The Best Floor Varnish For Wooden Floorboards & Flooring!

With a wide variety to choose from, floor varnish in the UK have boomed in recent years. With floor varnishes being a tricky product to get right without knowing what to look for.

First, you want to choose a varnish that is specifically used for floors because you do not want to be slipping and sliding all over the place.

I think a dark varnish looks best especially on reclaimed floorboards. But for new hardwood flooring then a clear varnish will complement the grain and enhance the look and feel of the room.

Because floor varnish is expensive you do not want to be going back to change the colour especially if you have already purchased and used it.

In this list of the best varnishes for wooden floors, I am going to reveal value for money, quality of varnish and the variety of colours and effects supplied.

Good Floor Varnish Features

A Good floor varnish “MUST” be hard-wearing, oil-based and dries the same colour as advertised on the tin. You can pay a lot of money for a litre tin of floor varnish but that does not mean you are getting the best value for money.

Floor varnish works out about £14 – £16 per 3m2.

• Hard-wearing for high traffic areas
• Oil-based for less moisture retention
• Non-slip oil-based formula
• Deep natural colours, that also dries the same as advertised

The Best Floor Varnishes

I have personally used every floor varnish listed, all the best choices and you will see great results. Remember that preparation is the key to a wooden floor you can be proud of.

MORE TIPS: Scroll further for tips and guides to preparing your wooden floors for varnishing! For the best floor varnish products in this post continue reading:

1) Ronseal Diamond Hard Floor Varnish

The brand Ronseal has a few lines of wood varnish, but the Ronseal diamond hard line is by far the best. It dries quick, extra hard and lasts a very long time.

I used the Diamon Hard Floor Varnish on my hallway and dining room and there is no wear and tear so far, no discolouring after 3-years since applying this varnish.

• 1.5-litre tins covers on avg 45m2
• Dries/sets in about 30 mins
• Various colour available
• Available in satin, matt and gloss
• Very hard floor varnish!
• Price: £45-55

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2) Rustin’s – Floor Varnish

Rustins is not a well-known paint brand such as Ronseal, Dulux and Johnstone’s, but their floor varnish is extremely good. It’s a cheaper brand but I was extremely surprised by the quality and lifespan of this varnish.

The Rustins floor varnish comes in various effects and colours and can be used on a wide variety of flooring, not just wood! You can use this strong setting floor varnish on a cork, concrete and also wood flooring.

I chose this floor varnish for a large school project back in 2015 and it was still looking good back in 2019! If you are looking for a cheaper brand but that is better than many of the more well-known brands then Rustin’s floor varnish is for you.

• 2.5-litre tins covers on avg 60/70m2
• Dries/sets in about 20 mins
• Can be re-applied in 2 hours
• Various colour available
• Available in satin and gloss
• Hard set floor varnish!
• Price: £30-35

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3) Liberon Natural Finish Floor Varnish

The Liberon brand has produced a floor varnish that brings out the natural grain and colour of your flooring.

If your floorboards are in good shape and you want to keep the natural grain then the Liberon Natural floor varnish should be an option for your home.

This varnish is generally used on new boards to seal and protect against scuff and marks, but it is that good I know it makes any timber stand out.

• No oranging or yellowing
• 1-litre tins cover on avg 30m2
• Dries/sets in about 30 mins
• Can be re-applied in 2 hours
• Available in satin-clear
• Hard set floor varnish!
• Price: £15-20

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Applying Floor Varnish

Applying floor varnish is a simple process, follow the grain and never puddle or apply too much. You must always prepare your wooden floors by sanding, filling and nailing if needed.

Always use a floor filler that is porous so the varnish soaks in and matches to the floor.

• Always sand your floorboards before applying varnish
• Replace any split, rotten or twisted boards
• Use a low-grade sandpaper or belt sander for a smooth finish
• Apply with a soft non-nylon brush
• Brush with the grain for a more natural finish
• Apply two coats to get the right colour and protection

Although a clear varnish would not suit a wooden floor with lots of filler and repairs because you will notice this through the varnish once it dries.

If your floorboards are in good condition or you are planning on using a clear varnish on a hardwood flooring similar to laminated then a clear varnish will look great while protecting your floors for years to come.

Floor Varnish Conclusion

Using a tried and tested floor varnish is always best! I have used each floor varnish in this post and know they look great, easy to apply and lasts the test of time.

There are many brands and various effects when it comes to floor varnishes, be careful before deciding which brand to go with.

I will always recommend the Ronseal Diamond Hard floor varnish because I know it’s the best currently on the market in the UK for both hardwood flooring and reclaimed floorboards.