Are you thinking about refinishing your current floors or installing new wood floors but aren't sure which finish to choose? Understanding the various wood flooring finishes and their pros and cons is crucial in making the right decision. Every wood floor needs a finish to protect it from daily wear and tear. Your choice should depend on the type of wear your floors will endure.
Surface Finishes vs. Penetrating Finishes
Surface Finishes: These finishes form a protective layer on top of the wood. Options include:
Water-Based: Clear, durable, and quick-drying.
Oil-Based: Amber-toned and durable.
Moisture-Cured: Clear to amber, highly durable, and moisture-resistant.
Conversion Varnish: Slightly amber and extremely durable.
Wood Floor Wax: Penetrates and seals the wood, offering a low-luster finish but requiring more maintenance.
UV-Cured: Instantly cured using ultraviolet light, often water-based.
Aluminum Oxide: Applied during manufacturing, highly durable.
Penetrating Finishes: These include natural oil finishes, like penetrating oils or hard wax oils, which soak into the wood’s pores and harden, providing a durable, long-lasting finish.
Factory vs. Site Finished
Factory-Finished Floors: The finish and color are applied in the factory, allowing immediate use after installation.
Site-Finished Floors: Finished at the installation site, offering more customization but requiring drying time.
Sheen
The level of sheen is a personal choice:
Gloss: High shine and maximum light reflection.
Semi-Gloss: Moderate shine with some light reflection.
Satin: Low light reflection.
Matte: Minimal shine and light reflection, better at hiding scratches.
Color
Wood’s natural colors can be enhanced or altered using stains and color treatments, offering
endless possibilities for customization.
At Mansion Hill Custom Floors, our NWFA-certified experts can help you select the perfect
finish for your wood flooring project. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
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