Common Hardwood Floor Finishing Types

When your hardwood floor finishing is beginning to fade, scratch or peel, it’s time to refresh it with a new coat. There are many different types of finishes, each with their own pros and cons. Before you have your floors refinished, compare these common options and determine the best option for your home.

Urethane

Urethane is a surface finish that’s affordable, easy to apply and long-lasting. Choose between oil-modified, moisture-cured or water-based urethane, depending on the amount of traffic, the sheen you’re looking for and other factors. Urethane creates a durable surface for your flooring, but it can dramatically alter the sheen. Many have high VOC levels as they are being applied, so you might need to leave your home for 24 hours or more as urethane is applied.

Penetrating Sealer

A great way to stain and protect hardwood flooring at the same time is a penetrating sealer. Usually, oil-based, penetrating sealer colors and protects your flooring from scratches, moisture and other issues. This process takes more time than a surface sealer and can be more difficult to apply an even coat.

Varnish, Shellac and Wax

These three options were incredibly popular hardwood floor finishing options in past decades and centuries, but have mostly been replaced with urethane or penetrating sealers. Each of these requires additional time, cost and coats for proper protection. Unless you’re restoring a historic home, these may not be the best option for your home. Each of these leads to yellowing over time and require more maintenance than modern methods.

Choose the Best Finish for Your Floor

Work with a professional today to compare hardwood floor finishing options. Receive an estimate today to discover how you can enjoy a long-lasting, professional coat of protection to restore your beautiful flooring and be sure it lasts a lifetime. Enjoy hassle-free sanding, sealing and cleanup with an expert flooring team in your area.