What Is Hard Wax Oil and Is It the Right Choice for My Timber Floor?

Published on Nov 12, 2024

Wood Floor Care

Until recently, over 90% of timber floors were coated with a polyurethane surface sealer (sometimes referred to as lacquer or Estapol). However, hard wax oils are becoming increasingly popular.

Hard wax oils combine the protective qualities of a surface sealer with the natural beauty of an oil finish. Usually, in a satin or matt sheen level, a hard wax oil (sometimes referred to as a hard liquid wax) highlights the wood grain and allows the floor to breathe while adding water and stain resistance.

Here's a breakdown of its benefits and things to consider:

Benefits of Hard Wax Oil

Natural Look and Feel: Hard wax oil enhances the wood's natural appearance and texture without creating a thick, glossy layer, making it ideal for those who prefer an organic look.
Durability: It forms a durable finish that is resistant to spills, scratches, and wear, which is especially useful in high-traffic areas.
Spot Repairable: Unlike polyurethane finishes, you can spot-repair scratches or worn areas by sanding and reapplying the original hard wax oil or a maintenance kit in just those areas rather than refinishing the whole floor.
Low Odour/Low VOCs: Many hard wax oils are eco-friendly and low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them a good choice for indoor air quality.

Drawbacks of Hard Wax Oil

Regular Maintenance: Hard wax oil requires occasional maintenance, such as a yearly maintenance oil or re-oiling every few years, depending on the floor's wear and tear.
Less Glossy Finish: For those who prefer a high-shine finish, hard wax oil won't provide the same glossy effect as polyurethane finishes.

How to Clean a Hard Wax Oil Floor

cleaning a timber floor with a mop

Cleaning a hard wax oil floor requires a combination of vacuuming, mopping and a hard wax oil conditioner. A typical cleaning schedule will usually be as follows:

Vacuuming – twice a week
Mopping with a neutral pH wood floor cleaner – weekly
Application of a hard wax oil conditioner – 6 to 12 months. Products such as the Bona Oil Refresher are easy to use, cost-effective and achieve excellent results.

Regular cleaning with a specific hard wax oil floor cleaner or neutral pH wood floor cleaner is ideal to help preserve the floor’s natural look and extend its lifespan.

The Verdict

Image of hardwax oil coated floor

Hard wax oil is an excellent choice if you're looking for a natural, breathable, and easily repairable finish. It's especially popular for hardwood floors in homes with a rustic, natural aesthetic. However, a polyurethane or similar synthetic finish might be more suitable if you want a glossy finish.

Hard Liquid Wax and Floor Sanding Professionals

Hard Liquid Wax floor sanding

Electrodry provides a high-quality floor sanding and maintenance service throughout most areas of Australia. Our team offers a range of custom floor finishes, including polyurethane and hard liquid wax.