What’s the Right Finish for your Hardwood Floors?
Water-Based Polyurethane
Ideal for floors in need to return to use quickly, and with a clear finish.
| PROS | CONS |
| Fast Dry | Price per gallon is more than traditional polyurethane |
| Easy to Apply / Easy to Clean-up | Less “open” time during application than traditional polyurethane |
| Low Odor | |
| Low VOC’s |
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Ideal for floors that are high traffic, provides richer and slightly amber look.
| PROS | CONS |
| Very durable / tough finish | Slow / longer drying time |
| Generally less expensive than water-based products | Ambers over time |
| Easy to apply / Easy to maintain | Stronger odor during application compared to Water-Based finishes |
| Resists moisture |
Swedish Finish (Acid Cure)
Ideal for exotic wood floors or high-end elaborate wood flooring patterns.
| PROS | CONS |
| Dries very fast | High VOC’s / Flammable |
| Outstanding durability / hard finish | Difficult to refinish once used |
| Long-lasting finish / more durable than poly | More expensive than many other floor finishes |
| Pro-only application |
Moisture-Cured
Ideal for high-traffic areas and situations requiring the toughest floor finish.
| PROS | CONS |
| Toughest floor finish / Extreme durability | Very high VOC’s / Flammable |
| Fast drying allows for multiple costs per day | Strong odor may last for weeks |
| Longest lasting finish | Low humidity extends drying time |
| Pro-only application |
Wax Finishes
Ideal for areas requiring low-sheen finish such as historic homes.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to apply and touch-up | Not as durable as polyurethane finishes |
| Penetrates wood / combine with stains | Requires ongoing upkeep |
| Low odor / low VOC’s | Application is labor intensive |
| Low luster finish | Darkens and yellows over time |
| Can be walked on within hours | Susceptible to water marks and to stains |
Penetrating Oil Sealer
Ideal for creating a low-shine or antique looking floor which highlights the grain of the wood.
| PROS | CONS |
| Natural product, easy to apply | Multiple coats required |
| Accentuates the natural wood beauty | Requires recoating /maintenance |
| Low / mild odor | |
| Subdued Sheen |
Wax Finishes
Ideal for areas requiring low-sheen finish such as historic homes.
| PROS | CONS |
| Easy to apply and touch-up | Not as durable as polyurethane finishes |
| Penetrates wood / combine with stains | Requires ongoing upkeep |
| Low odor / low VOC’s | Application is labor intensive |
| Low luster finish | Darkens and yellows over time |
| Can be walked on within hours | Susceptible to water marks and to stains |
Aluminum Oxide – UV Cured
Ideal for high traffic areas or for best protection against wear and tear.
| PROS | CONS |
| Longest lasting finish / extremely durable | Impossible to repair or touch up |
| Low maintenance | Only available on prefinished wood |