{"id":1018,"date":"2015-01-27T05:32:05","date_gmt":"2015-01-27T05:32:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/napervillehardwood.com\/blog\/?p=1018"},"modified":"2026-01-07T04:34:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T04:34:15","slug":"how-to-choose-a-hardwood-floor-finish-part-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/napervillehardwood.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-hardwood-floor-finish-part-3\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Hardwood Floor Finish \u2013 Part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here we are in Part 3 of how to go about choosing a hardwood floor finish system for your floors. In Part 1<\/a> we talked about the different types of finishes available. In Part 2<\/a> we discussed the many different factors involved in choosing a finish.<\/p>\n

\"Choose<\/p>\n

In this article, we put all these factors together in a chart and see how all of the finishes compare to each other side-by-side. Below are all the different finish systems and most important factors to consider when choosing a finish.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Factors like resistance to abrasion, scratching and chemicals, as well as other relevant things such as looks, yellowing, fumes and smell, maintenance and cure and dry times are listed.<\/p>\n

We have given each element a score of 1-5 with a total score out of 40 points\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Finish<\/p>\n

As you can see, most of the finishes have multiple high scores. Some though, have very low scores in certain areas. These are the areas you will need to carefully consider and decide for yourself if you can live with.<\/p>\n

We have extensive experience with all these finish systems and have figured out what systems do and don\u2019t work the best for the majority of situations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So What Finishes DON’T<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0 We Fully Recommend?<\/h4>\n

We\u2019ve listed the ones that didn\u2019t make the cut below\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2013 Swedish and Moisture Cure:<\/i><\/h6>\n

We ruled out moisture cure and Swedish finishes (like Glitsa) because of their toxicity, safety concerns (fire hazards, combustibility etc) and horrible smell and fumes from the solvents evaporating as they dry. We don\u2019t like subjecting ourselves to that, let alone others.<\/p>\n

Yes, they\u2019re very durable finishes and are easy to maintain, but the high-end two component water based finishes are just as good in these areas and they don\u2019t have the stinkage or safety factors to worry about.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Penetrating Finishes:<\/i><\/h6>\n

We also ruled out penetrating finishes. This is because most people in the Chicago and Naperville area are used to the convenience of surface finishes and aren\u2019t willing to spend the time maintaining a penetrating oil or wax floor like their grandparents were.<\/p>\n

A lot of the hardwood floors we refinish here have been sanded many times already and are now quite thin, so walking on the actual wood and wearing it down would not be a good idea either. Plus, they take far too long to dry and cure and don\u2019t have the best durability.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Cheap, Low Quality, 1 Component Water Based Finishes:<\/i><\/h6>\n

We also don\u2019t use cheap single component water based finishes you can find in big box stores because they\u2019re nowhere<\/i> near the quality of professional finishes. Some so called \u2018professional\u2019 guys will use these to save themselves some money\u2026 but they end up cheating their customers out of a strong, long lasting floor.<\/p>\n

\u2013 Oil Based Finishes:<\/i><\/h6>\n

Recently, we\u2019ve also had to stop using oil based finishes as well. The new lower VOC finishes just aren\u2019t up to the standard we have promised to maintain for our clients.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s unfortunate really because these were among the nicest looking finishes available. They had a beautiful amber glow and were quite durable for the investment. This may change in the future though as the manufacturers keep trying to make them work. We\u2019ll be keeping on top of this and if they come up to our high standard once again we may offer them once more in the future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

What are the Finishes We DO<\/em><\/strong> Recommend?<\/h4>\n

These 3 finishes below are the only ones we recommend and use here at Tadas Wood Flooring\u2026<\/p>\n