About Oiled Hardwood Floors

Like other hardwood floors, oiled hardwood floors provide a smooth surface with a clean finish and nice appearance. Though there are some slight differences in the shine, texture and quality of hardwood floors, depending upon the type of wood and finishing used, oiled hardwood floors perform the same type of function and basically take on the same appearance as other hardwood floors that are treated (or untreated) with a different finish. Therefore, choosing oiled hardwood floors over floors that are waxed or left rustic mostly boils down to personal preference.

Instructions

Significance

1. Oiled hardwood floors are similar to standard or waxed hardwood floors in that they consist of cut boards of lumber, such as oak, being laid down as flooring. The finish and treatment of oiled hardwood floors differ from other wooden flooring options because oiled hardwood floors are lacquered and treated with a variety of different oils that are sealed in and prevent the flooring from being penetrated by small dings, stains or blunt force trauma.

Features

1. Hardwood floors are treated with a few different elements to produce that "oiled," or sleek and shiny, appearance. Vegetable oil is one of the most common elements used to treat hardwood floors, as is tung and linseed oil.

Identification

1. Oiled hardwood floors take on a seemingly "wet" appearance, which makes them easily identifiable. Wax floors can be slightly duller in appearance, and the texture of these boards will be more rubber-like than oiled floors, which usually have a smooth, slick finish. One advantage oiled hardwood floors have over other flooring is that their sleek, protected texture protects scratches and discoloration better than most.

Geography

1. Oiled hardwood floors can be used throughout your house, though they are most popular and practical in the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, oiled hardwood floors can prevent stains that commonly seep into the grout and crevices of tile or marble flooring. The floor's shiny surface will also help you to identify any stains before they become hard to remove. Some people also install oiled hardwood floors in their dining rooms or living rooms if the room is right off of the kitchen.

Prevention/Solution

1. When cleaning your oiled hardwood floors you want to use a solution like Murphy's Oil Soap, which is water-based. Because oiled hardwood floors do not need to be waxed, the water-based solution should not harm your floors. You should also choose a cleaner that does not contain harsh ingredients like ammonia or bleach. A simple damp cloth can also remove standard dirt and debris.