Poly just never felt right to me either... too shiny, almost fake.
Totally get that. I actually did a side-by-side on a scrap board—poly on one half, Osmo oil on the other. The oil side just looked warmer and more natural, and it’s way easier to touch up. For anyone watching their budget, I found that a little goes a long way with hardwax oils. Just gotta be patient with drying times, but worth it for the look.
I hear you on the Osmo oil—there’s just something about the way it brings out the grain that poly can’t match. I’ve had clients who swore by wax too, but honestly, it’s a bit more high-maintenance. If you don’t mind the occasional buffing session (think of it as arm day?), oil’s usually the winner for that natural vibe. Poly’s great for rental units or high-traffic spots, but it does have that “plastic wrap” look sometimes.
Title: Wood wax vs. oil finish for hardwood upkeep
“If you don’t mind the occasional buffing session (think of it as arm day?), oil’s usually the winner for that natural vibe.”
That’s a fair point about the maintenance. I’ve lived with both waxed and oiled floors in my old place, and honestly, the oil finish does seem to strike a nice balance between beauty and practicality. Wax has a lovely, subtle sheen, but it’s true—keeping up with buffing can get old, especially if you’ve got a lot of foot traffic or pets running around.
I do agree with you about poly looking a bit too “perfect” sometimes. In a historic home, I find that oil lets the wood breathe and age gracefully. There’s something satisfying about seeing the grain come alive, and minor scratches just blend in over time instead of standing out. Sure, oil needs a refresh every now and then, but I’d rather do that than strip and re-coat poly.
If you’re after character and don’t mind a bit of hands-on care, oil’s hard to beat. And hey, a little elbow grease now and then isn’t the worst thing...
Couldn’t agree more about oil letting the wood “breathe.” I remember when I first tried it on our old oak floors—there was this warmth that just wasn’t there with wax or poly. Sure, it’s a bit more work, but honestly, I kind of enjoy the ritual. Makes the place feel lived-in, you know?
I get what you mean about the ritual—there’s something kind of satisfying about rubbing oil into the grain and seeing it come alive. But do you ever worry about water spots? I’ve had a couple close calls with spills, and sometimes I wonder if wax would be more forgiving. Still, nothing beats that hand-rubbed look... even if my knees disagree after a long day.
