Hi there,
I’m currently building the wooden floors for a couple of showers in my house. I’m using iroko wood and first I was thinking finishing it with oil but I was wondering if I could just leave it with no finish at all, as I prefer the look of it. Does anyone know if it’s gonna create problems down the line?
Thanks in advance.
Replies
Bare it’s going to turn gray and mildew will grow in the wood grain requiring periodical cleaning with a teak cleaner. Oil will only help keep its color longer but it will eventually require cleaning.
Untreated it will grey out. This is similar to an outdoor situation and possibly worse since there will be no sun or wind to promote drying. I am under the opinion that outdoors you NEVER oil teak for outdoor situations and iroko is similar to genuine teak. The wood itself is naturally oily and oiling it only promotes the possibility of mold and mildew and the oil drying can rob the wood of its natural oils. Linseed oil may darken in time but in this case I doubt sun is a problem. There is nothing teak about teak oil which is mostly linseed oil based. If you want to retain the color you want a teak "sealer"not an oil. Semans and Sikkens probably make the best teak sealers though at yacht worthy prices. Starbright is also good and a little cheaper. Most of these sealers can be maintained as needed or annually usually with only a cleaning and a recoat. Another reason for opting to seal the wood,iroko is fairly porous and as it is a shower you have to consider the soap factor. It's hard enough dealing with soap scum on porcelain ,wood could be much worse!