Oiled Floors vs. Urethane Finished Floors

Choosing the Right Finish for Your Hardwood Flooring Project

One of the most important decisions when selecting hardwood flooring is the type of finish. The finish not only affects the floor’s appearance but also impacts maintenance, repairability, and long-term performance.

At Artistry Hardwood Flooring, we offer both natural oil finishes and urethane finishes, each with distinct advantages depending on your project’s needs.

1. Oiled Floors

• What They Are: Finished with penetrating natural or UV-cured oils that soak into the wood fibers rather than forming a surface film.
  
  

• Look & Feel:
  
  

• Warm, matte appearance that enhances the depth and character of the wood grain.
  
  

• Soft, natural feel underfoot.
  
  

• Benefits:
  
  

• Spot-repairable — small scratches or wear areas can be touched up without refinishing the entire floor.
  
  

• Ages gracefully, developing a rich patina over time.
  
  

• Eco-friendly options available with zero or low VOCs.
  
  

• Considerations:
  
  

• Requires regular maintenance with re-oiling to keep protection levels high.
  
  

• More sensitive to spills if not maintained properly.
  
  

2. Urethane Finished Floors

• What They Are: Finished with polyurethane (oil-based or water-based) that creates a protective film over the wood surface.
  
  

• Look & Feel:
  
  

• Available in matte, satin, or gloss sheens.
  
  

• Consistent, smooth surface with uniform light reflection.
  
  

• Benefits:
  
  

• Extremely durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture.
  
  

• Lower maintenance requirements — no frequent re-oiling needed.
  
  

• Perfect for high-traffic areas and busy households.
  
  

• Considerations:
  
  

• Damage typically requires professional refinishing of the whole floor section.
  
  

• Less “natural” tactile feel compared to oil finishes.
  
  

3. Which Should You Choose?

• Oiled Floors: Ideal for luxury residential projects, boutique commercial spaces, and designs seeking a natural, organic feel. Great for clients willing to invest in ongoing care.
  
  

• Urethane Floors: Perfect for families, high-traffic spaces, and projects prioritizing maximum durability with minimal maintenance.
  
  

Our High-Performance UV Oil combines the beauty and repairability of natural oil with the durability of a factory-cured finish — bridging the gap between the two worlds. We also offer DuraArt+ UV Matte Urethane for projects that demand ultra-low maintenance without sacrificing beauty.