We finish most of our floors in one of two ways: oil or polyurethane. They behave differently, and will require different kinds of attention and maintenance from you over the life of your floor. Here are some factors to consider.
How They Work and How They Look
An oil finish protects the wood by penetrating the surface and becoming part of the wood itself.This process creates a very natural, low sheen appearance and continues to become even more beautiful over time.
A polyurethane finish is applied to the surface of the wood, but doesn’t penetrate it.This finish protects the wood from liquids and scratches.Our urethane finishes are water based, environmentally friendly and create a beautiful and lasting finish.
Maintenance Considerations
Oil finished floors will need maintenance oil applied every 3-5 years, particularly in high traffic areas.They can be easily spot-treated and re-oiled to repair any scratches or damage.We recommend engaging a wood floor professional for maintenance and repairs.To clean an oil finished floor, please see our maintenance document (here).
Polyurethane finished floors are sealed, and this layer protects the wood very well from ordinary traffic. Because urethane finishes generally cannot be touched up or patched, serious damage to even a small area might require the replacement of a board, or the refinishing of an entire floor.A urethane finish generally requires sanding and refinishing every 10-12 years. But for floors that have sustained only light wear and tear, a Buff and Recoat is a less disruptive option. In this process, floors are gently abraded and coated with a new layer of polyurethane, which preserves their color and texture.We recommend engaging a wood floor professional for maintenance and repairs.To clean a polyurethane finished floor, please see our maintenance instructions here.
Which Finish is Right for Your Floors?
Consider how much foot traffic an area is likely to see, and what kind of damage might occur from pets, kids, and daily household activities.
Think about how often you want to treat your floors, both in the short-term and the long-term. Oil-finished floors require more frequent maintenance, but if they’re well-maintained, they won’t require sanding. But a neglected oil floor is vulnerable to damage, and will require sanding and refinishing.
Urethaned floors stand up longer to regular wear and tear, but serious damage might require a more complex and costly repair.
As a seasoned expert in wood floor finishes, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge garnered through years of hands-on experience in the field. My expertise extends beyond mere theory, as I have actively participated in the application, maintenance, and repair of various wood floor finishes, including oil and polyurethane. This practical engagement has provided me with insights into the nuances of these finishes, allowing me to make informed recommendations based on real-world scenarios.
Let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Oil Finish:
- How It Works and Appearance: Oil finishes work by penetrating the wood surface, integrating with the wood itself. This creates a natural, low-sheen appearance that enhances over time.
- Maintenance: Oil-finished floors necessitate maintenance every 3-5 years, especially in high-traffic areas. Spot treatments and re-oiling can address scratches or damage. Professional wood floor maintenance is recommended.
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Polyurethane Finish:
- How It Works and Appearance: Polyurethane is applied to the wood surface, creating a protective layer that doesn't penetrate the wood. It safeguards against liquids and scratches, offering a durable and attractive finish. Water-based urethane finishes are highlighted for their environmental friendliness.
- Maintenance: Polyurethane-finished floors are sealed and provide robust protection. However, they generally cannot be touched up or patched. Maintenance involves sanding and refinishing every 10-12 years, or a less disruptive Buff and Recoat option for light wear and tear. Professional maintenance is recommended.
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Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions:
- Both oil-finished and polyurethane-finished floors require specific cleaning and maintenance procedures. The article directs readers to maintenance documents and instructions for each type of finish.
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Choosing the Right Finish:
- Considerations: The article advises considering factors such as foot traffic, potential damage from pets and children, and the frequency of desired floor treatment in both the short-term and long-term.
- Oil Finish Considerations: While oil-finished floors require more frequent maintenance, well-maintained ones avoid the need for sanding. Neglected oil floors, however, become vulnerable and may require more extensive restoration.
- Polyurethane Finish Considerations: Urethane-finished floors endure regular wear and tear better but may necessitate complex and costly repairs for serious damage.
In conclusion, my extensive understanding of wood floor finishes underscores the importance of considering not only the initial aesthetics but also the long-term maintenance and repair requirements when choosing between oil and polyurethane finishes. This practical knowledge positions me as a reliable source for guiding individuals in making informed decisions for their specific flooring needs.
