We provide industry leading finish options applied with a state-of-the-art finishing line, by Amish craftsmen who put care and pride into their work. All of our finishes are UV cured and our dedication to quality is evident in the beauty and versatility of the finishing services we offer. For simplicity, described herein are our essential finishing options that satisfy over 95% of the projects that we finish. We offer the popular Woca Oil and Rubio Oil finishes, and a premium 100% solid high-clarity urethane, enhanced with aluminum oxide to increase abrasion resistance to impressive levels.
OUR ESSENTIAL FINISHING OPTIONS
When it comes to pre-finishing your hardwood floor, we offer two different types of finish. An oil finish penetrates deeply into the wood, strengthening and sealing it from the inside out. In contrast, a urethane finish forms a protective, plastic-like barrier on the surface of the wood. This means that with an oiled floor, you’re walking directly on the treated wood. With urethane there’s a resilient layer between your feet and the wood, offering added durability. Let’s explore the distinctions between penetrating oil and urethane finishes to provide a better understanding.
OIL FINISHED
Oil finished floors which have been a standard in Europe for centuries have increasingly gained favor in the U.S. in recent years, appealing to those who want a natural, low-sheen aesthetic that accentuates the wood’s natural beauty. While not as durable as urethane, penetrating oil finishes benefit from being serviceable. Scratches can be buffed out, and worn areas can be re-sanded and re-oiled to blend with surrounding areas. This makes oil finishes ideal for applications that receive high traffic but do require regular cleaning with special soaps and periodic nourishment with fresh oil. It’s even a popular finish in commercial applications as traffic paths can easily be renewed between the close of business one day and opening the next. Many believe that traditional oil-finished floors become more beautiful with time and they enjoy the opportunity to renew their floors anytime they wish.
URETHANE FINISHED
Urethane finished floors have been a popular choice in the United States for decades due to their durability. We enhance the protection of this surface coating by using premium urethane with aluminum oxide and applying more mils of finish than used on mass-produced flooring. This highly abrasion resistant coating makes urethane floors easy to clean with simple sweeping and mopping with approved cleaners. However, this durability also presents a challenge. Scratches or gouges that do penetrate the finish are difficult to repair by the very fact that the finish is so hard. You can fill scratches with a clear urethane pen to lessen their appearance, but to remove them you have to sand and recoat entire areas at a time. The level and type of traffic your floor receives will determine when that recoat is needed. Those who are conscientious in caring for their floors may go many decades without needing to recoat.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Both penetrating oil finishes and urethane have advantages and disadvantages, and neither is always the right answer. With proper care and maintenance, either finish can be a lasting investment, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your floors. We recommend considering how you’ll use the space, the care and maintenance each finish requires, and the aesthetic that you desire. This will enable you to make an informed decision. We’re also glad to answer any questions you may have should you want help determining the finish that best suits your needs.