When you install a wood floor, you expect a flawless finish. If you’ve spotted dull areas or uneven sheen, you may be wondering: why does my wood floor look patchy? Understanding what causes this and knowing how to restore the intended appearance helps ensure your floor stays beautiful for years to come. 

Understanding the Difference Between Oiled and Lacquered Finishes 

Before exploring the causes of uneven-looking floors, it helps to understand how different wood finishes behave. A UV-cured lacquer seals the surface of the wood, creating a durable top layer, giving a consistent sheen and high wear resistance. Homeowners often choose them for their durability and ability to retain colour over time.

Oiled floors, by contrast, is the traditional treatment of timber. It penetrates and preserves the wood to enhance its natural character. Depending on the type of oil, they may need more frequent maintenance to keep their look. You’ll need to apply oil regularly to nourish the wood and maintain its protective layer.  It will typically be easier to repair and last longer over time with maintenance.  

When choosing a wood floor, considering the finish is essential. It affects not just how the floor looks, but how it feels underfoot, how often it needs care, and how it will age. For example, if you’re hosting regularly, understanding how to look after your floor with guests can help you plan for extra wear without risking damage. 

When it comes to patchiness, these finishes behave differently. Lacquered floors can develop uneven sheen or dull patches if scratched or improperly maintained, but can usually be refreshed with a specialist lacquer refresher. Using the wrong products can make oiled floors look patchy, especially when maintenance is inconsistent. Unlike traditional oils, UV-cured oils don’t absorb new oil in the same way, requiring dedicated products for restoration. 

How Can You Tell if Your Floor Is Oiled or Lacquered? 

Matt or satin lacquer forms a smooth, sealed layer that protects the surface and enhances durability. Satin lacquers reflect more light, while matt finishes give a softer, more natural appearance without losing durability. An oiled floor has a more tactile texture, with the grain more visible and a natural, lower-lustre look. Wipe the floor with a damp cloth. If the floor darkens and lightens again as it dries, it’s a good clue that the oil is sitting within the wood. 

Not sure? Check your paperwork or speak to your supplier, it’s important to get this right before applying any cleaning or restoration product. 

Common Causes of Patchiness in Lacquered Wood Flooring 

1. Micro Scratching During Installation 

Fine scuffs from knee pads, grit or tools can disturb the surface finish. While they’re not deep, these marks disrupt how light reflects off the lacquer, making the floor appear patchy. If this happens, start by cleaning with an approved product, then apply neat lacquered cleaning liquid (UV-Lacquer Refresher) to restore a uniform sheen. You’ll find step-by-step cleaning guidance in our guide to cleaning your wood floor properly.  

2. Sheen Variations Between Production Batches 

Even with strict quality control, natural variation can occur between production batches. If planks from multiple batches are installed together without mixing them visually beforehand, slight differences may become visible, especially in bright or angled lighting. Dry-laying boards before installation helps distribute any variation evenly. If variation is visible after installation, a refresher coat can blend the finish. 

3. Poor Surface Preparation Before Lacquering 

Factory-applied lacquers from Treffert, Sherwin Williams, or Bona depend on precise preparation for proper bonding. Overly absorbent wood, contamination, or improper sanding can cause uneven sheen or poor film build. Sanding to 100-120 grit (not finer), using the recommended primer on absorbent species like oak or ash, and thoroughly cleaning with a tack cloth or solvent wipe are essential steps. If needed, you may replace planks or carefully mask adjoining boards to refinish a single plank fully, especially where there’s a bevelled edge. 

4. Contamination During or After Installation 

Adhesives, grout haze, or silicone sealants that get onto the floor during fitting can interfere with the finish. These materials can leave smears, dull spots, or even react with the lacquer or oil. Thorough site protection and post-installation cleaning with a neutral-pH cleaner are essential. Avoid rushing into fitting skirting, sealing, or snagging without proper floor protection in place. Mistakes here are often overlooked; but they can have lasting visual effects. Brush up on wood floor care tips to keep the finish protected from everyday knocks. 

5. Fine Dust or Build-Up 

Construction dust or fine particles can settle onto your floor, leaving a hazy, uneven finish. An initial clean using a microfiber mop and Woodpecker Floor Cleaner is recommended to remove this build-up effectively. 

6. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products 

Not all floor cleaners are compatible with wood finishes. Multi-surface sprays, polishes, or detergent-based products can cause a slow build-up that dulls the surface or leads to streaks and cloudy patches. Over time, incompatible cleaning habits, like over wetting, using an old mop, or wrong products can affect the finish – leaving you asking why does my wood floor look patchy despite regular maintenance.

When cleaning hardwood floors, stick to Woodpecker-approved aftercare products that protect the finish and maintains consistent, even sheen. Our lacquered cleaning kit is specifically formulated to rejuvenate scuffed or dull surfaces without compromising the protective lacquered layer. This is especially important in high-traffic or entertaining spaces.  

Does This Happen with UV-Oiled Floors Too? 

Yes. You might still ask why does my wood floor look patchy with UV-oiled finishes, especially if they’re not cared for correctly. While the causes and behaviours are similar, solutions differ. UV oils behave more like lacquers in wear but they cannot be spot-patched with standard oil. UV-cured oils don’t absorb additional oil the way traditional oiled floors do, making build-up and patching more likely if incompatible products are used. It’s important to use dedicated UV-compatible products such as Osmo Liquid Wax Cleaner, WOCA Maintenance Gel, or Woodpecker Cleaner for Oil Floors. Following manufacturer-approved maintenance systems is essential to avoid problems. 

How to Apply Woodpecker UV-Lacquer Refresher 

• Clean the floor thoroughly with diluted Woodpecker Floor Cleaner. 
• Shake the refresher bottle (neat cleaning liquid for lacquered floors) well before use. 
• Apply in thin, even layers using a microfibre mop. 
• Allow to dry for 1-2 hours without foot traffic. 
• Avoid washing the floor for at least 24 hours after application. 

Long-Term Care and the Value of Wood Flooring 

Looking after your wood floor doesn’t need to be complicated. Start by knowing your finish, and choose products that support it – not work against it. Whether you’ve just noticed a patchy area or you’re planning ahead, the right approach helps your floor stay looking its best for years to come. If you’re wondering whether wood flooring is the right choice for you, this guide on whether wood flooring adds value covers what to consider.