There are a wide variety of hardwood floor finishes for many different practical needs and applications.
Although hardwood floors are incredibly popular and add a lot of value to an interior, they require regular maintenance and refinishing to keep them looking spiffy. When your floors need to be refinished will depend largely on how much traffic and wear and tear your floors see on a regular basis. There are also a ton of unique floor finishes to choose from. Here’s an at-a-glance guide to help you choose a finish for your hardwood floors.
Wax
Time-tested and old fashioned, wax was routinely used to refinish floors before polyurethanes became available in the 1970s. Wax is a good choice when you want your floors to have a mellow, low-sheen look and would prefer to use natural products with low VOCs and toxicity. Wax finishes are easy to tough up, but also not as durable as polyurethane finishes and more susceptible to stains.
Water-Based Polyurethane
Today, polyurethanes are the standard finish for hardwood floors. Water-based varieties are more eco-friendly, but not as durable. Still, modern water-based polys are nearly as tough as oil-based varieties. Another major difference is that water-based polys feature a dry, clear color while oil-based polys have a slight amber tint.
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Many professional finishers opt for oil-based polyurethane finishes because they’re tough, long-lasting and less expensive than water-based polys. That said, they do have the drawback of having a higher VOC content and a much stronger odor during application. You will need to give it 8 to 10 hours to dry.
Acid-Cured (Swedish) Finish
Acid-cured Swedish finishes are luxurious and require professional application. They are among the toughest types of hardwood floor finishes, and come with a higher price tag. Acid-cured finishes are typically used with exotic woods and elaborate inlay designs. They can up to 60 days to fully cure, but you can walk on it after three days.
Moisture-Cured Urethane
Another durable finishing option, moisture-cured urethane finishes also require professional application and have a high VOC content. That said, this finish is excellent for high traffic areas and dries very fast.
Penetrating Oil Sealer
Oil sealers have long been used to protect and moisture-proof wood. Not only are they easy to apply, but an oil sealer can enhance grain patterns and deepen wood colors. Although the finish itself won’t scratch, recoating is necessary every two to three years as the finish wears down. This is a great option for historic buildings with antique flooring.
Get In Touch With Mahogany Inc. To Learn More About Custom Woodwork Today
Mahogany, Inc. is a general contractor specializing in quality construction for projects across a wide range of industries. Located in southwest Baltimore, we employ 100 persons, and are one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the state of Maryland. If you are looking for custom millwork or other amazing wooden installations, then check out our website! Make sure to check back with our blog every week and find us on social media for important updates!