Oil Based Vs Water Based Polyurethane For Floors

But on top of the initial cost you also need to consider that you will need to redo the whole job sooner you will probably redo them almost twice as often.

Oil based vs water based polyurethane for floors. It s due to the chemical makeup. For a lighter wood like oak a water based polyurethane may leave the floor boards too light making the amber glow of an oil based polyurethane a better choice. Water based is a great choice if you want the natural wood look to shine through as is the case with woods like maple. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.

Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish. Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane. Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based.

We ve given some key points to consider when making your decision oil based poly is simply more durable and lasts about twice as long as water based polyurethane. The water based material is more expensive so often you will pay around 10 25 more. Oil based polyurethane or water borne polyurethane. There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting.

If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. Here are our expert. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

The biggest difference is in appearance.