Solid Wooden Flooring protection

bretts

Hi Members

Just want to know, I got solid wooden flooring installed in my house, just want to know if I should use something on top of it to protect that would help it last longer or should I leave it as it is raw. Its oak.

Please advise.

Bretts

evoke

^ Untreated solid wood flooring is hygroscopic - meaning that it can absorb moisture. This can cause the size of the boards to fluctuate. It's best to try and maintain a reasonably constant level of humidity and temperature in the room where the flooring is.

Water is going to be the biggest of your solid wood floor so watch for spills and clean up any spills immediately.

I would leave it as it is and perhaps consider getting a humidifier for the room during Winter.

scottishblondie

If by "raw" you mean its unfinished, then yes you need to seal it or it will deteriorate. It should be sanded and finished either with a varnish or wax, depending on which finish you like better.

Leif

You also want to look at hardwax oil, which is similar to Danish Oil, but much tougher. A review of some:

http://www.peakoak.co.uk/blog/guides/a-guide-to-oak-floor-finishes

Spill red wine on bare wood, and you'll have a stain. Spill it on hardwax oil, and you won't. An alternative is polyurethane varnish.