Hardwood flooring is one of the most durable types of flooring. However, residential hardwood flooring also requires proper maintenance to stay in good condition for a long period. Refinishing is one of the methods used to increase the lifespan and durability of hardwood flooring.
In refinishing, the hardwood floor is cleaned, and professional experts apply a top finishing layer of a protective material on it.
This blog discusses some of the best finishes for residential hardwood flooring.
1- Water-based Polyurethane
Many hardwood experts say that water-based polyurethane is one of the best finishes for hardwood floors. Water-based polyurethane provides a clear finish to the hardwood floors. This finishing gives a wet look to traditional engineered hardwood floors, which is achieved by applying many layers of water-based polyurethane.
Water-based polyurethane finishes also come in satin and semi-gloss. This hardwood flooring is manufactured completely in the factory, making its application over hardwood floors easier and faster. In addition, getting water-based polyurethane makes every day cleaning easy. However, a huge disadvantage of this finishing type is that scratches and pet hair stand out on it, but since it’s easy to clean, you can easily wipe off dirt and hair.
2- Oil Sealer
You might be surprised to hear this, but many homeowners prefer to refinish their hardwood floor themselves. Even though we would recommend you hire a professional service for your hardwood floor refinishing, an oil sealer is the perfect option if you still want to do it yourself.
Unlike polyurethane, oil sealer doesn’t give off a hard, dried finish. Moreover, its penetrative qualities bring out the patterns and colors of the hardwood flooring perfectly, making it the best option for antique-looking Victorian-era hardwood floors.
3- Hard-Wax Oil
If you’re looking for natural finishing options, then hard-wax oil should be your choice. This finishing material imparts a warm look to hardwood floor. In addition, it also provides excellent protection to hardwood floors. Hard-wax oil has been used for centuries as a finishing material. But some people consider it outdated due to its high staining susceptibility. However, you can add touch-ups every three years to keep your floors durable.
4- Aluminum Oxide
Another preferable option for hardwood floor refinishing is aluminum oxide. However, if you want aluminum oxide finishing, you’ll have to get prefinished hardwood planks. The application and drying of aluminum oxide require complicated equipment; therefore, you can’t apply it yourself. However, aluminum oxide lasts around twenty-five years without any touch-ups, making it one of the best options in the market.
Without professional hardwood floor refinishing, your residential hardwood floor can easily get scratched and lose its shine over time. At Wayne Maher Hardwood Flooring, we have many hardwood floors refinishing experts in Middletown, NY, that finish your residential floors using high-quality products and equipment.
Contact us through our website for more information about our residential flooring refinishing!
