Best Polyurethane Option For Hardwood Floors 2024

It is essential to select the best polyurethane for your floor whether it is laminate, hardwood, or concrete. Polyurethane plays a protective role as a coating for your floor to keep the floor more durable and beautiful for a long time. You can find there are two variants of polyurethane and many brands available. Normally, water-based polyurethane is the best choice for hardwood floors considering the factors.

However, with so many options, it is difficult to select the right polyurethane that fulfills your floor needs. This article is specially drafted to help you find the best polyurethane option for your floors. Also, it explains the required details to answer your doubts about polyurethane.

Types of Polyurethane for Floors

Knowledge of the types of polyurethane coatings is key to attaining the best in durability, beauty, and application. There are two types of polyurethane and both have their special properties to fulfill the requirement.

Water-Based Polyurethane

Water-based polyurethane is transparent and has no yellowing effect when exposed to light. Also, It takes little time to dry so people can quickly walk on their floors. It has a low VOC content, meaning its use, particularly inside a building, is safer for health. It’s also secure and easy to clean with water and soap when required.

While not as unbeatable as oil-based, it will safeguard your floors adequately. Some people prefer it because it is more friendly towards the environment. Water-based polyurethane will work well if you want a finish that will be very clear and dry very quickly. Depending on the type of material, it may be more appropriate for homes with low traffic.

Oil-Based Polyurethane

Most experts recommend using oil-based polyurethane, which they developed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. It also gives the wooden flooring a very glamorous and fantastic look. This kind of finish is perfect for places with a lot of foot traffic, especially in homes with kitchens and dining areas. Something that one should take note of is that it is strong and can withstand a lot of pressure. But it takes its time to dry up. It has a strong smell, which only means you will require proper ventilation.

Many customers favor it due to its durability. It also adds a touch of amber to the wood. This type of polyurethane is suitable for those who desire a hard-wearing and high sheen at the end of it. It is also convenient to operate in homes with heavy traffic and with children and pets.

Oil Vs Water Based Type of Polyurethan Finishes

Which is the Best Polyurethane Type for Floors?

Therefore, the best polyurethane depends on the particular application. Oil-based polyurethane is hard-wearing. This is particularly beneficial in busy households with young children and pets. It creates an amber color that highlights your floor’s beauty. However, it takes longer to dry and is characterized by a foul odor.

For instance, it can be found that oil-based polyurethane dries slower than water-based polyurethane, although the former dries faster. These are clear and do not change the color of the wood as it is. They also do not produce a very distinct scent, which might be disadvantageous in a way since some would not feel relaxed using them indoors. Although these are not as hard as oil-based polyurethane, they are reasonably hard-wearing. They are also renewable in contrast to the other types of energy since they have no negative impact to the environment.

Therefore, an oil-based variety is appropriate for durability, which may come with the stench. If the job needs to be completed as fast as possible without an overwhelming smell, a water-based option is best. Consider your specific requirements to decide which is most suitable for your floors.

Also Read: Wood Sealer vs Polyurethane – Choosing the Right Finish

Best Water-based Polyurethane for Floor

Let’s look at some great brands of water-based polyurethane that are bound to give your hardwood floor an even shinier appearance!

Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish

Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish is the best water-based polyurethane. It dries quickly and remains mild in smell. This finish is transparent and, therefore, does not alter the shade of your wooden furniture. It can be applied soon, and the surface becomes smooth when spread.

Also, it is sturdy and ideal for areas with average foot traffic. Many people also prefer its environmentally friendly nature and ability to emit very low VOCs. The following Bona Mega is perfect if you need a quick-drying and clear finish safe for application inside the house. This helps to maintain the natural and attractive look of your floors.

Minwax Water-Based Oil-Modified Polyurethane

Minwax water-based oil-modified polyurethane is ideal for use on hardwood floors. First, it dries quickly and can be washed off with water. Second, it helps to protect your floor even better. Furthermore, it provides a good appearance. It also has no potent scent, so it is safe indoors. Additionally, it resists scratches and it has a long life cycle.

Moreover, the method is easy to apply. Therefore, go ahead and try Minwax for your floors.

Best Oil-based Polyurethane for Floors

Many brands flood the market, each claiming to be the best for floors. The many choices available can make it confusing to find the one that suits your purpose. Let’s look at some of the best oil-based polyurethanes for floors.

Varathane Oil-Based Polyurethane

Especially on hardwood floors you will often hear people discussing varathane oil-based polyurethane. It enhances the beauty of the color of your floor by giving it an extra shade or gold. This finish is thus very hard and cannot be scratched or stained very easily, so it may last longer. It is particularly suitable for used zones in your home. Also, it is convenient to use and dries, making it ideal for use on different surfaces.

Even though the odor of it is persistent, the effect of the repellent is long-standing. Overall, Varathane Oil-Based Polyurethane is a perfect choice for getting impressive results and keeping your floor covered for many years.

Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane

Rust-Oleum Triple Thick Polyurethane is tough. It is also three times thicker than your average polyurethane. This means you require fewer layers. It hardens to a smooth, glossy finish that has a good appearance. Basically, it performs best in areas likely to receive frequent use, as it doesn’t scratch or stain easily. It is easy to apply and gives a smooth finishing look.

Then again, the protection that comes with it is something else, and the smell is not bad. Rust-oleum triple-thick polyurethane is an excellent option for obtaining a durable, stunning finish for your floors.

Also Read: What is the Cost of Refinishing Hardwood Floors | DIY vs Professional

FAQs

Is 2 Coats of Polyurethane Enough for Floors?

For the floors, it is only necessary to make two layers of polyurethane, which gives a protective and harsh coat to the floor. But when it comes to high-traffic places, a third layer of the floor should be put in place.

Which Polyurethane is More Water-resistant?

As a result of the above discussion, it is essential to note that water-based polyurethane is more water-resistant than oil-based polyurethane. This fast-drying, clear sealer will not yellow and effectively seal out water and all other liquids from getting into the surface.

Which Type of Polyurethane Lasts the Longest?

They include oil-based polyurethane, which is more durable than the rest since it does not easily wear out. This one is designed for heavy usage, and the protection it gives will last for a long time

Which is the Best Polyurethane for Floors With Dogs?

Water-based polyurethane is ideal for dogs to use on floors. It also dries quickly, is not easily scratched, and is less toxic than other paints. Another advantage is that water-based polyurethane is much easier to clean than oil-based polyurethane.

Conclusion

When selecting the suitable polyurethane to apply to your floors, you should consider the following aspects: The other factors that should guide the choice are durability, the time component, especially when painting in regions that experience very hot weather, and the type of finish anticipated. This is because each kind of polyurethane has its strengths, whether oil- or water-based. Among the following products, the best ones for covering Hardwood floors include Bona Traffic HD and Minwax Super Fast-Drying Polyurethane for Floors. Select as per your needs to get that stunning and lasting appeal your flooring idea deserves.