After sanding comes the final decision, how to treat the floor. Varnish or oil? Both options have their place, but suit different usage conditions and require different maintenance.
Varnish creates a continuous protective layer on the wood surface. This makes the floor more resistant to water, spilled coffee and common chemicals, available in either glossy or matte finish according to preference. Daily maintenance is simple, just wipe with a damp cloth, without special products. The disadvantage is that if the varnish layer is scratched or penetrated, it is harder to repair: usually the entire room or at least a larger continuous area needs to be sanded and re-varnished, as local repairs tend to be visible.
Hard wax oil penetrates into the wood and nourishes it from within, unlike varnish which forms a surface layer. The floor thus "breathes", has a more natural, matte appearance and a pleasant feel underfoot. A major advantage is easy local repair, damaged areas can be lightly sanded and re-oiled individually without affecting the rest of the floor. The disadvantage is lower water resistance and the need for regular renewal, usually once every 2-3 years in high-traffic rooms such as hallways or living rooms.
In price lists and among tradesmen, "hard wax oil" is often mentioned. It is a combination of classic oil with a wax component that improves the surface's resistance to water and wear while preserving a natural, matte appearance and easy local repair. It is currently the most frequently chosen option for oil treatment on residential floors in Praha, as it combines the advantages of both approaches: the living look of wood with slightly higher durability than pure natural oil.
| Criterion | Lacquer | Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | High | Lower |
| Appearance | Glossy or matte, uniform | Natural, matte |
| Local repair | Difficult | Easy |
| Surface restoration | After years, nationwide | Approximately 2-3 years, in stages |
| Daily maintenance | Damp rag | A damp cloth, occasionally with oil soap. |
The drying time differs for both treatments. The lacquer is walkable after 6-8 hours following the first coat, but reaches full load-bearing capacity only after 7-10 days. Hard wax oil is walkable after just 24 hours and withstands full load after 3-5 days, making it suitable where furniture needs to be moved back in quickly.
In the price list, both surface finishes are priced the same: approximately from 230 Kč/m². The price difference is not due to the material itself, but rather how many layers are applied and whether a system with multiple oil coats is chosen. Even within one category, products vary, single-component varnish is cheaper but less durable than two-component polyurethane systems, just as single-layer oil is a cheaper option compared to multi-layer premium systems. The exact amount, like for other renovation steps, will be confirmed after inspection: a detailed renovation price list can be found in a separate article.
What if you already have varnish on the floor and want to switch to oil, or vice versa? The transition is possible but always requires thorough sanding of the old layer down to bare wood: neither oil nor varnish can be applied over the other as they do not adhere properly and the surface would peel. When requesting a renovation quote, therefore, always specify which surface treatment you intend to use so we know what to expect during sanding. If you are unsure, we will recommend a solution based on the floor's condition and the apartment's usage directly on site.
Put simply: families with young children and households where spills or scratches are common tend to choose oil finishes due to easy local repairs and a natural, non-slip surface. Offices, rental properties and high-traffic areas, on the other hand, opt for lacquer because it is more durable and requires less frequent maintenance. If you are unsure, we will advise on the choice during the site inspection. We can see how the space will actually be used and recommend a specific solution accordingly.
Unsure what to choose for your flooring? We provide free on-site advice.
Request a site inspectionComplete price list for renovation including varnishing and oiling.
TechnologyWhat sanding must achieve before varnish or oil is applied.
ServiceComplete price list for renovation and enquiry form.