If you’re thinking about investing in wooden flooring, then wood wax advantages and disadvantages are something you’re going to need to know about too. Applying a wax finish to wooden flooring can bring out the natural beauty of the material. A single application can make Chevron flooring sing or add new layers of detail to long plank wood flooring. Once your flooring has been installed, it’s always advised to add a wax finish to improve aesthetics and add a long-lasting layer of protection.
Searching for premium flooring that won’t break the bank? At Wood Flooring Ireland, we’ve been providing stylish flooring solutions to customers for more than 15 years. In recent years, we’ve made sure sustainability and traceability are at the heart of our operation. All of our flooring products are now made with the finest European oak sourced from sustainable forests. Furthermore, all of our finishes are non-toxic and eco-friendly.
Are you interested in engineered wood floors and want to know how to keep them looking their best for years to come? Read on for an in-depth guide that outlines everything you need to know about the pros and cons of wood wax finishes.
Wood Wax Advantages and Disadvantages: Should You Use Them?
Wax finishes have been used to treat wooden floors for many years. In the past, these finishes were typically made from plant-based ingredients and natural solutions like beeswax. While these traditional products continue to be used to treat oak wood flooring, they’ve largely been supplanted by artificial alternatives.
Although some purists resist synthetic wood finishes, they have significant benefits. For starters, they’re easier to apply and can make quick work of treating floors in larger spaces. Ultimately, however, these synthetic products are not the same as traditional wax. If you want to enjoy the full benefits of wood wax on your floors, it’s always best to choose a natural product.
The Benefits of Using Wax Finishes
If you’re eager to rejuvenate tired-looking Versailles panels or herringbone flooring, a traditional wax finish is a way to go. Unlike synthetic products, wood wax reinvigorates flooring materials with a subtle shine. This accentuates, rather than overwhelms, natural grains and details. Need more convincing? Read on to discover more about the benefits of using wood wax on flooring.
It Protects Wooden Floors
Durability is a key concern for anyone with a wooden floor. Foot traffic is a major issue in busier rooms, particularly hallways and living spaces. There are several wood wax advantages and disadvantages, but the protective benefits far outweigh any drawbacks.
A single coat of timber finish or natural wax can provide significant protection against foot traffic. If you’ve invested in expensive hardwood or premium engineered wood flooring, this will ensure it looks its best for years to come.
A coat of wax will protect against superficial scratches. A thick enough coat will also protect against dents. The best natural wax finishes also protect wood flooring against water damage. This waterproofing performance will ensure the occasional spillage isn’t cause for alarm. Even if water remains sitting on your flooring for a while, there’s less chance of discolouration or warping occurring. This is particularly handy if you’re worried about how to clean engineered wood floors.
Application is Easy
You don’t need to be an expert restorer to use wood wax. Most wood wax finishes are incredibly easy to work with and can be applied quickly. If you’re planning a big restoration project or are laying wooden floors for the first time, wood wax is the way to go.
Another advantage of wood wax is that it dries quickly. Again, this speeds up projects and means you can start using spaces as quickly as possible. For this reason, wood wax is a good choice for commercial spaces and when you want to avoid costly downtime.
The consistency of wood wax also means you don’t have to worry too much about the occasional mistake. If you’ve been too liberal with your application, you can quickly rectify the problem without causing any damage to wooden floors or veneer layers. This is in contrast to solvents, where a single mistake can result in you having to strip away valuable millimetres of material to remedy the problem.
It’s an Eco-Friendly Option
If you’re worried about the environmental impact of refinishing a floor, always go for wood wax. Natural products that include things like beeswax don’t contain toxic chemicals that can harm the environment. Finishes high in volatile organic compounds can also prove detrimental to indoor quality and should be avoided. This is something to consider if you share your home with young children or asthma sufferers.
If you’ve used synthetic wood finishes before, you’ve likely had to deal with unwanted odours that linger for a long time. Although wood wax does have a subtle odour, it’s not particularly unpleasant and will eventually dissipate.
Wood Wax Breathes New Life into Wood
If you’re still weighing up wood wax’s advantages and disadvantages, let the results speak for themselves. When it comes to restoring wooden floors, there’s no better product than natural timber wax.
To restore wood floors to their original appearance, many people reach for electric sanders. However, a single application of finish wax can often rejuvenate the appearance of a wood floor. Wax also brings out the beauty of wood, enriching its natural colour and highlighting the grain.
The Downsides of Wood Wax Finishes
Wood wax is an inexpensive way of protecting your floor and restoring its appearance. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider before you start applying it.
Hard to Remove
As with many finishes, wood wax can be incredibly difficult to remove. Although wax and polish removers can make the process easier, these can damage your floors if not used sparingly. Generally speaking, the older the wood wax, the more stubborn it will be when it comes to stripping it away. However, provided you’ve done a good job with your initial application, you shouldn’t have to worry about removing the finish in the future.
It’s Not Designed for Every Floor Type
Wax finishes seem like an easy option for any wooden floor. What are the different types of wood flooring that wood wax can be used on? As a rule, you should only use these finishes on genuine hardwood floors or premium engineered wood flooring. Never attempt to use wood wax on vinyl. You also need to think about the colour of your flooring. Some finishes won’t produce great results when used on white wood flooring or grey wood flooring.
Not as Durable as Synthetic Finishes
When it comes to wood wax advantages and disadvantages, durability needs to be considered. While it’s true that any application of wood finish will help protect your flooring, natural products aren’t as durable as ones containing polyurethane. If you need to protect a wood floor in a space with considerable foot traffic, consider using a finish that includes polyurethane.
Looking for high-quality engineered wood flooring?
Looking for a hard-wearing alternative to conventional wood flooring? Engineered wood flooring is something to consider. Engineered wood offers the same breathtaking aesthetics as hardwood, but is significantly more durable and can be installed in a wider range of spaces.
At Wood Flooring Ireland, we offer a huge range of engineered wood products for residential and commercial spaces alike. Our impressive range caters to just about every taste and budget. Our team is on hand to talk you through all the options available. Use the online contact form to drop us a message. Alternatively, call us on 021 4629913. Would you prefer to see products in person? Visit our Cork showroom to discover our range for yourself.