Tung Oil On Wood Floors? (2 Risks Exposed!)
Okay, let’s dive into the world of wood floors and tung oil – a topic I’ve wrestled with plenty of times in my career as a flooring contractor.
Tung Oil on Wood Floors?
(2 Risks Exposed!)
You know, I’ve seen a real surge in homeowners
wanting natural finishes on their hardwood floors.
And honestly, I get it.
The aesthetic appeal and the eco-friendly vibe are
super attractive.
In fact, according to a survey by
the National Wood Flooring Association, over 70% of
homeowners lean towards natural finishes.
That’s a huge number!
But before you jump on the
tung oil bandwagon, let’s talk about some potential
headaches.
Understanding Tung Oil
So, what exactly is tung oil?
Well, it’s derived
from the seeds of the tung tree, which is native to
East Asia.
For centuries, it’s been used in
woodworking and finishing.
Think of it as a natural varnish.
Tung oil has some pretty cool properties.
It
penetrates deep into the wood fibers, which really
enhances the natural grain and color.
It also offers decent water resistance once it’s fully
cured.
And, unlike some synthetic finishes, it’s
relatively low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds),
which is a big plus for indoor air quality.
Popularity of Tung Oil on Wood Floors
Why are more and more people choosing tung oil for
their floors?
There are a few reasons.
First, there’s that “natural” aspect.
Homeowners are
increasingly conscious of the products they use in
their homes, and tung oil fits the bill.
It’s seen as a healthier, more sustainable alternative
to polyurethane or other synthetic finishes.
Plus, it
gives wood a warm, matte finish that a lot of people
find really appealing.
I’ve had clients specifically request it because they want to avoid that plastic-y look that some polyurethanes can create.
But here’s where things get tricky.
While tung oil does have its advantages, it’s not
without its drawbacks.
And those drawbacks can turn
into major headaches if you’re not prepared for them.
Risk 1: Incomplete Curing Process
This is probably the biggest issue I see with tung
oil: the curing process.
It can be a real pain.
Tung oil cures through oxidation, which means it
reacts with oxygen in the air to harden.
But this
process can be slow, especially in certain conditions.
Think about it this way: imagine you’re trying to
bake a cake in a humid kitchen.
It’s going to take
longer, right?
Same principle applies here.
Cold temperatures and high humidity can significantly extend the curing time of tung oil.
I’m talking weeks, even months, for a full cure.
And if the finish doesn’t cure properly, you’re going
to have problems.
What kind of problems?
Well, for starters, the surface can remain sticky or
tacky.
That means it’s going to attract dirt and
dust like crazy.
And it’s going to be a nightmare to clean.
Plus, an improperly cured finish is simply not as
durable.
It’s more prone to scratches, dents, and
water damage.
I remember one job where a homeowner insisted on
using tung oil, even after I warned them about the
potential curing issues.
They lived in a very humid
area, and sure enough, the finish stayed tacky for
weeks.
They ended up having to hire me to strip the floors
and apply a different finish.
It was a costly and
time-consuming mistake.
The biggest issue with Tung oil is it takes longer than expected, especially in humid or cold environments.
Risk 2: Difficulty in Repair and Maintenance
Okay, let’s say you manage to get a good, solid cure
on your tung oil finish.
You’re not out of the woods
yet.
Another major risk with tung oil is the difficulty in repairing and maintaining it.
Unlike polyurethane, which forms a hard, protective layer on top of the wood, tung oil penetrates into the wood fibers.
This means that when you need to recoat or repair a tung oil finish, you can’t just sand down the surface and apply a new coat.
You have to completely remove the old finish first.
And that can be a real challenge.
Tung oil tends to
soak deep into the wood, making it difficult to
sand off completely.
If you don’t remove all of the old finish, the new coat won’t adhere properly, and you’ll end up with an uneven, blotchy mess.
I’ve seen this happen countless times.
Homeowners try
to touch up a tung oil finish, only to make things
worse.
The lack of flexibility in maintenance options is a
major drawback.
With polyurethane, you can usually
screen and recoat the surface without too much trouble.
But with tung oil, you’re often looking at a full sand and refinish, which is a much bigger and more expensive project.
I spoke to a colleague of mine, Mark, who runs a
flooring company in another state.
He told me about
a job where he had to refinish a large area of
hardwood flooring that had been treated with tung oil
years earlier.
He said it took him twice as long to sand the floors compared to a polyurethane finish, and he had to use special equipment to get the old tung oil out of the grain.
He swore he’d never recommend tung oil to a client again.
Comparative Analysis
So, how does tung oil stack up against other popular
wood floor finishes?
Let’s take a look.
As you can see, tung oil has some clear advantages
in terms of aesthetics and eco-friendliness.
But it
falls short in terms of curing time, durability, and
repairability.
Polyurethane, on the other hand, offers excellent
durability and water resistance, and it’s much easier
to repair.
However, it’s not as eco-friendly as
tung oil, and it can have a less desirable appearance.
Varnish is similar to polyurethane in terms of performance, but it may contain more VOCs.
Linseed oil is another natural finish, but it’s even less durable than tung oil, and it can be prone to yellowing over time.
Conclusion
Look, I’m not saying that tung oil is always a bad
choice for wood floors.
In the right circumstances,
it can be a beautiful and sustainable finish.
But it’s crucial to understand the risks involved.
The incomplete curing process and the difficulty in
repairing and maintaining tung oil finishes can lead
to major headaches down the road.
If you’re considering tung oil for your floors, do your research, talk to a professional, and be prepared for the potential challenges.
And remember, there are other natural finishes out
there that may be a better fit for your needs and
lifestyle.
Don’t get tunnel vision on tung oil just
because it’s trendy.
Ultimately, the best finish for your wood floors is the one that you’re comfortable with and that will provide the protection and durability you need.
Make sure you weigh all the pros and cons before
making a decision.
Your floors will thank you for it!