Five Durable Hardwood Floor Finishes

A hardwood floor is a solid investment in your home. Not only does it make the home look beautiful and increase resale value, but it also lasts a long time, so you can enjoy it while you and your family live in the home.

The best way to get the most out of your hardwood floor investment is by protecting it with a good floor finishing. There are many different types of floor finishing, and some are more suitable for certain situations than others. Here is some more information about hardwood floor finishes, focusing on five types you might want to consider for your own hardwood floors.

Aluminum oxide

Aluminum oxide is probably the most durable floor finishing you can find. It makes the wood surface much less likely to fade or scratch, and it is rated to last up to 25 years with a single application. But with this durability comes a downside: because it is so hard, it’s difficult to refinish. In fact, it may even damage the sander if you try. That means, if it is damaged, your best option may be to just replace the flooring. On the plus side, it often comes already applied to prefinished hardwood flooring.

Acid-cured

Acid-cured floor finishing is one of the best choices for hardwood floors. This finish uses acid and alcohol to make a varnish that dries quickly and holds up well over time. It also can bring out the best in your hardwood, especially for exotic species with particularly interesting grain patterns. With professional application, this type of floor finishing could last up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance. It can be touched up as needed so you can repair any minor accidents without having to replace the flooring.

Oil-based polyurethane

If you’re looking for an affordable choice with decent durability, check out oil-based polyurethane. It’s typically the most affordable floor finishing option and can bring out a warm glow to the many popular wood types used in hardwood flooring. It will need several coats, but each coat will dry within a few hours. This is a good option for high-traffic areas of the home.

Water-based polyurethane

For areas with a lot of moisture, water-based polyurethane is a solid floor finishing choice. It doesn’t only have to be used in these environments, however. It has low VOCs, making it a good choice for a basement or other places with minimal ventilation. It is fairly easy to apply and dries clear just a few hours after application. This allows for multiple coats to be applied in the same day. It is not as durable as other finishes, however, and will require more coats than oil-based polyurethane.

Moisture-cured urethane

For floors that will see a lot of traffic from pets and kids, moisture-cured urethane might be your best bet for floor finishing. This is a very durable finish—it’s also used in bowling alleys, so you know it can take a beating! It dries quickly, so it’s best to let a professional handle the application for this type of finish.

With proper application, the right hardwood floor finishing can help your floors stay beautiful for many years to come. For the best floor cleaning service from experienced professionals, contact Stay Clean Solutions today.