Hardwood floors are a popular and safe flooring choice as they’re easy to maintain and a great way of upgrading the look of your place. Versatile as they are, they go with every type of interior design and are also available in a wide variety of colors and shades. The wood flooring market is at a peak in the US, expanding at a rate of 1.5%.
Another thing that makes them an ideal choice is that they’re super easy to clean and maintain. Since hardwood floors are resistant to dirt and spills, all you have to do is wipe or brush them up or do an overall cleaning once a week. They’ve made carpets obsolete: no more allergies, constant upkeep, or the terror of spillage.
4 Common hardwood finishes you should know about:
1 – Water-Based Polyurethane
If your floor requires a clear finish that dries within two to three hours, water-based Polyurethane is what you should go for. It’s easy to apply, has a low odor, and gives a shiny finish that resists yellowing. This finish is durable, moisture-resistant, and can be cleaned easily. Another benefit of water-based Polyurethane is that it’s more environmentally friendly compared to other finishes.
Cons: Water-based Polyurethane isn’t as durable as oil-based finishing.
2 – Oil-Based Polyurethane
This is a popular choice amongst people due to its durability and strength. Although it’s ideal for commercial properties, many homeowners prefer it too because it eliminates the need to refinish the floor very often. Oil-based Polyurethane is also easy to look after; all you need to do is sweep or vacuum your floors once in a while.
Cons: It takes very long to dry (8 to 10 hours) with a strong odor. It also turns yellow over time.
3 – Moisture-Cure Polyurethane
This is best for floors that need a very tough finish. It’s highly durable and strong and dries to a high shine. It resists scratches, stains, and moisture to a great degree and doesn’t have much wear and tear.
Cons: Emits extremely strong fumes and needs proper ventilation, which means the house residents have to relocate for a week or two after its application.
4 – Wax
Wax has been the floor finish choice since the 1960s, before the creation of polyurethanes. Even today, it remains a popular choice. Use this wherever you want a low sheen finish. It soaks into the pores of the wood, which give it outstanding durability. It’s also easy to apply, has very little odor, and dries quickly.
Cons: Needs regular maintenance, is vulnerable to moisture and scratches, and not as durable as other options. It also yellows over time.
If you’re looking for a flooring contractor in Seattle, we, at Five Star Hardwood Floor, deliver top hardwood flooring services. Specializing in Custom Hardwood Floors Seattle, we also offer moisture checks and repairing services and provide solid wood installing and hardwood floor repair.