INTERIORS Finishes for the future
Steve Grimwood of Osmo UK provides an insight into the various benefits of wood flooring, and why specifiers should choose natural finish options
W
ooden flooring is a beautiful feature of any home, but it is important to understand that as
an organic matter, it will continue to need nourishment to ensure it stays in the best possible condition, both aesthetically and structurally. My best advice to architects, specifiers and contractors is to make use of a high-quality finish, one that’s full of natural ingredients, to complement the wood’s properties. This will ensure that the wood continues to breathe and respond well to environmental conditions, removing any possibility of cracking and or blistering.
Protection
A desired result for many is the natural, rustic look. To maintain this, the finish applied needs to add durability to the wood surface, protecting it from every day wear-and-tear, stains and dirt. In this situation, a clear matt finish would be the answer. The finish will not detract from the overall beauty of the natural wood, but will make it more robust, adding to the longevity. Oil and wax finishes penetrate deeply into the wood to create a micro- porous finish. This allows the wood to breathe, moisture to evaporate and ensures a flawless finish both upon application and for many years to come.
After treatment the wood is strengthened from within, and retains its elasticity. It becomes water repellent, stain resistant and more hardwearing, because it meets the wood’s natural requirements, and does not crack, flake, peel or blister. This makes it an ideal choice for commercial projects where the wooden flooring needs to last, alongside remaining aesthetically pleasing.
Colour
Another feature of wooden finishes is the ability to apply colour to your flooring. Tired or dull rooms can quickly be converted to gain a vibrant and exciting appearance. Whether it is a simple tint to change the shade of the wood, or a complete overhaul to a refreshing bold colour tone – this can be a quick-fix way of
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improving the appearance of the room. Products are available on the market that address these needs; they have been designed to combine creative design and perfect protection. Not only do they offer visual enhancement, but also a finish that maintains the natural characteristics of the wood.
A current trend within UK homes is for light-wash appearance flooring. Going for a pale finish can give an impression of increased space – essential when many people are investing more in improvements, over relocating. Additionally, a lighter finish can really open up the room – this is especially helpful when designing a space with limited natural light.
Safety
Depending on the location of the floor, safety needs to be considered when specifying the finish. Like any hard-flooring material, wood can become slippery when
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My best advice to architects, specifiers and contractors is to make use of a high-quality finish, full of natural ingredients to complement the wood’s properties
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