The Best Hardwood Finishes for Every Project
Choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the right slab. A quality finish protects your timber from moisture, stains and everyday wear while enhancing the natural beauty of the grain.
The best finish depends on how the timber will be used. A dining table has very different requirements to an outdoor deck or a bathroom vanity. Here's our guide to choosing the right finish for your project.
Dining Tables
Recommended Finish: Hardwax Oil
Hardwax oils are one of the most popular finishes for solid timber furniture because they penetrate the wood rather than simply sitting on the surface.
Benefits:
Food-safe once fully cured
Easy to repair if scratched
Natural matte appearance
Enhances the timber grain
Doesn't peel or flake over time
Unlike polyurethane, small scratches can usually be repaired without sanding the entire tabletop.
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Coffee Tables & Indoor Furniture
Coffee tables, entertainment units and shelving don't receive the same abuse as kitchen surfaces, allowing more flexibility in finish selection.
Recommended Finish
Hardwax Oil
Furniture Oil
Satin Polyurethane (for lower maintenance)
If preserving the natural feel of timber is important, hardwax oil remains our preferred option.
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Kitchen Benchtops
Kitchen benchtops face constant exposure to water, food preparation and frequent cleaning.
Recommended Finish: Premium Hardwax Oil
Hardwax oil provides excellent protection while maintaining a natural timber appearance. Modern hardwax oils are highly resistant to water and common household stains when properly maintained.
For busy kitchens, regular maintenance coats will keep the timber looking its best for many years.
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Bathroom Vanities
Bathrooms introduce constant moisture and humidity, making protection essential.
Recommended Finish
A high-quality hardwax oil designed for wet areas or a moisture-resistant polyurethane.
Pay particular attention to:
End grain
Undersides
Cut-outs around sinks
These areas should always receive multiple coats.
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Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor timber must cope with Australia's harsh climate, including intense UV exposure, rain and fluctuating temperatures.
Recommended Finish
Penetrating exterior timber oils specifically formulated for outdoor use.
These finishes:
Repel water
Reduce cracking
Slow weathering
Are easy to maintain
Avoid standard indoor finishes outdoors, as they often fail quickly under UV exposure.
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Chopping Boards & Serving Boards
Any timber used for food preparation requires a food-safe finish.
Recommended Finish
Food-grade mineral oil
Beeswax blends specifically designed for timber
Avoid finishes containing solvents or chemicals that aren't intended for food contact.
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