The four finishes side by side
Keep in mind that every wood floor finish has its own maintenance needs after it goes down. We'll teach you the routine during the project and make sure you have the right care products.
| Finish | Good to know | Time out of the house |
|---|---|---|
| Conversion varnishOften called Swedish finish | Chemically cured for strong adhesion and scratch and chemical resistance, and it keeps its clarity. A good choice for homes with pets. | 1 to 2 evenings |
| Oil-based polyurethaneSolvent-borne urethane | A simple, proven finish and the more budget-friendly option. Durable when maintained, and it builds a patina over time. | 1 to 2 evenings |
| Water-based polyurethaneOne or two component | Cures faster with very little odor. Two-component versions are chemically cross-linked for better scuff and chemical resistance. | 24 hours minimum |
| Hardwood oilsPenetrating, burnished hard-surface | Soaks into the grain for a natural look and feel. Needs more hands-on care than a urethane, but wear is simpler to repair. | 24 hours minimum |
Conversion varnish
Often called Swedish finish, conversion varnish has a time-tested reputation for durability and holding its optical clarity. It's a fast-drying, two-part finish: the coating plus an acid catalyst added just before application, which sets off a chemical bonding process as it cures.
The result is excellent long-term adhesion and scratch and chemical resistance. It's a great choice for homes with pets.
- Time out of the house
- 1 to 2 evenings
- Best for
- Homes with pets
Oil-based polyurethane
Urethane is a protective resin dissolved in a blend of solvents. As the solvents leave the coating, the protective layer stays behind. Because the formula is simple, it's the better fit for more cost-conscious projects.
It holds up well when maintained properly, and it develops a patina through the coating layers over time.
- Time out of the house
- 1 to 2 evenings
- Best for
- Cost-conscious projects
Water-based polyurethane
The big advantages are a faster cure and minimal odor. There are two kinds worth talking through. Single-component products cure with oxygen instead of a chemical catalyst and are generally lower in cost and durability. Two-component products are chemically cross-linked for better scuff and chemical resistance.
- Time out of the house
- 24 hours minimum
- Best for
- Low odor and a faster cure
Hardwood oils
Burnished, hard-surface penetrating oils soak protective solids, usually made from plant-derived resins, into the grain of the wood. Sanding quality and application decide how long they last and how they look. Over a poorly sanded floor, an oil looks dull.
Oils need a more hands-on maintenance schedule than a urethane, but they're simpler to repair and service. They suit homeowners who want a more natural look and feel underfoot. The floor is cured and ready to use within 24 hours.
- Time out of the house
- 24 hours minimum
- Best for
- A natural look and feel
How we apply finish
Sanding quality affects how long a finish lasts. A roughly sanded, very porous floor soaks up a disproportionate amount of coating, which leads to uneven gloss and early wear.
More coats don't automatically mean more durability, since the contractor and the method have a lot to do with how much finish actually goes down. We prefer to roll our finishes because rolling gives the most consistent appearance and durability.