Oil Based Vs Water Based Stain Hardwood Floors

For example some hardwood species may really thrive when coated with a rich oil finish whereas other species may be complimented by the natural clear and cool look that is derived from a water based hardwood floor finish.

Oil based vs water based stain hardwood floors. The biggest difference is in appearance. Buy a quart of water based poly and a quart of oil based poly. Floors that are finished with oil based polyurethane tend to amber turn an orangey yellow over time whereas floors finished with water based polyurethane are not expected to change color with age. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.

The kind of hardwood floor you have will also factor into what type of finish will work best for you. Here are our expert. 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. Excellent information about oil vs water based polyurethane.

Water based poly tends to cost more than. Price in general depends on the manufacturer but as a rule of thumb water based finish is a bit 10 to 20 cents per sq ft more expensive. The quandary is easy to avoid with this method. There are many factors to think about when deciding on the finish of your hardwood floor.

Quarts of both finishes are relatively cheap compared with the cost of redoing a floor you believe would look better with a different finish an unpleasant position to be in. Yes the oil based does smell strong but we would much prefer to get the best durability and so the tradeoff is worth it. Some people like the rich ambering that occurs with oil based polyurethane and feel that this type of polyurethane adds more richness and depth to. The bottom line is both materials have very similar overall durability but based on professional experience water based finishes overall are more durable than oil based.

By using a clear water based finish there won t be any conflict between the stain color and finish color. We chose oil based for our hardwood floors which are being refinished right now. Oil based polyurethane or water borne polyurethane. Oil based contain 45 50 solids you will need to add more coats of water based poly.

They re far more convenient and eco friendly because they are water based no toxic vapor and they dry fast. Because water based polyurethanes only contain 30 35 solids vs. Which hardwood flooring finish is better and which lasts longer.