Lacquer vs Oil Finish: Which One Is Easier to Maintain?
When choosing a wood floor, the finish is just as important as the colour or pattern. It not only defines the floor’s look and feel but also plays a big role in how easy it is to maintain over time. Two of the most popular options are lacquered and oiled finishes — each with its advantages and care requirements.
If you're unsure which finish is better suited to your home and lifestyle, this guide will help you compare them side by side so you can make an informed choice that balances beauty with practicality.
Understanding Lacquer and Oil Finishes
Before comparing maintenance routines, it’s important to understand how these two finishes work and how they affect the appearance and protection of your floor:
- Lacquered Finish: A lacquer forms a hard, protective layer on top of the wood, similar to a clear varnish. It shields the surface from moisture and stains and often gives the floor a smoother, glossier appearance. Some modern lacquers have a matt finish that mimics the natural look of oil.
- Oiled Finish: An oil finish penetrates the wood fibres, enhancing the grain and giving the surface a rich, natural, matt texture. Instead of sitting on top, oil nourishes the wood from within, allowing it to breathe. It gives a more traditional look but needs more regular upkeep.
Each finish offers a different aesthetic and level of surface protection — and that plays directly into how much work is needed to keep it looking great.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Comparison
Both lacquered and oiled floors benefit from regular cleaning to remove dust and dirt — but the approach and product choice differ depending on the finish:
- Lacquered Floors: These are generally easier to clean. You can use a soft broom, vacuum with a wood floor attachment, or a damp (not wet) mop. Most pH-neutral wood floor cleaners are compatible with lacquered surfaces, and the finish offers greater resistance to spills and staining.
- Oiled Floors: Oiled finishes require a bit more care. Daily cleaning should be dry (sweeping or vacuuming), and only special wood soap or pH-neutral cleaners designed for oiled floors should be used. Water should be used sparingly, and harsh cleaning agents must be avoided to prevent drying out the wood.
If you want a low-maintenance cleaning routine, lacquered floors typically win in this category. Oiled floors need a gentler touch and a more consistent routine.
Long-Term Maintenance Needs
While daily cleaning is manageable for both finishes, long-term maintenance is where the differences between lacquer and oil become noticeable. Each finish ages differently and requires a distinct approach to restoration and protection:
- Lacquered Floors: Lacquer offers excellent surface protection, so you won’t need to refinish as often. However, scratches and scuffs are harder to repair locally. If damage becomes widespread, the entire floor may need to be sanded and re-lacquered. That said, many lacquered floors can go years without needing more than regular cleaning.
- Oiled Floors: Oiled surfaces are easier to touch up in specific areas. You can reapply maintenance oil to small patches without refinishing the whole floor. However, the trade-off is that oiled floors require more frequent upkeep — usually a fresh coat of maintenance oil every 12 to 24 months, depending on wear and foot traffic.
If you're looking for easy spot-repair and don't mind occasional re-oiling, an oiled finish may suit you. For longer gaps between maintenance sessions, lacquer may be the better fit.
Which Is Easier to Maintain in Busy Homes?
In households with kids, pets, or frequent visitors, ease of maintenance becomes a top priority. Here's how lacquer and oil finishes compare in high-traffic settings:
- Lacquered Finish: The hard surface layer makes it more resistant to spills, stains, and abrasion, which is ideal for busy areas like hallways, kitchens, or living rooms. It’s also easier to clean quickly — perfect for families who want a “wipe-and-go” solution.
- Oiled Finish: While oiled floors tend to show wear more quickly, they have one major advantage — they’re easier to repair locally. Scratches or dry spots can be spot-oiled without the need for sanding, which is helpful in homes with active pets or furniture movement.
Overall, lacquered finishes require less routine maintenance, making them a popular choice for busy homes. But if you prefer a natural, tactile surface that’s easy to refresh in patches, oiled flooring still holds its place.
Shop Flooring with Lacquer or Oil Finishes
Whether you prefer the easy-care surface of lacquer or the warm, natural look of oil, we have a wide selection of wood flooring to match your lifestyle and interior style.
If you're unsure which finish is right for your space, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to help you choose a product that looks great and fits your maintenance needs.
Conclusion
Both lacquer and oil finishes have their strengths — and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle, expectations, and maintenance preferences. If you want a surface that’s easy to clean and resists everyday wear, lacquered flooring may be your best bet. If you value a natural look and easy spot-repair, an oiled finish is worth the extra care.