Four Steps to Selecting a New Wood Floor:
Step 1: Wood Type: Solid | Prefinished
Laminate | Laminated | Acrylic
|
Step 2: Wood Floor Styles |
Step 3: Stain Selection |
Step 4: Finishes | Jobsite
Finish | Factory Pre-Finish |
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Comparing Finishes
The finishes on the market today are all good finishes, however, your lifestyle and specific needs may dictate the best finish for you. Following are some general comparisons of most common finishes on the market.
Water-Base Urethane |
Oil-Modified Urethane |
Swedish Finish |
Moisture-Cured Urethane |
Seal and Wax Or Oil Finish |
| Clear In Color | Amber In Color | Clear To Slight Amber Color | Clear to Slight Amber Color | Amber In Color |
| Fast Drying | Slow Drying | Fast Drying | Dries Quickly w/Humidity | Dry Time Varies |
| Durability V.Good | Durability Very Good | Durability Excellent | Durability Excellent | Durability Good |
| Not Flammable | Combustible | Combustible | Flammable | Combustible |
| Easy To Recoat | Easy To Recoat | Recoatable | Recoatable | Renewable by owner |
| Mild Odor | Moderate Odor | Strong Odor | Strong Odor | Mild Odor |
| Commonly Avail. | Low Luster | |||
| Can Water Spot |
At this time, the most common finish used is oil-modified urethane. We use this type of finish on the majority of our jobs. Oil-based urethanes can amber in color over time. This is why we use water-borne finish on our color sensitive projects such as white floors. It is important to use high quality finishes. The quality of the finish affects the final appearance of the floor as well as the durability. We use only the highest quality finishes.
Finishes can discolor over time. Ultraviolet light can change the color of a finish so it's important to drape large windows that have direct sunlight. Area rugs are an excellent addition to your wood floor, however, they should not be placed on the floor until the finish is fully cured. On a water-based urethane, area rugs can usually be placed after 14 days. On a solvent-based finish you should wait about 30 days after application of the finish.
Area rugs should be moved occasionally to maintain an even color in your finish. It's also important to use rugs with backing that allows the floor to breath and that are safe for wood floor finishes.