It comes as no surprise that the most durable wood floor finish is moisture-cured polyurethane. This type of finish is known to be stronger than any other finish manufactured today. However, due to the fact that it releases formaldehyde as it cures, it is not suitable for use in homes where food is stored. Bona, the first company to own a patent in the field of water-based floor coverings, is still highly respected.
But even they consider their products too difficult for first-time users. Floors with a hard wax finish with oil are more resistant to water than those with a polyurethane finish, since the wood cells do not close and are able to breathe. The choice between a prefinished floor or an in-place finished floor usually depends on factors such as the time of the work, the conditions of the work and whether people in the space may be sensitive to certain chemicals. In Europe, they have been using a class of floor finish known as “waxed oil” or “hardened oil” for decades, which somehow manages to protect wooden floors without forming layers on the wood.
Both approaches produce exceptionally beautiful floors that are well protected against scratches, scuffs, and spills. However, a prefinished floor can offer a little more protection. The acid-cured finish, also known as the Swedish finish, is a quick-drying, slow-drying and extremely durable option that is often applied to exotic wood floors or those with elaborate designs, such as parquet floors. This is easily achieved by sanding floors to make them bare (the orange color is created with yellow in the finish over the pink tones of red oak) and opting for a water-based polyurethane to protect the floors.
When used in the finish of a floor, it is applied in the form of a liquid that dries and hardens to form a protective and moisture-resistant top layer on a hardwood floor. First Atlanta Flooring is an established leader in the flooring industry, operating five distribution centers in North Georgia with storage capacities exceeding 100,000 square feet. They specialize in providing high-quality wood floor finishes that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. In conclusion, moisture-cured polyurethane is considered to be the most durable wood floor finish available today. However, due to its formaldehyde release during curing, it is not suitable for use in homes where food is stored.
Hard wax finishes with oil are more resistant to water than polyurethane finishes since they allow wood cells to breathe. Acid-cured finishes are also an excellent option for those looking for an extremely durable finish.
