Oiled or varnished parquet?

Choosing an oiled or varnished parquet? Let’s look at the differences and advantages of the two types of wooden flooring.

Before choosing a particular parquet, you need to ask yourself whether oiling or varnishing is more suitable for your needs. It is important to understand that both procedures protect the parquet, but they have differences that can influence the degree of satisfaction provided by the floor and its daily use. So let’s explore the advantages of oiled or varnished parquet in order to choose the one best suited to our needs.

Varnished parquet: what are the advantages?

Varnished parquet is a type of parquet on which a protective layer of varnish has been applied to help protect the wood from spills, stains and scratches. The protective layer also helps to give a glossy finish and give the floor more shine. In addition, it increases its life and facilitates cleaning and maintenance. Varnished parquet can be used in all types of residential or commercial spaces.

The advantages of installing a varnished parquet are numerous:

– a wider range of colours;

– better protection from damage, liquids, stains etc.

– long-lasting protection that does not require intervention for several years;

– ease of cleaning and maintenance of the parquet.

Compared to oiled parquet, varnished parquet has one weakness: in the event of damage, the floor must be sanded and the entire room varnished. A localised intervention at the damaged point is not possible. On the other hand, the varnish ensures greater protection of wood versus oil. The protective layer lasts up to 10 years (or more) without any maintenance of the parquet.

However, let’s debunk the myth of solvent-based paints with strong emissions. Today, water-based and/or photo-reticular paints are mainly used – the so-called UV-paints – in addition to the latest generation of BIO-PAINTS, which give the same guarantees of resistance in residential applications as traditional ones. BIHOMA is the new eco-friendly Mardegan Legno collection that allows us to dress our homes in a completely natural way. The BIHOMA collection is made with an innovative, 100% environmentally friendly paint formulated using renewable sources of plant origin and low CO2 emissions.

BIHOMA – Mardegan Legno

The use of water and resins from renewable plant sources and a low CO2 production cycle allow for a green paint that maintains excellent technical performance.

Varnished parquet – maintenance and care

The main steps to take into consideration to maintain your varnished parquet are:

– Clean regularly with a vacuum cleaner with soft bristles or a broom suitable for parquet flooring to remove dust and dirt.

– If necessary, wipe with a damp cloth.

– Use a neutral wood cleaner suitable for the type of varnish on a varnished floor.

– Wax whenever necessary, depending on the degree of wear and use.

If you are not sure how to maintain your varnished parquet, contact a professional who can advise you on the best products and techniques for long-term maintenance. Taking care of your floor is an investment in its longevity and beauty, so be sure to take all necessary measures to preserve it properly.

By following these steps, you can keep your varnished parquet beautiful at all times and protect it from damage and the wear and tear of time.

Why choose an oiled parquet?

The main characteristics of oiled parquet are:

– the oil accentuates the natural appearance of the wood and its characteristics,

– it offers a sensation of warmth upon contact and underfoot

– in the event of scratches or damage, it is possible to intervene locally by sanding and oiling a single strip.

Oiled parquet is more resistant to scratches and damage  and can be remedied locally and quickly, as all that needs to be done is to sand the damaged spot and reapply the oil. With proper maintenance, parquet remains beautiful for a long time. The oiling cycle ends with the application of a final coat by the installer at the end of the installation. With this oil, in addition to a final cleaning to deliver a perfect product, all joints are sealed for a result that provides greater protection from stains and wear. This should however be followed by routine maintenance work involving the application of a special product to the parquet floor every year or every two years. The maintenance process itself is not demanding and does not take much time – applying the oil takes about as long as washing the floor thoroughly. For proper maintenance of oiled parquet, it is necessary to vacuum it to remove dirt and dust. If necessary, clean the floor with a (well wrung out) damp cloth and use a wood cleaner suitable for oiled floors. Avoid using too much water as this could damage the wood in the long run. Depending on the use and wear of the floor, wax or renew the protective layer with a new coat of oil to keep it looking its best. This will also help protect hardwood floors from further damage.With proper maintenance and care, you will be able to enjoy your oiled parquet for many years and continue to be amazed by its elegance! 

You can also oil the parquet by hand or machine yourself. Just make sure you are careful to apply a regular amount of oil, let it absorb and remove the excess oil. Finally, the parquet should be polished with white felt or a cotton cloth.

Do you want to go into more detail? I read the article Cleaning, washing and polishing parquet: guide 2023.

Harmony & Nature – Mardegan Legno

Varnished or oiled? Thermotreated parquet

There is also one last category that – in my opinion – encompasses the merits of varnished and oiled floors: thermotreated parquet. 

The process, through exposure to different temperatures, times and technologies, tones the wood naturally, without the use of pigments, throughout its thickness. This makes it highly resistant to scratches and very practical in terms of extraordinary maintenance in both the varnished and oiled variants. In the event of accidental damage or routine maintenance, the colour does not have to be restored with tints, but the application of a special clear product will suffice. 

In Mardegan the BARRICATI collection best demonstrates this type of processing. 10 available colours, the result of a natural thermal process that gives a unique touch to a collection for true connoisseurs. The solid Slavonian oak is processed in a unique way: it is thermotreated to achieve full-bodied decorative effects with natural, shaded colours.

Mardegan Legno’s R&D department has also succeeded in obtaining a colour chart that is complete with light shades, going well beyond the traditional dark tones typical of high-temperature ‘firing’. 

Visit our website for more information www.mardeganlegno.com