, and wear.
Aesthetics – Defining the floor’s appearance, from high-gloss shine to natural matte tones.

Different finishes offer different levels of protection, texture, and maintenance requirements — so the right choice balances both style and practicality.

Lacquer Finish – Durable, Low-Maintenance, and Versatile

What is it?
A surface coating that forms a hard, protective layer on top of the wood.

Best for:

Busy family homes with pets or children
High-traffic spaces like kitchens and hallways
Clients seeking a low-maintenance, highly durable finish

Key benefits:

Extremely durable and resistant to scratches and stains
Available in ultra-matt, matt, satin, and gloss
Easy to clean with a pH-neutral cleaner
Long-lasting, smooth appearance

Considerations:

Requires full reapplication if damaged
Less grain enhancement compared to oils

Mazon’s choice: Bona Traffic HD — market-leading durability with a low-VOC, eco-conscious formula.

Oil Finish – Natural Beauty with Deep Grain Enhancement

What is it?
Penetrates the wood fibres, hardening within to enhance texture and warmth.

Best for:

Period properties and rustic interiors
Homeowners who prioritise natural character
Spaces where regular care is possible

Key benefits:

Matte or satin finish with rich grain detail
Allows the wood to breathe naturally
Easy to spot-repair
Develops a beautiful patina over time

Considerations:

Requires re-oiling every 1–2 years
More prone to stains if not maintained

Hardwax Oil Finish – A Balanced Blend of Durability and Aesthetics

What is it?
Combines the natural look of oil with added wax protection, creating a lightly sealed, resilient surface.

Best for:

Homes seeking balance between natural looks and practicality
Medium to high traffic spaces
Subtle, textured finishes with extra protection

Key benefits:

Enhances grain with a natural, matte or satin look
More water and stain resistance than pure oil
Can be spot-repaired without full sanding
Easier upkeep than traditional oil

Considerations:

Still needs reapplication every 2–3 years
Less robust than lacquer in heavy-use conditions