Water Based Versus Oil Based Polyurethane For Floors

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.

Water based versus oil based polyurethane for floors.

It s due to the chemical makeup. 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. But on top of the initial cost you also need to consider that you will need to redo the whole job sooner you will probably redo them almost twice as often. Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based.

With oil based you typically have to wait until the next day to add another coat of polyurethane but water based polyurethane can be recoated in as soon as 2 3 hours. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish. Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish.

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. Oil based polyurethane or water borne polyurethane. If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane. Since refinishing wood floors involves multiple coats of polyurethane this means that the total time of your refinishing job is longer with the oil based.

The biggest difference is in appearance. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. 8 to 10 years ago i used to recommend oil based polyurethane over water based poly.

Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane. There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting. The water based material is more expensive so often you will pay around 10 25 more. There are many factors to think about when deciding on the finish of your hardwood floor.

Here are our expert. Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. You ll find water based polyurethane is nearly two to three times more expensive than oil based polyurethane. Oil based polyurethane had the edge here for a while but water based polyurethane especially the self crosslinking variety has caught up it s now equal to solvent based products regarding scuff mar uv water and corrosion resistance.