Valentine’s Day is the time we’re busy celebrating love. Each of us express love for our spouses, partners, fur babies, even our friends, but at Bast Floors, we take the opportunity to express our love for something beautiful, timeless, and reliable: hardwood floors. (We are a flooring company, what did you expect?)
If you’ve watched House Hunters, you know hardwood floors are something many people desire in their home, and who can blame them? They add elegance and warmth to any home. However, time and wear can eventually take their toll, especially in highly trafficked areas like homes blessed with kids and pets. Luckily, a little topcoat and TLC can bring your dated, dull, or damaged floors back to life.
Are you ready to fall back in love with your floors? We are here to play matchmaker, helping you find the perfect finish for you.
Here are the most popular, protective finishes.
Water-Based Polyurethane
If you need a finish that will dry quickly, this is a great choice. In fact, you’ll be walking on your floors a few hours after we are complete. It’s easy to apply and resists yellowing over time. Because it is made with synthetic resins and plasticizers, it is very durable and resists moisture pretty well, perfect for wine spills from you, and milk spills from the kids. Plus, when it comes to cleaning, all you will need is a broom and a damp mop. However, one thing to note, it does tend to magnify scratches when they occur.
Oil-based Polyurethane
If you have a lot of traffic in your home and aren’t looking to spend a ton of money, this is a great finish. It’s durable and easy to maintain, making it a popular finish in businesses and busy households. Its hardwearing characteristics mean you don’t have to refinish as frequently, and cleaning is a breeze. Simply sweep regularly and clean dirt with a damp mop. Something to note, it yellows over time and takes a while to dry (8-10 hours between each coat).
Wax
If you love the look of a low-sheen finish, wax is a great choice. It’s easy to apply and touch up, can easily penetrate wood, and combines well with stain. It can be a quick process, similar to cleaning carpets and your floors will look gorgeous. Something to note, exposure to water can create white marks, so wax isn’t the best floor finish for bathrooms or kitchens.
Penetrating Oil Sealer
If you absolutely ADORE the grains in your wood, this finish with help highlight that. This finish is a great way to bring out the beauty of any wood without adding high shine or gloss. This is a favorite for homeowners restoring old or historic homes. While the sealer will give wood a natural and lovely appearance, it’s not the best for high traffic are doesn’t hold up well to foot traffic. Therefore, be prepared to re-oil your floors every three to five years. Another thing to note, water and chemicals can spot or damage oil-sealed floors.
Aluminum Oxide
The hardest, most long-lasting type of finish is aluminum oxide. This finish can last up to 25 years! Plus, it protects the floor from fading, water damage, scuffs, and general wear and tear without changing the color of the wood or hiding its grain. This finish is low maintenance and available in several levels of glossiness. The downside is that it’s not available for application on site, it must be factory applied. BUT we have several flooring options available with Aluminum Oxide finish and can install those in your home (new flooring and no DIY? A win-win!)
If any of these contenders peaked your interest, call us today! We are happy to answer any questions you have about flooring.