Oil-based vs. waterborne polyurethane
Polyurethane flooring comes in two different forms, and they both have their benefits. The type of polyurethane you choose depends on a few factors, one of which is the hardwood flooring installed in your home. Oil-based polyurethane will add a yellowish tint to lighter woods over time, but has virtually no effect on dark flooring.
If you don?t want the wood?s color to change, choose polyurethane flooring with a waterborne composition. No matter what type of hardwood flooring you have, waterborne polyurethane will preserve the wood?s natural color until you decide to resurface it. Waterborne polyurethane is recommended for gray or whitewashed flooring because an oil-based finish will drastically taint the gorgeous pale color you?re looking for.
While you consider the different types of polyurethane flooring, think about the level of durability you need for your lifestyle. Oil-based polyurethane is more durable than its waterborne counterpart, which is why flooring specialists recommend it for households in Monroe County, PA with pets and children. If durability isn?t a concern for you, waterborne polyurethane is a great choice because it works on any hardwood flooring.
Sheen level is a matter of preference
The two different types of polyurethane flooring are available in four sheen levels: matte, satin, semi-gloss and high gloss. A floor?s sheen level is determined by how much light it reflects, with matte appearing the most dull and high gloss appearing the shiniest. Durability is the same all across the board, so sheen level is purely aesthetic. The main difference among sheen levels is that glossier finishes make scratches, dents and smudges a lot more visible.Households with a high amount of foot traffic should choose polyurethane flooring with a matte or satin finish. Matte surfaces reflect the least amount of light and are recommended for concealing blemishes in the wood. Satin is one step up on the sheen scale and gives the same concealing effect without clouding the details of wooden floors.
Semi-gloss and high-gloss finishes are more difficult to maintain but allow the details in hardwood flooring to really stand out. These two sheen levels are as shiny as it gets, and flooring specialists recommend them for Monroe County, PA homes with exotic hardwoods. If you?re dying to have that high-gloss finish in your home, reserve it for a room where pets and outdoor shoes are off limits.
Refinishing your hardwood floors is a big investment, and every homeowner should fall in love with their finished product. The friendly team of experts at The Floor Source will give you valuable insight about which type of sheen level and polyurethane flooring is best for your home. For more information about which flooring is right for you, feel free to?get in touch?with us!
