For those who appreciate the glossy look of hardwood but don't want to compromise on durability, water-based polyurethane is a great option. This smooth finish is used in a variety of applications and is applied as a liquid, water-like layer that hardens and becomes a moisture-resistant top layer. Over the years, water-based polyurethane has replaced oil-based polyurethane as one of the most popular types of finishes, as it is much more environmentally friendly. This type of hardwood floor finish dries quickly, is very durable and shows the real color and grain of the wood.
The downside is that it costs more than oil-based polyurethane and may require several coats to adequately protect hardwood floors. But if you're looking for the best protection and durability for hardwood floors, aluminum oxide is the way to go. It requires very little maintenance and is available as a low or high gloss finish, depending on everyone's preferences. It will not change the color of the wood grain and will last a lifetime: aluminum oxide can last up to 25 years.
The downside is that it's not something that can be applied directly to existing hardwood floors; it's only available on prefinished floor planks. Still, if you want the most durable wood floor finish, it can last up to 25 years and requires little maintenance, and you like the idea of installing hardwood floors that are already finished and ready to use, aluminum oxide is a good option. Most online orders will ship within 1 to 2 business days from the order date; in some circumstances, we may be able to ship them the same day. When Consumer Reports tests these two types of hardwood floors, the resulting wear is visible more quickly than on other types of floors. This type of floor is especially good at protecting against wear and tear, dents, scratches, discoloration caused by sunlight, and stains, making it an appropriate floor for high-traffic areas. First Atlanta Flooring is an established leader in the flooring industry and operates five distribution centers in North Georgia with storage capacities exceeding 100,000 square feet. When used in finishing a floor, aluminum oxide is applied as a liquid that dries and hardens to form a protective, moisture-resistant top layer on a hardwood floor.
It offers superior protection against scratches, scuffs, and spills while still maintaining its glossy look. Whether you choose prefinished or in-place finished floors usually depends on factors such as when the work will be carried out, the conditions of the work and whether people in the space may be sensitive to certain chemicals. If you're looking for a floor finish that offers superior protection against wear and tear while still maintaining its glossy look in high traffic areas, aluminum oxide is your best bet. It requires very little maintenance and can last up to 25 years with proper care. Plus, it's available on prefinished floor planks so you don't have to worry about applying it directly to existing hardwood floors.
