When it comes to finding the most durable wood floor finish, there are several options available. Moisture-cured polyurethane is one of the strongest finishes available today but it releases formaldehyde during curing so it's not suitable for all applications. The acid-cured finish, also known as the Swedish finish, is a fast drying, slow curing and extremely durable option that is often applied to exotic wood floors or to those with elaborate patterns, such as parquet floors. However, in Europe, they have been using a type of floor finish known as “hard wax oil” or “hardened oil” for decades, which somehow manages to protect wooden floors without accumulating layers on the wood.
This is easily achieved by sanding the floors until they are bare (orange is created with yellow in the finish over the pink tones of red oak) and instead choosing a water-based polyurethane to protect the floors. Bona, the first company patented in the water-based floor coverings sector, is still highly respected, although the company itself continues to lean towards professional floor sanders. He believes that his products are too complicated for first-time users. While both approaches produce exceptionally beautiful floors that are well protected from scratches, scuffs and spills, a prefinished floor can offer a little more protection. When used in a floor finish, it is applied as a liquid that dries and hardens to form a protective, moisture-resistant top layer on a hardwood floor.
The choice of a prefinished floor or an on-site finished floor usually depends on factors such as the duration of the work, the on-site conditions and whether the people present in the space may be sensitive to certain chemicals. Floors with a hard waxed oil finish are more water resistant than floors with a polyurethane finish because the wood cells are not closed, allowing them to breathe. No matter which type of wood floor finish you choose, it's important to work with an experienced professional who can help you select the best option for your needs. First Atlanta Flooring has been providing quality flooring solutions for over 100 years and has five distribution centers in North Georgia with storage capacities of more than 100,000 square feet. They offer a wide range of services including installation, refinishing and repair so you can trust them to help you find the most durable wood floor finish for your home.
