Timber floors and furniture have been finished in many different ways over the years. As our understanding of materials, health, and sustainability has evolved, so too have the products we use to protect timber.

For decades, polyurethane was the default choice across Australia. Today, homeowners and professionals have more options — and more questions — than ever before.

Rather than asking “Which finish is best?”, the better question might be:

What matters most to you in a timber finish?

Polyurethane finishes gained popularity for good reasons. They create a tough surface layer that resists wear, water, and staining, and they deliver a uniform, often high-gloss appearance.

Over time, polyurethane technology has improved. Many modern formulations are now water-based, with significantly lower odour and reduced VOC levels compared to older solvent-based versions. These improvements have made polyurethane safer and more pleasant to apply than it once was.

However, despite these advances, the fundamental nature of polyurethane has not changed.

Polyurethane remains a surface coating that forms a plastic film on top of the timber.

The Key Difference That Still Matters: Surface vs Penetration

This is where the real distinction lies — not simply in toxicity or smell, but in how the finish interacts with the wood.

Polyurethane Finishes

• Sit on top of the timber
• Create a sealed, plastic-like film
• Offer strong surface protection
• Tend to show scratches clearly
• Are difficult or impossible to spot-repair
• Often require full sanding and recoating when damaged

For some applications, this trade-off may be acceptable — particularly where a uniform, sealed surface is the primary goal.

The Shift Toward Penetrating Finishes

As expectations around timber finishes have changed, many people have begun looking for alternatives that:

• Feel more natural underfoot
• Are easier to maintain long-term
• Allow timber to age gracefully
• Align better with health and sustainability values

This shift has led to the rise of hardwax oils.

Understanding Hardwax Oils (And Why Not All Are the Same)

Hardwax oils work differently from surface coatings. Rather than forming a thick film, they combine penetrating oils with protective waxes.

• The oil penetrates into the timber fibres, strengthening the wood from within
• The wax remains at the surface, providing resistance to moisture, spills, and wear
• The timber remains breathable and tactile

However, it’s important to be clear:
not all hardwax oils are created equal.

Some products marketed as hardwax oils contain very low wax content, rely heavily on synthetic additives, or prioritise ease of application over long-term performance. As with any finish, formulation matters.

Solvents, Safety, and Perspective

Another area where nuance is important is solvents.

Some hardwax oils — including ours — do contain solvents. These are used as carriers, allowing natural oils to penetrate deeply into the timber. This is fundamentally different from solvents used to create a surface film.

What matters is:

• The type of solvent
• How much is used
• What remains once the finish has cured

This is why sweeping statements about “solvent-free” or “toxic vs non-toxic” finishes rarely tell the full story.

Why Many People Don’t Go Back

For homeowners and professionals who switch to high-quality hardwax oils, the benefits often become clear over time:

• Timber looks and feels like timber, not plastic
• Minor wear and scratches can usually be spot-repaired
• Maintenance becomes simpler and less disruptive
• Floors and furniture age more naturally
• Indoor air quality during application is improved

This doesn’t make polyurethane “wrong” — but it does make it a very different choice.

The Questions Worth Asking Before You Choose

Rather than focusing on brand names or trends, these are the questions we encourage people to ask:

• Does the finish penetrate the timber or sit on top?
• Can it be repaired locally, or does damage require full sanding?
• How will it age over 5, 10, or 20 years?
• What does it feel like underfoot or to the touch?
• How does it align with your values around health and sustainability?

Once you start asking these questions, the differences between finishes become much clearer.

The Evolution Continues

The move from traditional polyurethane to modern penetrating finishes isn’t about jumping on a bandwagon. It reflects a broader shift in how we think about materials, longevity, and care.

Timber is a natural, living material. Many people now prefer finishes that respect that — finishes that protect without masking, and that evolve with the wood rather than sealing it away.

At Whittle Waxes, our Evolution Hardwax Oils are designed to sit firmly within this modern approach — combining durability, maintainability, and a natural aesthetic that allows timber to do what it does best.

If you’d like to talk through your options or understand which finish best suits your project, we’re always happy to help.