Why Does Wood Need to Be Finished?

 

Wood furniture is highly desirable by old and new homeowners alike. Adding a touch of wood to your furnishings will bring a sense of style, elegance, and timelessness that may help you increase the aesthetic - and monetary - value of your home. But the true value of wood goes beyond that. Not only is the wood itself an important material, but the finish placed on top of the wood can make a big difference as well. 

Why Does Wood Need to Be Finished?

A wood finish is something applied to the surface of the wood to enhance its texture, improve its color, and offer a protective shield against external damage. When it comes to choosing your own wood finish, you might have a lot of questions. Why does wood need to be finished in the first place? What types of wood finishes are available? Get the answers to all of these questions and more when you take a look at our luxury wood finishes online. 

Why Wood Needs a Finish

Aside from having major aesthetic value, a wood finish seals the natural wood to protect it from the elements. Wood finish can also protect your wooden furniture from: 

• Blisters, blemishes, or scratches from high heat
• Stains and dark spots from spills
• Contracting and bulging out due to temperature changes
• Dehydration that causes the wood to crack

Applying a finish to your wood is just plain common sense. Fortunately, you have the opportunity to choose the color and style of the finish you want to use to protect your furniture for years to come. 

Types of Wood Finishes Available

Wood finishes are categorized into a few main categories depending on what they are made out of, what types of wood they are good for, and what kinds of protective qualities they can offer. Experts at Home Depot assert that different finishes serve different purposes and therefore create a number of different effects. Let’s take a look at the market’s most common wood finish options: 

Natural Finish

Natural finishes apply warm-colored coatings to the top of your wooden furniture or floors. It enhances the natural color of the wood, rather than covering it up. It also protects the wood against any kind of damage or deterioration.

Penetrating Finish

A penetrating finish is a great finisher for hardwood floors or furniture, as this finish penetrates deep inside the wood to cure it. This also helps it stay as hard and durable as possible, protecting it against the risk of damage. If you have farmhouse-style furniture and floors, this might be a great option for you. 

Reactive Finish

A reactive finish is great for a few types of wood as it applies a chemical process to the wood’s surface. This can change the color, texture, and durability of the wood. Oil-based finishes and varnishes are usually always reactive as they work to protect and cure the wood. 

Surface Finish

A surface finish is usually completely clear, offering the transparent finish that many homeowners look forward to. The chemicals allow the natural beauty of the wood furniture to shine through, so this is the best type of finish for a piece of furniture with a surface you plan on using. For example, you might apply this type of finish to a wooden table. 

Get the Best Wood Finish For Your Furniture Today 

A. Rudin is the supplier of the largest high-end furniture store online with not only a range of great products but a slew of finishes and varnishing materials to ensure your furniture remains as good as new for the rest of your life. If you are looking for luxury furniture without luxury prices, get in touch with our A. Rudin pros today. We can help you select furniture and protect it the right way, giving you the most bang for your buck.