Water Based Vs Oil Based Polyurethane For Floors

Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish.

Water based vs oil based polyurethane for floors.

There are many factors to think about when deciding on the finish of your hardwood floor. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. The biggest difference is in appearance. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable.

If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane. Here are our expert. Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane. We ve given some key points to consider when making your decision oil based poly is simply more durable and lasts about twice as long as water based polyurethane.

Oil based polyurethane or water borne polyurethane. Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based. An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time while water based poly will remain clear for the lifetime of the hardwood floor. It s due to the chemical makeup.

Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish. The water based material is more expensive so often you will pay around 10 25 more. This color difference is less noticeable over a stained hardwood floor but an oil based poly will still exhibit an amber hue that will continue to darken over time. Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane.