When it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere in your home, the finish on your solid wood flooring is just as important as the wood itself. A well-chosen stain or oil can enhance the natural beauty of the timber, protect it for years to come, and ensure it complements your space and style.
We are not affiliated with any particular brands so have no bias towards certain products. With so many products on the market we wanted to summarise what we know has worked for ourselves and previous clients.
At Coppice & Crown, we offer four stunning British-grown solid wood flooring options: Classic Oak, Ash, Chestnut, and Heritage Oak. Each wood has its own unique characteristics, and choosing the right finish will help you get the most out of your floor. We find most of our clients want to preserve the natural beauty of the timber with hard wax oils, so let’s take a closer look at how to choose the right stain or oil for each type.
Classic Oak
Renowned for its timeless appeal and versatility, Classic Oak’s natural grain is both subtle and rich, and it can take on a variety of finishes, depending on the look you’re going for.
Recommended Finish: Osmo Raw or Fiddes Ultra Raw
These oils offer a natural, almost chalky finish that preserves the light, raw look of freshly cut oak, giving your floor a subtle, modern elegance while protecting it from daily wear and tear.
Other Options: If you want to emphasise the richness of the oak grain, you can choose a more traditional oil or stain that will deepen the colour and bring out its golden hues. Darker stains can also be used to create a more dramatic, rustic aesthetic.
Ash
Ash is known for its pale colour and striking grain patterns, making it ideal for modern interiors. Its clean, bright look can easily be tailored to different design preferences.
Recommended Finish: Osmo Raw or Fiddes Ultra Raw
Much like with oak, Osmo Raw works beautifully on Ash. It enhances the natural lightness of the wood while neutralising some of the olive tones that can be found in British Ash.
Other Options: If you want to warm up the look of Ash, you might consider a slightly tinted oil. Soft grey or white-washed stains can create a Scandinavian-style feel, while clear oils keep the wood’s natural vibrancy intact.
Chestnut
Chestnut is a wood with a rich, warm tone and a distinctive grain pattern. Chestnut can look luxurious with the right finish, making it a favourite for traditional and contemporary spaces alike.
Recommended Finish: Osmo or Fiddes Clear Satin
For a natural look that enhances Chestnut’s warmth, Osmo Clear Satin or Fiddes Clear Stain are great choices. It keeps the wood looking as close to its original form as possible, perfect for those who appreciate understated elegance.
Other Options: A medium-tone oil or stain can enhance the warmth of chestnut, making it feel even more inviting and similar to oak. A darker stain will add a rustic, antique feel, accentuating the grain and giving your flooring a timeless appearance.
Heritage Oak
Heritage Oak is a speciality wood we offer that has been hand-selected for its unique character and aged beauty. This wood is full of texture, with deeper tones and complex grain patterns that speak to its storied past.
Recommended Finish: Osmo Clear Matt, Fiddes Natural Satin
Unlike our other flooring options, Osmo Raw or any sort of white oil is not advised and strongly avoided for Heritage Oak due to its texture.
Final thoughts ......
It’s very important to test out samples in advance of committing to the entire floor, as they can look so different in various lightings and settings. We hope this post has helped narrow down your choices and you enjoy experimenting with various options for your solid wood flooring.
At Coppice & Crown, we’re always here to offer further expert advice, so don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance on which finish will best suit your style and your home.
