Bamboo is an increasingly popular material for its aesthetic qualities, resistance and low environmental impact. But even before installing your flooring, a crucial question arises: which finish should you choose for your bamboo flooring? Varnished, oiled or raw? Each option has its own characteristics, advantages and implications in terms of maintenance and durability. At ootouch, we break it all down to help you make the right choice.
Why is the finish essential for a bamboo floor?
The finish of a floor, whether in oak, beech or bamboo, plays a key role in protecting the wood and its appearance. It acts as a barrier against wear, stains, moisture or scratches. In the case of bamboo, whose surface can be very dense and smooth depending on the type (vertical, horizontal or BamWood), the finish is decisive in prolonging the lifespan of the floor while preserving its natural beauty.
But beyond simple protection, the finish also influences the colour, shine and feel of the floor. Some finishes bring out the grain of the bamboo, others soften or, on the contrary, reinforce the raw and authentic look of the material.
Varnished bamboo flooring: a shield against wear
Varnished, or vitrified, flooring is covered with several thin layers of protective varnish. This treatment creates a waterproof surface that prevents moisture or dirt from penetrating the bamboo fibres. At ootouch, varnishes are selected for their performance, their durability over time and their compatibility with a healthy interior.
The advantages of varnished bamboo flooring
An easy-to-maintain finish, with suitable products that will maintain the initial shine of your floor. Vacuuming and regular cleaning with the Bona Spray Mop is enough. And if your floor needs a deep clean? Nothing complicated: cleaning with Bona Deep Clean is enough to keep it shining.
Find our maintenance advice on our website
Another advantage: the varnish fixes the shade of the floor, which reduces the impact of UV rays on colour change, linked to light or oxidation. Discolouration of the floor will therefore occur more slowly.
Note that in the event of a scratch or a deep impact, the varnish may be more difficult to repair locally. Sanding of the affected boards, or even of the entire surface, is then often necessary before applying a new coat of varnish.
Oiled bamboo flooring: authenticity and warmth
The oiled finish requires the application of a coat of maintenance oil immediately after installation (Woca Maintenance Oil). If needed, you can also make your oiled floor film-forming by applying a coat of Woca Huile-Cire Swift Naturel. Feel free to consult our advice sheets.
The advantages of oiled flooring
By using a suitable oil, you help your bamboo floor stay closer to its natural appearance, with a highly appreciated matte or satin finish. The oiled finish highlights the natural nuances of the bamboo while allowing it to breathe.
In terms of maintenance, it is possible to easily repair a damaged area without treating the entire surface: simply clean the affected part thoroughly and apply a little maintenance oil. This ability for localised touch-ups is ideal for lived-in homes, where small accidents and everyday marks are part of the floor's story.
Regular maintenance required
The trade-off of this natural finish is that it requires more regular maintenance. Regular cleaning with a specific soap suited to your floor is therefore recommended. To preserve the protective properties of the finish, you can apply a maintenance oil depending on wear, or only in high-traffic areas.
Raw bamboo flooring: natural purity... but fragile
Some fans of raw materials choose to install a bamboo floor without any finish, as is, to admire its texture and original colour. This solution has a certain charm, but requires precautions.
The risks of raw bamboo flooring
Without a finish, bamboo is vulnerable to external aggressions: scratches, moisture, stains, dust... It absorbs water more easily, which can lead to warping or deep stains. Raw flooring is therefore rarely recommended for living areas or high-traffic zones.
However, it is possible to install raw flooring with the aim of subsequently applying a customised finish, directly on site. This offers great freedom to adapt the treatment to the intended use or desired aesthetic.
#### 🎍The ootouch note
It should be noted that ootouch does not offer raw flooring, but only factory-finished products, varnished or oiled.
Which finish for which use?
The choice of finish depends on the use of the room, the desired style and the willingness to maintain the floor. Here are some pointers to help you choose well:
- Varnished flooring is covered with a protective layer that forms a film on the surface of the bamboo. It resists stains well and cleans easily with a slightly damp cloth. It is a practical solution for everyday rooms. However, specific maintenance is needed to revive its shine and, in the event of deeper damage, a complete resurfacing may be required. Varnished flooring is therefore particularly suited to rooms with little repeated friction as well as for use in bathrooms.
- The oiled finish gives the floor a more matte, warm and authentic result. It highlights the structure of the bamboo and offers a pleasant, natural feel. It is an ideal option for living spaces, as it withstands everyday wear well. On the other hand, this requires the oiled finish to receive more specific and regular maintenance (WOCA Natural Soap or periodic oil application) to preserve its protective properties and attractive appearance.
And in terms of durability?
All finishes are durable if well maintained. Bamboo, by nature, is a stable and resistant material, particularly when densified or compressed.
The finishes offered by ootouch are designed to combine performance, aesthetics and eco-responsibility. The oils and varnishes used are certified free of harmful substances, and the processes comply with the strictest standards regarding indoor air emissions.
ootouch, your alternative towards more durable flooring
At ootouch, we know that choosing the right finish is a key step in fully enjoying the beauty and durability of a bamboo floor. Varnished, oiled or raw: each option reveals a different facet of this exceptional material. Our expertise allows us to offer you high-quality finishes that are environmentally friendly and suited to your needs.
Are you torn between several finishes or would you like personalised support for your project? Our maintenance sheets can help you make your choice.
