As someone who sands floors professionally at Done Right Flooring, I’ve had the honor of improving our clients’ floors with different finishes. In this blog post, we’ll explore floor finishes, looking at various types and what makes each unique. Whether you prefer a shiny or natural look, knowing your options can help you choose the best one for your space.
Floor Finishes
Floor finishes act as protective coatings for your wood floors, shielding them from daily wear and tear while improving their appearance. Whether you have classic hardwood or modern engineered wood, these finishes are essential for keeping your floors in top condition over time.
Protecting Your Investment: Floor finishes are like a sturdy shield for your floors, safeguarding them against spills, scratches, and foot traffic. They ensure your floors stay looking fresh and well-maintained despite the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Improving style: With various sheens and finishes available, floor finishes allow you to customise the look of your floors to match your style preferences. They bring out the natural beauty of the wood, adding that extra touch of charm to your space.
Creating a Cohesive Look: The right floor finish can tie together all the design elements in your room, from your furniture to your walls. It helps create a sense of harmony and cohesion, making your space feel cozy and well put-together.
Common Types of Floor Finishes
Now that we’ve covered the basics of floor finishes, let’s dive into some of the most common types you’ll encounter:
Polyurethane Finishes:
What They Are: Polyurethane finishes are popular for their durability and versatility. They come in two main types: solvent-based and water-based.
Why They’re Great: Solvent-based polyurethane finishes offer excellent durability and resistance to scratches and spills. They provide a glossy sheen that enhances the natural beauty of your floors. On the other hand, water-based polyurethane finishes dry faster, have lower VOC emissions, and offer easy cleanup.
Where to Use Them: Both solvent-based and water-based polyurethane finishes are suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms, kitchens, and hallways.
Oil Finishes:
What They Are: Oil finishes, such as Danish oil or tung oil, penetrate the wood to provide a natural, matte appearance. They offer a more subtle finish compared to polyurethane.
Why They’re Great: Oil finishes highlight the wood’s grain and texture while providing protection against moisture and stains. They’re easy to apply and maintain, making them a favorite among DIY enthusiasts.
Where to Use Them: Oil finishes are ideal for indoor furniture, wooden countertops, and low-traffic areas like bedrooms and studies.
Stain Finishes:
What They Are: Stain finishes add color and depth to wood floors while allowing the natural grain to show through. They come in various shades and tones to match your desired aesthetic.
Why They’re Great: Stain finishes offer versatility, allowing you to customise the color and appearance of your floors. They provide moderate protection against wear and tear while enhancing the overall look of your space.
Where to Use Them: Stain finishes are suitable for indoor flooring, furniture, and decorative woodwork.
Lo Sheen Finish:
What It Is: A Lo Sheen finish provides a subtle level of shine, offering a delicate balance between matte and gloss. It adds a slight sheen to your floors without being overly reflective.
Why It’s Great: Lo Sheen finishes are ideal for those who prefer a more understated look for their floors. They provide a touch of elegance and sophistication while maintaining a natural appearance.
Where to Use It: Lo Sheen finishes are suitable for various indoor spaces, including living rooms, bedrooms, and dining areas.
Matte Finish:
What It Is: A Matte finish provides a flat, non-reflective appearance to your floors. It offers a modern and sleek look while minimising the appearance of scratches, dents, and imperfections.
Why It’s Great: Matte finishes are perfect for high-traffic areas where you want to conceal wear and tear. They also work well in contemporary and minimalist design schemes.
Where to Use It: Matte finishes are suitable for any indoor space, especially those with heavy foot traffic, such as hallways, kitchens, and entryways.
Gloss Finish:
What It Is: A Gloss finish delivers a high level of shine and reflectivity, giving your floors a polished and luxurious appearance. It adds depth and dimension to the wood while improving its natural beauty.
Why It’s Great: Gloss finishes make a bold statement and create a sense of grandeur in any room. They’re perfect for formal spaces or areas where you want to make a dramatic impact.
Where to Use It: Gloss finishes are best suited for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and other areas where you want to showcase the beauty of your floors.
Want professional advice on floor finishes? Contact Done Right Flooring now!
Bases for Floor Finishes
When it comes to floor finishes, there are primarily two types of bases: solvent-based and water-based polyurethane. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Solvent-Based Polyurethane:
What It Is: Solvent-based polyurethane is a traditional type of finish made with chemical solvents. It forms a protective layer on the surface of the wood, offering excellent strength and resistance to scratches and stains.
Advantages: Solvent-based polyurethane finishes are known for their exceptional durability and long-lasting performance. They provide a high level of protection against wear and tear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
Considerations: One downside of solvent-based polyurethane is its strong odor and longer drying time. The solvents used in these finishes release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which can be harmful if inhaled. Additionally, the longer drying time means you’ll need to wait longer before walking on or moving furniture back onto the finished floors.
Water-Based Polyurethane:
What It Is: Water-based polyurethane is a more modern and environmentally friendly alternative to solvent-based finishes. It contains water as the primary solvent, along with other chemicals to create a protective coating on the wood surface.
Advantages: Water-based polyurethane finishes have a lower odor and faster drying time compared to solvent-based options. They also emit fewer VOCs, making them safer for indoor air quality and the environment. Additionally, water-based finishes provide excellent clarity and UV resistance, helping to preserve the natural color of the wood.
Considerations: While water-based polyurethane offers many benefits, it may not be as durable as solvent-based finishes, especially in high-traffic areas. Some water-based products may also be more prone to showing scratches and wear over time.
Choosing the Right Floor Finish
Selecting the perfect floor finish involves considering various factors, including your desired style, durability needs, and maintenance preferences. Here are some essential tips to guide you through the decision-making process:
Style Preferences: Think about how you want your floors to look. Do you like shiny or more muted? Shiny floors reflect light, making the wood look beautiful. Muted or soft finishes give a modern, understated look.
Durability Requirements: Think about how much foot traffic your floors will get. For busy spots like hallways, kitchens, and living rooms, go for tough finishes that can handle lots of action and cleaning without looking worn. Polyurethane finishes are super strong and can take a beating without getting scratched or stained, perfect for these areas.
Maintenance Needs: Consider how you live and what maintenance works best for you. Certain finishes need more upkeep and refinishing. Water-based polyurethane finishes dry faster and have less odor, which is handy for active households. But oil-based finishes might take longer to dry and need more care, yet they offer top-notch durability and protection.
Test Samples: Before you commit, try out samples of various finishes on a small, hidden part of your floor. See how they look and hold up. Check for color, shine, and how easy they are to apply. It’s the best way to ensure you’ll be happy with the end result.
Seek Professional Advice: If you’re not sure which finish is right for you, ask flooring professional for advice. They’ll consider your needs and suggest the best finish for your space. They’ll look at things like the type of wood, your environment, and your budget.
Time for a floor makeover? Let’s talk about your options with Done Right Flooring!
Conclusion
Choosing the right floor finish is important for protecting and bringin out the best in your floors. Whether glossy, matte, or satin, each option offers unique benefits. Consider style, durability, and maintenance when making your choice. With the right finish, you can enjoy beautiful, resilient floors that stand the test of time.
Reach out to Done Right Flooring for professional advice and assistance with your flooring project.