Finishing
Stain
The stain brings out the natural timber pattern. Oak can come in many different types. If there is more oak used in the interior design (floor, doors etc), then it can happen that each new oak detail added to the interior has a different shade from the earlier ones. To some extent, it can be avoided by using stain to achieve a more similar shade.
Stained surfaces can be lacquered or oiled.
Lacquer
The lacquer provides the timber with a transparent protection layer, at the same time preserving the timber’s natural appearance. The lacquered surface is easily cleanable with everyday washing means.
Oil
The oil will show the timber grain, as well, but it does not form a protective layer on the surface like the lacquer does, but absorbs deep into the timber. The damages on the oiled surface are easier to fix than on the lacquered surface, for example. The downside, however, is that it needs special means for cleaning.