Blog > Which Floors Should You Wax—and Which You Shouldn’t
Which Floors Should You Wax—and Which You Shouldn’t
Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
Waxing floors is one of the oldest and most trusted ways to give them shine, protection, and a polished look. But not all flooring types are created equal. Some thrive with a coat of wax, while others can be deeply damaged from it. Knowing the difference can save you time, money, and most importantly frustration.
Floors You Should Wax
Hardwood Floors (with a Wax Finish)
Traditional hardwood floors finished with penetrating oils or stains benefit from waxing. Wax adds a protective layer against scuffs, scratches, and moisture while enhancing the natural beauty of the wood.
It is important though to know if your hardwood is not sealed with polyurethane or another modern topcoat. Wax won’t adhere properly and could create a messy buildup.
Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT)
Commonly used in schools, offices, and retail spaces then in residential homes, VCT welcomes waxing to maintain shine and durability. A few coats of wax followed by periodic buffing will keep it looking new.
Floors You Should Not Wax
Laminate Flooring
Laminate has a protective factory finish that is not porous. Waxing it can leave a dull, sticky residue that attracts dirt and ruins the appearance.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Plank
Unlike traditional vinyl composition tile, LVT is designed with a protective wear layer. Waxing it won’t add protection—it may though cause buildup and cloudiness.
Tile Floors (Ceramic, Porcelain, or Stone with Sealant)
Tile itself doesn’t need waxing, and grout can absorb wax, leading to discoloration and buildup. Instead, regular cleaning and resealing (for natural stone) is the way to go.
Wax is best suited for porous, older-style flooring materials. For most modern flooring types that you see in most homes—like laminate, LVT, sealed hardwood, or ceramic tile—waxing is unnecessary and can actually do harm to the floor. It’s important to ask your flooring company, such as Jason’s Carpet and Tile at 954-231-4487 to provide you with guidelines before applying any wax to flooring. It can help prevent some very costly mistakes.