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Refinishing hardwood floors

4 years ago

I am in the process of getting estimates to have my hardwood floors refinished. Please tell me the pros and cons of using a water based vs oil based stain. Which is best for long term maintenance? Being an old lady, anything I need to watch out for pertining to flooriing or contractors?

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Comments (2)

SJ McCarthy
4 years ago
Oil based polyurethane = intense odours for up to 30 days (some say more...some a little less). They like to turn orange or "amber" as the industry likes to call it. Those who love the old look of hardwood floors insist the richness of the oil based products are beautiful (and it can be). Whereas others who do NOT like orange (that would be me) hate the orange tones. Lower end polyurethanes are very commonly found around the 'Joe Schmoe' refinishers. It takes a lot more effort to find a higher-end oil based polyurethane.

Water-based polyurethane = very low odour. They mean fast cure times. The look of 'raw' wood is preserved (very pale wood without any 'yellow tones'). A high-end polyurethane is more difficult to find because many 'Joe Schmoe' refinishers don't know how to work with them nor do they like the purchase price for them (they are as much as 5x more expensive than the low-end oil based products).

The way to find a 'good' refinisher is to work with an NWFA Certified Sanding/Refinishing professional (www.nwfa.org). These guys regularly charge $4-$5/sf (depending on your location. They will offer both a water based and an oil based option in the 'better' or 'best' range for that price tag.

Once the floor has been refinished, the maintenance is the same. Be aware that a high-end water based polyurethane will out perform a low end oil based. And vice verse. In other words, you will get what you pay for.
chaser15 thanked SJ McCarthy
PRO
Oak & Broad
4 years ago
SJ hit all the high points. An NWFA or BONA certified finisher will be your best bet.
chaser15 thanked Oak & Broad
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