Whether you need new hardwood floors or are considering having your existing floors refinished, there are different finishes available — oil-based polyurethane, water-based polyurethane, and penetrating oils.
What option you choose will depend on what performance you expect from your floor and your desired look and feel. To learn more about types of hardwood flooring finishes and which to choose, read on.
Types of Finishes for Hardwood Flooring
Water-based Polyurethane
Water-based polyurethane is a clear finish for wood that uses water as its carrier for a polymer plastic that provides a sleek, protective, and aesthetically pleasing finish..
Pros of water-based polyurethane include:
- Fast drying times, allowing for more efficient application of multiple coats
- Less odor and fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it excellent for indoor use
- Clear finish that does not yellow over time
- Easy clean-up — during application is can be cleaned up easily with soap and water
However, the downsides of water-based polyurethane are that it’s less durable and prove to scratching and dents. It’s also a bit trickier to apply well, with extreme temperatures causing issues with adhesion, and it’s quick drying times making it susceptible to visible streaks or brush strokes if not applied properly.
Oil-based Polyurethane
Oil-based polyurethane is similar to water-based polyurethane, except it uses oil as a base for the polymers rather than water.
Pros of oil-based polyurethane include:
- Its durability provides a tougher, more resilient surface that can withstand heavy traffic and wear
- It enhance this richness and warmth of wood grain, providing a more traditional look
- It requires fewer coats for a durable finish
However, oil-based polyurethane takes a longer time to dry, and requires up to 24 hours between coats, making application a multi-day process. It also emits a strong odor during application that can last for a few days due to higher levels of VOCs. It also requires mineral spirits or paint thinner for cleanup, which makes it a more difficult application process, only recommended for professionals.
Penetrating Oils
Penetrating oils are finishes that are made up of natural oils like linseed that soak into the wood rather than seal it on top. These oils penetrate the wood fibers themselves and harden to protect the wood.
Pros of penetrating oils include:
- Natural enhancement of wood’s natural beauty without a film or coat on top, resulting in an authentic feel and finish
- Easy maintenance and upkeep. Penetrating oils do require reapplication, but it’s simple and easy to reapply with no sanding or stripping required.
- Oils allow the wood to breathe, which is great in areas with damp and humid climates.
Penetrating oils have excellent benefits, but they don’t offer the same protection that polyurethanes do. These penetrating oils also take a long time to fully cure, which can be disruptive to homeowners. Lastly, the easy maintenance is a double-edged sword. Though it’s simple to refresh the oil, it does need frequent maintenance to ensure the finish keeps its look and remains durable.
How to Choose a Hardwood Flooring Finish
Obviously, the main goal of your floor is to provide a sturdy and comfortable surface above the subfloor — but you also need to consider your day-to-day routines and how that will create wear and tear.
Durability
This is what makes the decision for many customers. Specifically, when living in the Pacific Northwest, the environment can be tough and unforgiving on hardwood floors./ Gritty sandy dirt, muddy paws, and humid air can wreak havoc on any surface.
If you have concerns about durability, an oil-based finish offers the highest level of protection. However, you can also choose to lay tile or luxury vinyl in high-traffic areas like the mudroom or kitchen to save your hardwoods, and choose a more natural finish in areas like living, dining, and formal entries.
Aesthetic Preferences
If you seek a natural, matte look, penetrating oils are the best option for finishing yur hardwood. A penetrating oil soaks fully into the wood and protects it from the inside out. This lends a natural look to the wood without a high-shine finish.
If you prefer a warm and traditional look, oil-based polyurethane will add a shine and depth to your wood. It adds a warm tone, perfect for making a space feel warm and cozy, or matching the original character in a historical renovation.
For those who want the protection of polyurethane with the natural look of wood, water-based polyurethane is the best way to go. While this will still have a shine to it, it will allow the woods natural beauty or the stain you choose to shine through unaltered.
Why Choose a Local Hardwood Flooring Expert?
Nehalem Bay Hardwoods offers local expertise and quality work. We live and work in the Pacific Northwest, and understand the challenges of maintaining hardwood in this environment.
We offer a selection of pre-finished hardwoods, engineered hardwoods, and site-finished hardwoods to ensure you can achieve your ideal hardwood floors, no matter your lifestyle and requirements.
To learn more about our services for site-finished hardwoods, get in touch today.
