Hardwood floors come in a variety of unique finishes that not only accentuate the wood grains but also help ensure its durability. With the right surface finish, you can make your hardwood floor last for decades!
Should you go glossy or stick with minimalist matte? Check out some of the most popular surface finishes and see if you like any!
1. Water-based Polyurethane Finish
Water-based polyurethane is one of the most popular hardwood flooring finishes out there. Its unique selling point is that it gives your hardwood a clear, durable surface but still manages to preserve that warm, classic hardwood aesthetic. This smooth and durable finish is available in gloss, satin, and matte to suit your taste. This finish is typically applied on site by your contractor after the wood flooring is already installed. Site finished floors will need to be lightly sanded prior to stain or finish application.
We offer all our floors as either prefinished or unfinished so you can apply your own finish for a site finished wood floor . One advantage of going for this type of finish is you can mix or match a stain color with your floor finisher on site.
2. Oil-Based Polyurethane Finish
These types of finishes are more traditional and what most people think of when they imagine finishing their floors on site. An oil-based polyurethane will have more of an initial smell while curing than a water-based polyurethane. Oil based finished will often have more of a golden yellow appearance once applied to the floors. Many contractors also feel that this type of finish is the most durable option to protect your floors.
3. Hard-Wax Oil
Hard wax finishes are pretty versatile and give a warm, natural look to your floor. This type of finish helps protect the wood from wear and tear and is really easy to touch up. Hard wax oil finishes waned in popularity some decades ago but today we see them making their way back to the mainstream—all thanks to homeowners who’re now opting for low gloss finishes. Rubio Moncoat and WOCA oil are two popular options.
4. Swedish Finish
The name sounds pretty Nordic but we like to call it “acid-cured finishing” or conversion varnish on this side of the world. Acid-cured finishing is highly durable, more so than polyurethane finishing. They’re especially well-suited for flooring that needs smooth textures and an added layer of protection.
5. Aluminum Oxide Finish
If you’re looking for a durable hardwood top surface, look no further. Aluminum oxide surfaces are extremely durable and can easily last over 20 years. In fact, aluminum oxide finishes are particularly helpful if you’ve got engineered hardwood floors in your home because their thin veneer base can’t handle too much sanding or retouching. This type of finish is applied on a finish line and UV cured. It looks beautiful over wide plank flooring and is very popular for mass produced floors.
Serene White Oak or rich Black Walnut; whatever you choose for your custom hardwood floors, make sure you consider these finishes before you make a decision. The right finish can greatly enhance the overall look of your space and make your life easier.
Book a consultation session with us and let us help you decide on the best wood flooring designs for your home!