What is the first thing we all prefer turning to when we want to give our home a modern touch- wood, right? And why not? They magically enhance the looks of a space. However, wood is a natural material that tends to crack and swell when exposed to moisture and other environmental factors. The good news is that the wood finish protects wooden furniture,  floors and artifacts from damage by adding a protective layer.

Finishing also adds to the wood's beauty, making it vital for you to choose the right finish. Today let’s deep ocean of different types of finish the you can use to enhance the look of the wood work, which will assist you in making a decision that suits your projects and your needs. So, let us dive into the factors you must consider when choosing the wood finish.

1. Take the type of wood into account

Which type of wood are you using? Is it a hardwood (Oak, maple, mahogany) or a softwood (pine, redwood)? You need to consider this because each type of wood has its own unique characteristics, such as grain patterns, porosity, colour and density that differentiate it from the other. Because of these characteristics, they respond differently to different finishes.

For example, softwood has large pores due to which they absorb the wood finishes more quickly and usually a sealer is applied on their surface to prevent the finish from soaking unevenly. On the other hand, hardwoods are denser and absorb the finishes evenly, so there is no need to apply a sealer.

2. Consider the environment

How wood behaves with time depends a lot on the environment in which it has been placed. For example, you don’t need to think much while selecting finishes for your indoor wood furniture, wood flooring, etc. This is because the indoor environment is more controlled than the outdoors.

Indoors, wood is not exposed to humidity, extreme temperature changes and UV light, allowing you to pick those finishes that focus more on aesthetics rather than durability. Outdoor furniture, on the other hand, has to tolerate the harsh weather, sunlight, and temperature changes, which means they require finishes that can provide them protection against all these challenges.

3. Assess maintenance needs of wood finishes

Wood finishes require maintenance, just like anything else, so you need to consider how much you can do. For example, oil finishes wear down with everyday use and exposure to different elements. This means you need to reapply them periodically. If you don’t do this, you will compromise the wood protection.

However, finishes such as polyurethane and varnish are more durable and resistant to daily wear and tear. So, they require less maintenance- or you can just clean them instead of reapplying. But keep in mind that high-maintenance finishes, such as oil finishes, give a more natural look compared to less-maintenance finishes.

Also read about 4 Easy Steps on How to Maintain your Deck 

4. Examine the ease of applying the finish

The next thing you need to look for is how easy it is to use them. Some finishes are easier to apply than the other. For example, some can be applied by hand with a cloth, while others require a brush or spray equipment. And, it is quite obvious that to use spray equipment, one needs to do a bit of practice while applying the finish with a cloth can be much easier.

5. Consider your budget

We know we have kept this point in the end, but it doesn’t mean that you have to consider it at the end. Consider setting the budget at the very start of the home renovation project will help you set realistic goals and make the right decisions. We are saying this because some wood finishes are more expensive than others depending on their quality, durability and aesthetic appeal.

Note- You can pick less expensive options such as Danish oil, if your budget is tight. However, if you can spend more, consider expensive options such as varnish.

Wrapping up

One needs to consider several factors while picking the right wood finish from finding their compatibility with the wood to maintenance, budget, ease of application and everything mentioned above. These aspects will help you showcase the natural beauty of the wood at your home while keeping it protected from moisture, UV rays and many more things. However, if you are still skeptical about choosing the right wood finish for your home, consider seeking professionals such as Well Crafted Reno who are pioneers of wood finishes.