Whether you're installing new hardwood floors or revitalizing old ones, the type of finish you choose plays a key role in both looks and longevity. In this guide, I will help you navigate the world of hardwood floor finishes, making the selection process easier for both new installations and refinishing projects.
| Finish Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best For: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-Based Polyurethane | Low odor, fast drying, durable | Less rich tone than oil-based | Most rooms |
| Oil-Based Polyurethane | Warm tone, enhances grain, durable | Strong odor, longer drying time | Classic look |
| Moisture-Cured Urethane | Ultimate durability, high-traffic areas | Difficult DIY, strong fumes | Commercial, heavy use |
| Penetrating Oil Sealer | Enhances wood, easy DIY | Less durable, frequent reapplication | Natural look |
| Hard Wax Oil | Natural finish, eco-friendly, easy spot repairs | Requires more maintenance | Soft, subtle look |
| Shellac | Natural, dries quickly, warm tone | Less durable, water sensitive | Antique restoration |
| Varnish | High-gloss possible, durable if layered | Yellows over time, difficult to repair | Specific high-gloss needs |
Key Takeaways:
- There are two main categories, surface finishes and penetrating finishes.
- The most common are water- or oil-based polyurethane, and moisture-cured urethane.
- Penetrating and hard wax oils look more natural but need more frequent maintenance.
- Finish sheens (gloss, semi-gloss, satin, matte) impact the look and feel of your floor.
Table of Contents
- Surface Finishes (The Most Common)
- Penetrating Finishes
- Other Traditional (Less Common) Finishes
- Finish Sheens
- Factors for Choosing the Best Finish
Surface Finishes (The Most Common)
Surface finishes sit on top of the wood, creating a protective barrier against scratches, stains, and everyday wear. They're the most popular choice for hardwood floors due to their durability and ease of maintenance. Let's dive into the three main types:
Water-Based Polyurethane
- Advantages: Low odor, quick-drying, clear finish that doesn't yellow over time, generally good durability.
- Disadvantages: May have a slightly cooler, less rich tone compared to oil-based finishes.
Oil-Based Polyurethane
- Advantages: Classic warm amber tone, enhances wood grain, durable with good scratch resistance.
- Disadvantages: Stronger odor during application, longer drying and curing times.
Moisture-Cured Urethane
- Advantages: The most durable option, excellent for high-traffic areas and commercial settings, offers superior moisture resistance.
- Disadvantages: Very difficult to apply, often requires a professional, and has strong fumes.
All of the above finishes can come in varying sheens, from glossy to matte, impacting both the look and feel of your floor. We'll discuss sheens in more detail later in the guide.
Penetrating Finishes
Unlike surface finishes, penetrating finishes soak into the wood fibers, enhancing the natural beauty of the grain while offering protection from within. They generally provide a more subtle, natural look compared to the surface film formed by polyurethanes.
Penetrating Oil Sealer
- Advantages: Brings out the rich wood tones, is easy to apply and maintain (great for DIY), and often contains natural oils like tung oil or linseed oil.
- Disadvantages: Less resistant to scratches and water damage compared to surface finishes, may require more frequent reapplication.
Hard Wax Oil
- Advantages: Offers a beautiful, low-luster finish that feels soft to the touch, eco-friendly with natural waxes and oils, and easy spot repairs.
- Disadvantages: Generally requires more regular maintenance than surface finishes, and might be more susceptible to water staining.
Penetrating finishes are a wonderful choice if you desire a natural, understated look for your hardwood floors and are comfortable with a slightly increased maintenance routine.
Other Traditional (Less Common) Finishes
While polyurethanes and penetrating oils dominate the market, there are a few traditional finishes still used for their specific properties and unique aesthetics:
Shellac
- Advantages: Natural resin-based finish, dries incredibly fast, offers a warm amber tone, easy to repair.
- Disadvantages: Less durable than modern finishes, more susceptible to water damage and scratches, may be sensitive to alcohol.
Varnish
- Advantages: Can provide a very durable, high-gloss finish when built up in multiple layers, and offers good scratch resistance.
- Disadvantages: Can yellow over time, difficult to apply flawlessly, spot repairs can be challenging due to layering.
These finishes often have a more specialized application. Shellac is sometimes favored for antique furniture restoration, while varnish might be used for a very specific high-gloss look.
Should You Consider Them?
For most homeowners, modern finishes offer the best combination of durability, ease of application, and looks. However, if you have a specific restoration project or a desire for a truly unique traditional aesthetic, these less common finishes might be worth exploring.
Finish Sheens
Sheen refers to the level of shine or glossiness of your hardwood floor finish. It significantly impacts the overall look, atmosphere, and even the practicality of maintaining your floors.
Here's a breakdown of the common sheen options:
- Gloss: Offers the highest level of shine, reflecting a lot of light for a bright and polished appearance. However, it highlights imperfections like scratches and dust more easily.
- Semi-Gloss: A step down in shine, offering a more balanced look with some light reflection. Provides a good compromise between showing some sheen and being more forgiving with visible wear.
- Satin: The most popular choice! Satin provides a subtle luster, creating a warm and inviting feel. Its slightly lower luster helps disguise minor scratches and dust.
- Matte: Offers the least shine, with a very natural, muted appearance. Provides the best camouflage for imperfections and a modern, understated aesthetic.
Choosing the Right Sheen
- Style: Consider the overall vibe of the room. Gloss can suit formal, modern spaces, while satin and matte often work better for casual, traditional looks.
- Traffic: High-traffic areas might benefit from the better scratch-masking ability of satin or matte sheens.
- Maintenance: Higher sheens tend to show dust and footprints more readily, requiring more frequent cleaning.
Most surface finishes (polyurethane, moisture-cured urethane) are available in all of these sheen options.
| Sheen | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gloss | Highest shine, reflects light | Bright, formal look | Shows imperfections most readily |
| Semi-Gloss | Moderate shine | Balanced look, some light reflection | Slightly less forgiving than satin |
| Satin | Subtle sheen, warm and inviting | Popular choice, masks minor imperfections | May not suit very modern styles |
| Matte | Minimal shine, very natural look | Hides imperfections best, modern aesthetic | May appear less vibrant than gloss |
Factors for Choosing the Best Finish
With all the options we've covered, how do you decide which type of hardwood floor finish is the perfect fit for you? Consider these key factors:
- Traffic: How much foot traffic will the floor receive? High-traffic areas like hallways and kitchens need the most durable finishes, like moisture-cured urethane or oil-based polyurethane.
- Desired Look: Do you want a warm, traditional glow? An understated, natural appearance? Or a high-gloss, modern sheen? Match the finish type and sheen to your desired style.
- Budget: Finishes vary in price, as does the cost of application. Some finishes are very DIY-friendly, while others often require professional installation. Factor the total cost into your decision.
- DIY Friendliness: Are you comfortable tackling the refinishing process yourself? Penetrating oils and water-based polyurethanes are generally easier to apply, while moisture-cured urethanes are best left to pros.
- Maintenance: How much upkeep are you willing to commit to? Some finishes require more frequent reapplication or specialized cleaning.
When possible, get samples of different finish types with various sheens applied to your actual wood species. This helps you visualize the final result better than looking at samples alone.