Is Hardwood Floor Wax Necessary?

If you are planning on waxing your hardwood floor, make sure it is suitable for the task. Not all hardwood floors are suitable for waxing. Consider this during wood floor installation service Sherman Oaks.

By waxing your hardwood floors, you can extend their life. Clear or colored wax became popular in the 1940s.

Wax is typically a blend of synthetic and (or) natural waxes and solvents. A thin, even layer of floor polish is applied to the floor, then buffed to a shine.

The Benefits Of Waxing Your Hardwood Floor.

Wax serves as a protective shield. Thus, spills are less likely to absorb, preventing unwanted stains. The smallest scratches, scuffs, and dings will be completely concealed.

Wax also protects your floor's finish from dirt. With proper maintenance, a waxed floor can last years longer than it would without it.


There Are Few Drawbacks To Wax Floors.

Due to wax's softness, it doesn't offer the same level of protection against dents and gouges as polyurethane.

Additionally, hardwood floors that have not been previously sealed may warp and bulge since floor wax is moisture-resistant and not moisture-proof.

Find out about the drawbacks from professionals offering wood floor installation service Sherman Oaks.


What Floors Can Be Waxed?

When waxing an unfinished wood floor, you will have better results if the floor has been treated with a penetrating wood sealer, lacquer, varnish, shellac, or oil.

Additionally, wax can enhance the protective properties of these finishes.

Verify that your hardwood floor is an appropriate candidate for waxing before you start.


What Floors Should NEVER Be Waxed?

  • It is not advisable to wax a polyurethane-coated floor. You won't be able to refinish the floor with polyurethane if you do this. Polish the floors instead.

  • Linoleum and vinyl floors that look like wood but aren't should not be waxed. These floors are factory-coated and do not need to be waxed. Luxury vinyl tile cannot absorb wax, so the floors will become dull because of wax build-up.

  • Prefinished bamboo flooring should only be cleaned with natural products approved for bamboo flooring.

  • Damaged hardwood floors should be repaired or replaced before waxing.

  • A very light damp mop can be used to clean the factory-applied acrylic finish on engineered hardwood floors.

  • Laminate floors have a factory finish that won't absorb wax. Microfiber pads and spray cleaners designed specifically for laminate floors can be used to clean these floors.

  • Natural stone floors should not be waxed. Waxing prevents the stone from breathing and dulls its appearance. The wax must be removed. Apply a natural stone sealer periodically and use a product made for porous stone surfaces.

  • Ceramic tiles won't absorb wax. As with other impermeable surfaces, you will instead get a dull build-up. Seal the grout with a protective sealer once a year instead.


Lastly, determine if your flooring can be waxed. If not, hire a professional offering wood floor installation service Sherman Oaks.

You May Also Read: What Flooring Type Suits Stairs the Best?

hardwood floor installation