Totally get what you mean about the patina—wax just gets that lived-in look over time, especially on old floors. I’ve tried both, and honestly, oil is less hassle day-to-day, but it never quite has the same warmth. Mixing them is a pain though. I once tried doing oil first, then wax a week later, and it looked amazing... until my dog tracked muddy paw prints through it and I realized how much upkeep it really needed. Still, for the right house, that old-school wax finish just feels right.
Mixing them is a pain though. I once tried doing oil first, then wax a week later, and it looked amazing... until my dog tracked muddy paw prints through it and I realized how much upkeep it really needed.
That’s exactly why I gave up on wax in the kitchen. Looked gorgeous for about two days, then my kids came barreling in with wet boots and it was game over. Oil’s not as pretty, but at least I don’t have to panic every time someone drops a glass of water. Still, I totally get the appeal of that old-school vibe—just wish it was less high-maintenance.
Honestly, I hear you. Wax looks incredible, but it’s just not practical for high-traffic spots—especially with pets or kids in the mix. I tried keeping up with a waxed hallway once, and between the constant buffing and trying to keep dirt off, it felt like a full-time job. Oil finishes might not have that deep glow, but they’re way more forgiving. If you ever want to get that old-school look without the hassle, maybe try a hardwax oil? It’s not perfect, but it splits the difference—gives you some of that warmth without quite as much upkeep. Still, nothing’s totally bulletproof... floors take a beating no matter what.
Oil finishes might not have that deep glow, but they’re way more forgiving.
Totally get this. I once did a client’s kitchen in pure wax because they loved that vintage vibe, and honestly, it looked amazing for about a week—then the dog and kids did their thing. Switched them over to hardwax oil later and it was such a relief. Still has character, but way less stress about every little scuff or spill. Floors just need to be lived on, right?
I get the appeal of hardwax oil for sure, but I’ve actually had the opposite experience with a couple projects. Sometimes, if you don’t prep the wood just right or if the humidity’s off, hardwax oil can look kind of patchy and weirdly matte in spots. Wax is higher maintenance, yeah, but it’s also way easier to spot-fix when you get scratches. There’s something about that old-school feel… even if it means a little more elbow grease now and then.
