FINISHING SOLID WOOD FLOORS

The proper finish will create lasting beauty and durability for your solid wood floor.  It will protect it from wear, dirt and moisture and will add color and sheen.  Most wood floors are finished with a satin top coat, but some like a high gloss finish.

Today's finishes are water-resistant and require minimal maintenance. They are available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin and matte.

There are four types of surface finishes:

1.  Oil-modified urethane -  This is the most commonly used surface finish and is easy to apply.  Oil-modified urethanes amber with age.

2. Moisture-cure urethane - This is a solvent-base polyurethane.  It is more moisture resistant and more durable than any other surface finish.  Moisture-cure urethane can be non-yellowing or ambering, but are very difficult to apply and should be left to the professional.

3.  Acid-cure urethane - These are clear and fast-drying finishes that are durable and non-yellowing.  They have an extremely strong odor and should be applied by highly-skilled flooring professionals.

4.  Water-base urethane - Water base urethane dries quickly (in about two to three hours).  These finishes are clear and non-yellowing.    They have a mild odor and are easy to apply.

WAX FINISHES

Old fashioned wax finishes are the easiest to apply, least expensive, fastest drying, easiest to repair and will survive forever when properly maintained.  Water will spot a waxed finished and therefore, should be wiped up immediately. 

Penetrating Stain with a wax finish soaks into the pores of the wood and hardens, forming a protective seal.  The result is a low-gloss satin sheen.  It will not chip or scratch and is generally maintained by adding thin applications of more wax.  Cleaning compounds made specifically for wood floors should be used.

Notes:  Although these are commonly known as "hardwood" floors, it is the finish that determines how the floors will wear.  Some woods are harder than others and will dent with high heels or heavy dropped items.  Our woods are some of the hardest on the Janka scale and will wear better than most oak or walnut floors, however, they are not impervious to dents and scratches.

Remember that wood is a natural product, and thus, will continue to absorb and release moisture.  This natural process will cause the wood to expand and contract, resulting in cracks between some of the pieces in your floor. 

Also, because wood is a product of nature, and not a manufactured product, each piece is unique.  Like snowflakes or fingerprints, no two are alike.  Each plank of your flooring will have a personality of it's own.  We believe this gives your floor character and a uniqueness that cannot be matched or copied.  It will also contain natural blemishes, which will also add to the character of your floor. 

UNFINISHED vs PREFINISHED

Unfinished Solid Wood Floors must be job site finished.  Solid wood flooring can be refinished numerous times to last for years.  Also, unfinished flooring can be manufactured in square-edged or micro-beveled.  The square edged product does not contain the groove where dirt and debris can collect, giving you a cleaner and neater appearance.

Many prefinished products are not solid wood, but a veneer over a piece of plywood.  These are known as "engineered flooring.  These products can only be sanded down and refinished once. Solid wood flooring can be sanded and refinished many times.  Also, the prefinished flooring only come in the micro-beveled style, which means that there will be grooves between each plank where dirt can collect.

Notes:  Wood floors add value to your home and are a lifetime investment.  They will increase in value as your home does. 

They are easy to maintain, needing little more than sweeping and vacuuming. 

They are ecologically sound.  Wood floors come from a natural resource that is renewable and sustainable.  Our forests are carefully managed to ensure continued resources for the future. Since wood floors can be refinished numerous times, they will last longer and since it is a natural resource, it will not harm the environment if discarded.  It can be removed and recycled. 

Wood floors contribute to a healthy living environment, keeping dust, allergens, mold and mildew to a minimum in the home and workplace and there is no off-gassing of toxins that results from other types of synthetic materials that often results in chronic illnesses.