(And Get It Right the First Time)
You’ve just done the final sanding pass on your project. The joinery is clean, the shape’s perfect, now comes the final touch that can make or break your hard work: the finish.
Whether you're making a chopping board, a coffee table or custom cabinetry, choosing the right wood finish is essential to protect the timber, enhance its beauty, and give your project the look and feel you’re aiming for. But with oils, waxes, lacquers, and hardwax finishes all on the shelf… where do you start?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the fundamentals of timber finishing and help you choose the right product for your next job.
"Choosing the right timber finish is essential to protect the timber, enhance its beauty, and give your project the look and feel you're aiming for. "
The 3 Fundamentals of a Great Timber Finish
Before choosing a finish, it’s important to understand the why behind finishing. At its core, a wood finish serves three purposes:
- Protection: Prevents moisture, dirt, and daily wear from damaging the timber.
- Appearance: Enhances the natural colour and grain, or adds a specific sheen or tint.
- Durability & Maintenance: Some finishes are tougher and longer-lasting; others are easier to maintain or refresh over time.
Knowing what you need in those three areas will guide your choice of product.
Common Types of Timber Finishes (And When to Use Them)
Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular finishing options and what they’re best suited for:
1. Traditional Oils (Tung Oil, Danish Oil, Linseed Oil, etc.)
- Best For: Furniture, cutting boards, serving trays, interior timber
- Look: Natural, low-sheen, deepens colour and grain.
- Pros: Easy to apply and recoat, food-safe options available.
- Cons: Not as durable as hard finishes, needs reapplication over time, stays "wet" in the timber meaning they can leech/be sticky.
Great choice when you want a warm, natural look and easy application.
2. Hardwax Oils
Best For: High-wear areas like floors, tabletops, and benchtops.
- Look: Gloss to matt finish, natural feel.
- Pros: Tough and water-resistant, spot-repairable, high coverage/L, low VOCs, food safe options available.
- Cons: Higher cost than basic oils, may require a multi-step process.
The go-to for durable, natural look finishes with a premium feel & minimal maintenance.
3. Waxes
Best For: Decorative pieces, restoration work, low-traffic surfaces.
- Look: Soft, rich glow
- Pros: Easy to buff and apply, smells great
- Cons: Low durability, not water-resistant
Use wax as a topcoat or on pieces where protection isn’t critical eg. wall hangings.
4. Lacquers and Polyurethanes
Best For: Cabinets, desks, bar tops, heavy-use furniture
- Look: Glossy or satin finish depending on formulation
- Pros: Very durable, fast-drying (especially lacquer), high resistance to wear and chemicals
- Cons: Can be trickier to apply, especially with brushes or in humid weather, sensitive to dust particles, multiple coats needed
Choose when you need long-lasting, hard protection, especially for tabletops or commercial pieces.
5 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Finish
Not sure which finish to go with? Ask yourself:
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What will the piece be used for?
Cutting board or benchtop? You’ll want something food-safe and durable.
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What’s the desired look?
Matt and natural, or glossy and glassy?
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How much maintenance am I okay with?
Oils may need refreshing; hardwax oils or polyurethanes require minimal maintenance.
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Indoor or outdoor use?
Outdoor projects will need UV-resistant or exterior-rated finishes.
Do I want to highlight the grain or tone it down?
Oils enhance the grain, while tinted finishes can mute or alter it.
Bonus: Don't Skip These Finishing Tips
- Sand properly: Start at 80-120 grit and stop at the finish manufacturers recommended sanding grit. Each finish will have it's own recommendations somewhere between 120-400 grit.
- Test first: Always try the finish on an offcut of your project timber.
- Let it cure: Be mindful of curing times, some may be usable/dry to touch in hours but take up to 30 days to fully cure. Dry to touch isn’t the same as fully cured. Give it time.
Finishing can feel like the most intimidating part of a project, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little know-how and the right product, you can protect your work, enhance its beauty, and create something you’re truly proud of.
Need help choosing the perfect finish? Drop into Hammer Roo, give us a call, or shoot us a message. Our team’s always happy to help with real advice from real woodworkers.
