Water Based Versus Oil Based Polyurethane For Floors

Oil based polyurethane cost less than water based.

Water based versus oil based polyurethane for floors. 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. The biggest difference is in appearance. 8 to 10 years ago i used to recommend oil based polyurethane over water based poly. Here are our expert.

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. It s due to the chemical makeup. If you want your floor to stay the same color choose water based polyurethane. 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.

Water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection. Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane. But now due to all the improvements and added advantages to water borne polyurethane my answer for whether to use oil or water based polyurethane really depends on the look stain color choice budget and type of wood being used. Wood that is gray white or light looks better with a clear coat i e a water based finish.

There are many factors to think about when deciding on the finish of your hardwood floor. Woods with a hint of yellow in them already such as pine fir and ash become even yellower with an oil based finish. Durability of water based vs oil based polyurethane. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish.

You ll find water based polyurethane is nearly two to three times more expensive than oil based polyurethane. 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. The water based material is more expensive so often you will pay around 10 25 more. Oil based polyurethane or water borne polyurethane.

Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. 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. There s an ongoing debate over which is more durable long lasting. 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.