If you are looking to add a stylish and contemporary feel to your property, a white washed or limed effect floor could be the way to go. White effect floors have become more and more popular in the recent years as people look to add a feeling of spaciousness and Scandinavian feel to their homes.
Many years ago white washing a floor was a way of protecting the timber, often using a mix of calcium hydroxide and chalk. In today’s industry more practical methods of using pigmented oils and paints are used to create similar effects, to fit unique interior designs. Often finishes of this nature are described as having a Scandinavian look and feel which is becoming increasingly sought after.
Having a paler floor often defines the detail of the natural decorative grain and enhances the overall beauty of the timber. It can completely transform dull and dreary looking rooms in to bright and airy living areas.
When considering going for a white washed or limed effect floor there are several options available and many boards on the market can come pre-treated in this style. Although a pre-treated floor is convenient short term, often the downfall of pre-treated boards are apparent if the finish ever becomes damaged. Scratches and digs can be very difficult to repair and more often than not the only option is to completely sand back the timber, including the white finish.
The alternative to going for a pre-treated board is to go for something that is entirely unfinished and will require treatment on site such as our ‘Supreme’ 220mm x 21mm Engineered Oak. We would recommend finishing this board with high quality hardwax oil such as Treatex which can be supplied in a number of different colour tones. This can be a great way of achieving the exact finish you want that fits perfectly into the design and theme of your property. Although this is slightly more work to do on site initially, the process is relatively simple and includes applying a colour tone with a white pigment as a base coat before sealing with 2 protective top coats. Once completed you are left with a unique finish which, unlike a many factory applied finishes, is easier to maintain with the relevant cleaning and maintenance products throughout the years of wear and tear .
Some other articles for you to read that relate to wood floor finishing and finishes:
- Oil or lacquer guide, helping you to make the right decision in choosing the perfect finish for your floor.
- Avoid an orange oak floor, a guide on how to avoid the golden tone that many people think can ruin a wooden floor.
- Treated or untreated guide to flooring, what should you choose, the benefits of having a non treated versus a treated board are explained.
- 5 Top Tips for Choosing a Floorboard, make sure that you read this article before you order with anyone, get the five top tips to make sure your choice is the right one!
About the author
Tom Fanthorpe. Director, JFJ Wood Flooring Ltd
Tom is one half of the father & son team behind JFJ Wood Flooring. An experienced wood flooring specialist with over 7 years in the industry, Tom is following in his father John's footsteps as a true expert in his chosen field. Having absorbed much of John's 35+ years of experience in the joinery and timber trade, Tom now leads the wood flooring department and holds ultimate responsibility for everything from customer service to sales, logistics to quality control.
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