Decisions on your new hardwood flooring do not stop once you decide on the type of wood, since you also need to decide on the finishing option as well. The finish plays a role in enhancing the beauty of the wood, as well as provides protection from everyday wear and tear. Here is what you need to know about each finish to make a decision.
Oil-Based
An oil-based finish will penetrate the hardwood, which enhances it by making the grain look warm and rich. It also provides the wood with much more durability that will help it look great over the years. Oil-based finishes are also simple to maintain, so your hardwood won't need special care that is difficult to do.
Be aware that oil-based finishes can have a strong odor while being applied. If you are remodeling a room and currently living in the home, you may want to plan to have an oil-based finish applied before leaving on vacation just to avoid the odor.
Water-Based
Many homeowners like a water-based finish because of the low odor that comes with the application process. A water-based finish will also dry quickly and be eco-friendly. The look is very natural and clean and resists stains and scratches. If you have pets or kids in your home, a water-based finish is great due to the low VOC emissions that the finish is known for.
Polyurethane
You'll find that polyurethane finishes have water-based and oil-based options. Polyurethane is known for providing resistance to moisture and scratches due to its durable topcoat, which gives the wood a protective layer. It makes polyurethane a great option for high-traffic rooms, like a kitchen or living room. You have the ability to pick the sheen of a polyurethane stain as well, which ranges from high gloss to satin. This can help a polyurethane finish fit in with your home quite well.
Wax
A wax finish is applied manually to the floor and will enhance the look of the wood with a matte sheen. It's a protective layer that still allows the natural beauty of the wood to show. Wax can help a space look inviting and warm and is a popular choice in more rustic style homes. The problem with wax is that it can require a lot of maintenance. This includes periodically reapplying wax to the floor, since it can wear off due to foot traffic.
Contact a professional to learn more about hardwood flooring installation.
You don't always appreciate walking on a smooth, flat surface until you've spent time walking on one that is rough and bumpy. You can try this yourself. Go outside and walk on some gravel, and then come inside and walk over your hardwood floors. You'll enjoy your hardwood floors in a whole new way. In fact, this experiment might inspire you to learn more about flooring. If so, you've come to the right place. This is a blog about flooring, and if you are someone who walks on floors, we promise you'll like the content here. We'll address flooring of many different types.