Choosing the Right Wood Finish: Why It Matters
Wood is timeless, but it’s also vulnerable. Whether it’s a front door, a deck under the sun, or a dining table that hosts family meals, the finish you choose determines how well the wood stands up to wear and weather. A finish isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a shield and a style statement rolled into one. Let’s dive into the most common finishes, their impact on longevity and appearance, and how they perform across different applications like doors, frames, decking, cladding, and furniture.
Oil Finishes: Natural Warmth for Indoor & Exterior Elegance
Oil finishes such as linseed and tung oil seep into the wood fibers, bringing out the grain and giving timber a rich, organic glow. They’re perfect for interior furniture like dining tables and chairs, where you want a natural look and a tactile feel. For interior cladding, oil creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. However, oils offer limited moisture resistance, so they’re not ideal for decking or exterior cladding unless combined with hardening agents. Maintenance is key—expect to reapply every 6–12 months to keep that lustrous finish alive.
For exterior applications like decking, the cost depends on the oil you choose and coverage. A widely available product, Bona Decking Oil, is ~₹2,750 per litre and covers ≈20 m²/L (~215 sq ft) per coat. That’s about ₹12–₹13/sq ft per coat in material; two coats land near ₹25–₹26/sq ft (material only). Add typical exterior painting/sealing labour of ₹20–₹60/sq ft, and the installed cost for an oiled deck is ≈₹45–₹85/sq ft depending on prep and access.
When to choose oil: Use indoors where you want tactile, natural timber (tables, wall cladding), and outdoors where you prefer a breathable, maintainable sheen (decks, garden furniture).
Approx Cost: ₹100–₹150/sq ft for interiors; decking oil installed ₹45–₹85/sq ft.
Varnish: The Heavy-Duty Protector for Outdoors
When durability matters most, varnish steps up. Polyurethane and spar varnish form a tough, water-resistant layer that shields wood from scratches, heat, and UV rays. This makes varnish the go-to choice for decking, exterior cladding, and main entrance doors. It also works beautifully on outdoor furniture, where exposure to sun and rain is inevitable. While varnish takes longer to apply and needs multiple coats, the result is a glossy or satin finish that lasts for years, even in harsh climates.
When to choose varnish: Your best bet for longevity on entrance doors, exterior frames, deck furniture, and hardwood cladding where UV and moisture resistance matter.
Approx Cost: Interior PU ₹250–₹300/sq ft; exterior spar varnish ₹85–₹150/sq ft.
Lacquer: Sleek Finish for Modern Interiors
Lacquer is all about speed and style. It dries quickly and delivers a smooth, high-gloss finish that feels luxurious. For interior furniture like coffee tables or cabinets, lacquer creates a contemporary vibe. It’s also suitable for interior cladding in modern spaces. However, lacquer isn’t built for the outdoors—UV rays and moisture can break it down, so avoid using it on decking or exterior furniture. Most interior furnishing including those made of plywood or high density MDF use lacquer finish due to its speed and versatility with final finish.
For exterior spar urethane (marine), material cost per coat can be estimated from imported brands. About 1litre spar urethane lists coverage around ~190 sq ft; with pricing about ₹5,900 per liter, that’s ≈₹31/sq ft per coat (material). Two–three coats: ₹62–₹93/sq ft (material only), plus ₹20–₹60/sq ft labour for sanding, dust control and application—so plan ≈₹85–₹150/sq ft installed for premium marine systems on doors/furniture exposed to weather.
When to choose lacquer: Fast-drying, high-gloss interiors—wardrobes, designer doors, TV units—where a pristine sprayed look is key (avoid on exteriors).
Approx Cost: ₹160–₹220/sq ft.
Shellac: Vintage Charm for Heritage Spaces
Shellac brings a warm, amber tone that’s perfect for heritage-style interiors or antique restorations. It works well on interior furniture and decorative frames, adding a classic touch. But shellac is sensitive to water and alcohol, making it unsuitable for decking, exterior cladding, or outdoor furniture. Think of shellac as a finish for aesthetics rather than durability.
When to choose shellac: Vintage warmth indoors—with easy spot repairs—but keep away from wet areas and exterior exposure.
Approx Cost: ₹30–₹36/sq ft.
Wax: Subtle Elegance for Accent Pieces
Wax finishes add a soft, natural sheen and a smooth feel, making them ideal for indoor decorative furniture or accent cladding panels. They’re often used as a topcoat over oil for extra depth. However, wax offers minimal protection, so it’s not recommended for high-traffic areas like decking or exterior furniture. Regular upkeep is necessary to maintain its understated elegance. It most commonly used for small wooden articles used in kitchen and homeware such as chopping boards, charcuterie boards and ladles alike with beewax, which is an ediable and safe wax for both wood and humans.
When to choose wax: Subtle, tactile interiors—low-traffic frames and panels—knowing maintenance is higher and protection lower.
Approx Cost: ₹100–₹150/sq ft (usually bundled with oil).
Paint: Bold Color and Maximum Protection
Paint is the ultimate defender against the elements. It covers imperfections, protects against moisture and UV rays, and offers endless color options. For decking, exterior cladding, and outdoor furniture, paint ensures longevity and minimal maintenance. While it hides the natural grain, it opens up creative possibilities for homeowners who want a bold, modern look. For interior furniture, paint can be used to create statement pieces that complement your décor.
When to choose paint: Maximum protection and colour flexibility—great for coastal or high‑sun sites and for modern, uniform aesthetics.
Approx Cost: ₹15–₹50+/sq ft depending on grade. Interior painting commonly runs ₹8–₹50/sq ft depending on paint grade; exterior painting starts around ₹15–₹50+/sq ft due to weatherproof formulations and prep. Enamel (used on wood/metal) typically sits higher than wall emulsion.
Comparison: Finish Impact + Cost
| Finish Type | Longevity | Appearance | Best Use | Approx Cost (₹/sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil | Moderate | Natural grain, warm tone | Interior | ₹100-₹150 |
| Varnish | High | Glossy or satin | Exterior | ₹85-₹300 |
| Lacquer | Moderate | High-gloss, sleek | Interior | ₹160-₹220 |
| Shellac | Low | Classic amber tone | Heritage interiors | ₹30-₹36 |
| Wax | Low | Soft sheen | Decorative frames & homeware | ₹100-₹150 |
| Paint | Very High | Uniform colour | Exterior | ₹15-₹50+ |
Assumptions made for price calculations
- Decking oil calc: ₹2,750/L ÷ ~215 sq ft ≈ ₹12.8/sq ft/coat; two coats ≈ ₹25.6/sq ft (material). Labour adds ₹20–₹60/sq ft depending on sanding, cleaning and site conditions.
- Marine varnish calc: Varathane Spar Urethane ~₹5,910/quart (946 ml) covering ~190 sq ft/coat → ~₹31/sq ft/coat; 2–3 coats ₹62–₹93/sq ft (material) + typical finishing labour ₹20–₹60/sq ft.
- Service rates: Contractors commonly quote per‑sq‑ft for furniture/wood polishing: French polish ₹30–₹36, Melamine ₹125–₹150, Duco ₹160–₹190 (white Duco ₹210–₹230), PU ₹250–₹300—rates include material + labour.
- House painting benchmarks: Interior ₹8–₹50/sq ft, Exterior ₹15–₹50+/sq ft depending on paint category and prep.
Note: Prices are approximate based on market knowledge in Bangalore, India at the time of publishing is blog on 23rd Oct, 2025.
Why prices matter to longevity and appearance?
Oil and wax shine indoors and are easy to refresh—but expect more frequent maintenance, which adds life‑cycle cost despite lower upfront ₹/sq ft.
PU/varnish systems cost more upfront but reduce recoat cycles and preserve colour/clarity on doors, frames, and furniture exposed to handling and weather.
Paint offers the lowest maintenance cost outdoors and best UV/water defence, trading away natural grain for colour flexibility.