When choosing a finish for your furniture, one of the biggest decisions is between natural oils and polyurethane. Both protect the timber, but they perform very differently in terms of health, appearance, and sustainability.

Polyurethane finishes
Polyurethane is a plastic-based coating that forms a hard shell over the timber. While durable, it sits on top of the surface rather than soaking into the wood. It can chip, crack, and peel over time, and once damaged, repairs are difficult. Polyurethane also contains chemicals that release VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can impact indoor air quality.

Natural oil finishes
Natural oils, such as Osmo, penetrate deep into the timber fibres, protecting from within while allowing the wood to breathe. Oils highlight the natural grain and texture, giving a warm, organic look. They’re also far healthier — Osmo oils, for example, are food-safe, low-VOC, and solvent-free. If scratched or worn, oiled furniture can be spot-repaired easily without needing to sand the entire piece.

At Innate Furniture, we’ve taken natural oils even further by introducing UV-cured oils. This innovation eliminates toxins and reduces curing times from seven days down to just minutes, saving energy and improving efficiency without compromising on durability. We are also working with AgResearch to develop a 100% NZ-grown natural oil system, made from hemp and other renewable resources.

So, are natural oils better than polyurethane? If you care about health, repairability, sustainability, and the natural beauty of timber, the answer is yes. Oils protect both your furniture and your home environment — making them the smarter choice for long-lasting, sustainable furniture.