Water-Based Polyurethane

Water-based polyurethane is a clear and fast-drying finish that provides a durable and resistant coating to your wooden floor. It is easy to apply and has low odour and low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which makes it more environmentally friendly and safer than oil-based polyurethane. Water-based polyurethane is also less likely to yellow over time, and can retain the natural colour and grain of the wood. However, water-based polyurethane is also more expensive, ess glossy and less hard than oil-based polyurethane, and may require more oats to achieve the desired level of protection.

Oil-Based Polyurethane

Oil-based polyurethane is a traditional and widely used finish for wooden flooring, as it offers a high-gloss and rich look to the wood, and a strong and durable protection against scratches, stains and water damage. Oil-based polyurethane is also more affordable, more hard and more forgiving than water-based polyurethane, and can fill in small gaps and imperfections in the wood. However, oil-based polyurethane also has some drawbacks, such as longer drying time, higher odour and higher VOCs, which can affect the indoor air quality and pose health risks. Oil-based polyurethane can also darken and yellow over time, and may alter the natural colour and grain of the wood.

Natural Oil

Natural oil is a finish that is made from natural ingredients, such as linseed oil, tung oil, or plant-based oils. Natural oil penetrates deep into the wood, and enhances its natural beauty and character, while providing a soft and smooth feel to the touch. Natural oil is also easy to apply and repair, and has low odour and low VOCs, making it a more eco-friendly and healthy option than polyurethane. However, natural oil is also less durable and less resistant than polyurethane, and may require more frequent maintenance and reapplication. Natural oil can also darken the wood over time, and may not be suitable for humid or high-traffic areas.

Hardwax Oil

Hardwax oil is a finish that is a blend of natural oils and waxes, such as carnauba wax, beeswax, or candelilla wax. Hardwax oil combines the benefits of natural oil and polyurethane, as it penetrates and protects the wood, while creating a hard and resilient surface that is resistant to stains, scratches and water damage. Hardwax oil also preserves and accentuates the natural colour and grain of the wood, and provides a matte and natural look to the floor. Hardwax oil is also easy to apply and repair, and has low odour and low VOCs, making it a more eco-friendly and healthy option than polyurethane. 

However, hardwax oil is also more expensive, more labour-intensive and more sensitive to temperature and humidity than polyurethane, and may require more care and attention during the application and curing process.

Lacquer

Lacquer is a finish that is a solution of resin and solvent, that forms a hard and glossy film on the surface of the wood. Lacquer is a fast-drying and easy-to-apply finish, that provides a high-gloss and smooth look to the wood, and a durable and resistant protection against scratches, stains and water damage. Lacquer is also less likely to yellow over time, and can retain the natural colour and grain of the wood. However, lacquer is also more toxic, more flammable and more prone to cracking and peeling than polyurethane, and may require more skill and equipment to apply. Lacquer can also have a strong odour and high VOCs, which an affect the indoor air quality and pose health risks.

So Which Wood Flooring Finish Is Best?

As you can see, there are many types of finishes for wooden flooring, each with its own pros and cons, depending on your needs and preferences. To choose the best finish for your flooring, you should consider the following factors:

• The type and condition of your new wood. Different types of wood may react differently to different finishes, and may require different levels of preparation and treatment. For example, some wood species may be more porous, more oily, or more sensitive to moisture and temperature than others, and may need a specific type of finish to achieve the best results. Also, some wood may have existing finishes, stains or damages, that may need to be removed or repaired before applying a new finish.

• The style and appearance of your flooring. Different finishes can create different effects on the wooden flooring, and can enhance or alter its natural colour, grain, texture and gloss. For example, some finishes may give a more natural, matte and rustic look to the wood, while others may give a more glossy, smooth and modern look. You should choose a finish that matches your personal taste and the overall style and decor of your space.

• The performance and durability of your wood. Different finishes can provide different levels of protection and resistance to your wooden flooring, and can affect its longevity and maintenance. For example, some finishes may be more durable and resistant to scratches, stains and water damage, while others may be more prone to wear and tear and may require more frequent maintenance and reapplication. You should choose a finish that suits your lifestyle and the expected use and traffic of your space.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right finish for your flooring is an important decision that can affect the appearance, performance and longevity of your wood floor. There are many types of wood floor finishes available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. You should consider the type and condition of the wood, the style and design of the space, the usage and traffic of the space, and the maintenance and care of the space, when choosing the best finish for your new wood project. If you need any help or advice, please contact us at D Good Flooring Ltd, and we will be happy to assist you with your project.