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Types of Floor Finishes Adelaide
There is nothing as sensuous as timber flooring for your home. It adds warmth and a unique ambience that is hard to match by any other flooring material. To ensure the optimal appearance and durability of the floors, you need to ensure proper floor sanding, floor polishing, and the use of the right finishes. Shabby and dull-looking timber floors can be quite embarrassing, and it is advised to have them sanded and refinished to maintain their lustre and protect it from the potential damage of everyday use. Here is a look at some of the common types of timber floor finishes and their distinguishing characteristics to finish your timber floors –
Oil-Based Polyurethane
Oil-based polyurethane is known for its durability and lower prices than other water-based options. When applied to the timber floors, they dry on the softer side and reduce the risk of scratches from furniture and pets. However, this kind of finish has many draw backs. It needs about 24 hours to completely dry before they can be walked on and at least 48 hours before furniture and other objects can be placed on it. Further, oil has a very strong smell which has a tendency to hang around for some time. If you have dark-coloured timber floors and want to give them a dark amber hue and sheen, an oil-based finish can be a good option. . Even the beauty of cherry, red oak, and even teak flooring can be magnified with this product. We still recommend water based products to most of our customers however.
Water-Based Polyurethane
Water-based polyurethane is as durable as oil-based options, but these will dry much harder. Such finishes can ensure your flooring is protected from dents but would be susceptible to scratches or abrasions. Water-based timber finishes are popular because of their quick drying time and because they give out no to minimal odour. Furniture can be placed on the floors after just 12 hours of the application of the final layer. Many homeowners pick this finish because of its visual appearance. Water-based finishes dry clear and are perfect for those looking to maintain the original colour of their timber floors. Homes with timber flooring Adelaide with a hint of yellow would be a great candidate for a water-based finish.
Difference between Oil-Based and Water-Based Polyurethane
Characteristics | Oil-Based | Water-Based |
Durability | Excellent | Good to Very Good |
Odour | Substantial | Low to None |
Drying Time | Several Hours | 10 – 20 Minutes |
Eco-Friendliness | Contains Chemicals | Recyclable and Long-Lasting |
Sheen Level | Higher Sheen Level | Lower Sheen Level |
Colour Impact | Lighter and Clearer | Darker and Amber Look |
Other Types of Finishes
Apart from the two mentioned above, there are other finishes that are also used for Australian homes but are not as common –
- Hard-Wax Oil
- Aluminum Oxide
- Acid-Cured or Swedish Finish
- Shellac
- Penetrating Oil Sealer
No one finish is good for timber floors. All of the above options are easily available and used on wooden floors in Australia. When selecting the right timber floor finish, there is a wide range of finishing materials and their characteristics that needs to be considered. Do you want a floor that shines? Are you more interested in a matte appearance? Is durability a concern? Prioritizing your needs can help you make the right choice.
Complete Floor Sanding Adelaide is your one-stop solution for your flooring refinishing needs in Adelaide and its surrounding areas, including Unley Park, Brompton, Leabrook, and others. Equipped with modern machinery and using innovative techniques, we can work with you to select the best colour and the sheen level for your flooring project that not only complements the style and design of your house but your lifestyle as well!