There are a number of hardwood flooring surface finishes to choose from. Certain finishes are better for certain types of hardwood. The finish you choose should compliment both your lifestyle and your home style.
Aluminum Oxide
Aluminum oxide is the most durable finish, lasting up to 25 years. This is especially beneficial for engineered hardwood floors because they often have a thinner veneer that doesn’t lend itself to sanding and refinishing. Prefinished planks are your only option for an aluminum oxide finish due to the application and drying equipment used in the finishing process. Aluminum oxide flooring is prefinished, making installation easier and faster.
Water-Based Polyurethane
Water-based polyurethane is a clear finish that has a traditional look and feel. This smooth, glossy finish gives solid and engineered hardwood floors the signature wet look. Water-based polyurethane finishes also come in satin and semigloss. High-gloss polyurethane hardwood flooring is typically prefinished by the manufacturer, which makes installation faster. Cleaning high-sheen hardwood finish is easy, although scratches, pet hair, and other imperfections stand out.
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Oil-based polyurethane is another urethane option, although it can yellow over time, it does tend to last a couple years longer. This finish is also less expensive and requires less coats. However, it requires a longer drying and curing period than water-based polyurethane.
Oil Sealer
Oil sealer or penetrating oil sealer is a wise choice if you’re planning on finishing your hardwood floors yourself as it’s pretty easy to apply. This hardwood finish isn’t as hard as the polyurethane mentioned above. It brings out the natural grain patterns and enhances the color of the wood. Oil sealer allows for touch ups later on. The main benefit of oil sealer is the natural look it brings to flooring. It compliments antique and traditional style homes. Tung oil is the main ingredient in most oil sealers. Since tung oil is naturally derived and not permanent, oil sealers are commonly reapplied every three to five years. This type of finish also has a longer drying time and requires several coats.
Hard-Wax Oil
Hard-wax oil finish is a great option if you’re looking for a natural finish that’s easy to apply, offers a warm look, and provides excellent protection. Wax treatments are growing in popularity again thanks to homeowners who want a low luster finish that’s easy to touch up. Most hard-wax oil finishes are DIY-friendly in terms of application. Reapply the wax finish every two to three years due to low durability.
Acid Cured
Acid-cured finishes, also called a Swedish finish, are extremely durable — even more so than polyurethane. This type of finish is suited for smooth-textured flooring and exotic woods that need extra protection. However, acid-cured finishes have high toxicity levels during curing. The curing process can last anywhere from three days to a month depending on the relative humidity.
Conclusion
Consider the hardwood flooring surface finishes described above carefully. Ultimately, the hardwood flooring surface finish you choose should complement your home style and your lifestyle.