Refurbishment and Restore Issue 19 2020 | Page 35

Finishing is a separate thing in itself; you can use a pigmented oil to see the real feel and colour of the wood. Or look to darken the grain with a darker stain or oil. If you’re going with a raw wooden floor, do plenty of samples to ensure you’re happy with the chosen finish. Go with a non- yellowing acrylic lacquer either in single or two part. Bona do great lacquers and we highly recommend these. Osmo do a great range of oils. We would always go with a non-yellowing oil or lacquer if working with a Scandi style floor, this means the colour of the naturally lighter wood won’t end up darker than it should. Another tip is to always buy extra, so you can test out the finishes and see what works before laying the floor. Or lay the floor but use the off cuts to test out the stains and lacquers. There will always be wastage as well. And always future proof, always get a batch of the wood if you’re planning on using it for another room as chances are the supplier may not have that wood in future and it will be different. A wooden floor is an investment, but it will last a lifetime and grow with you in the property. Invest as much as you can to get the best quality product as it’s not likely that you’ll change the floor again, unlike carpet or vinyl, a wooden floor is generally for the life of the property. www.enmasseinteriors.co.uk www.refurbandrestore.co.uk - 35