Totally get where you’re coming from with the oil. There’s just something about a floor that shows a bit of wear—it feels like a home, not a showroom. I’ve done oil too, and yeah, it’s not perfect, but honestly, those little scuffs and uneven patches kind of tell the story of your life in the house. Wax, though... I tried it once and between the dog hair and muddy paw prints, I was ready to rip my hair out. It looked great for about five minutes, then it was just endless touch-ups.
I know poly is supposed to be “the” practical choice, but I can’t get past how cold it makes everything feel. If you’re willing to do a little upkeep here and there, oil is totally worth it. Plus, if you ever want to touch up a spot, you don’t have to sand the whole thing down—just rub in a bit more oil and you’re good. It’s not for everyone, but for me, that trade-off is worth every penny.
I hear you on the oil—there’s something about that lived-in look that just feels right, especially compared to the almost plastic vibe poly gives off. I’ve always wondered, though, how do you handle high-traffic areas? I’ve had a few rentals where oil finishes looked great at first, but then the entryway started looking patchy pretty fast. Maybe I just didn’t keep up with it enough. Still, I agree, being able to spot-fix without a full refinish is a huge plus. Wax, on the other hand... yeah, I’ve never had the patience for that either.
I’ve had a few rentals where oil finishes looked great at first, but then the entryway started looking patchy pretty fast.
That’s the catch with oil—high-traffic spots need a little more TLC. I usually recommend a quick re-oil every few months in those areas. It sounds like a hassle, but honestly, it’s way less work than sanding and refinishing poly. Wax, though... I’m with you. Tried it once, spent the next week regretting my life choices.
Oil does demand more attention in busy spots, but I’ve found it’s worth it for the look. That said, renters rarely keep up with re-oiling, so I lean toward hardwax oil blends—bit more forgiving, less patchy over time. Wax alone just never held up for me.
I get the appeal of oil—there’s something about that deep, rich look that just feels right. But honestly, I’m still not convinced it’s worth the stress.
Maybe if you’re the type who enjoys a little floor TLC on a Saturday morning, but I barely remember to water my plants, let alone re-oil the hallway every few months.“Oil does demand more attention in busy spots, but I’ve found it’s worth it for the look.”
I actually had better luck with wax than I expected. It’s not bulletproof, sure, but when I tried it in my last place (tiny apartment, lots of foot traffic), it held up surprisingly well. Plus, if you mess up, it’s way easier to fix a patchy wax job than a botched oil finish. Hardwax oil blends sound like a good compromise, but I always wonder if they’re just the worst of both worlds—needy like oil, but not as pretty? Maybe I’m just bitter because I spilled coffee and now there’s a weird shiny spot.
