Refinishing wood floors is a great way to update the look of your home and avoid the expense involved in replacing your floors. Choosing the right finish will give you the look you want and the durability that your family needs in some of the most often used spaces in your home.

There are five basic categories of wood finishes, and each one comes with pros and cons including level of durability, water resistance and ease of application.

True Oils

Oils like linseed oil and tung oil are fast drying oils that many professionals use when finishing wood floors and furniture. These oils are budget friendly and readily available in many hardware stores. True oils are applied with a cloth by wiping the oil onto the surface after it has been cleaned and sanded. The oils then penetrate the wood and form a soft finish that is not quite as durable as lacquers or varnishes. True oils are environmentally friendly finishing agents, and this makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer green living spaces.

Varnishes

Varnishes are synthetic finishing products that are more durable than true oils. They can withstand heat, chemicals, moisture and solvents. Varnishes contain varying levels of oil, and those with the lowest percentage of oil, or short oil varnishes, are seldom used in anything but industrial settings because of their long drying time and high temperature requirements. Varnishes are often applied with a brush, and they are easy to use in most do-it-yourself situations.

Shellacs

Shellacs are natural resins secreted from the feet of bugs and mixed with denatured alcohol. They are available in a variety of colors in flake form and in either amber or clear in a pre-mixed form. Shellac has a unique flexibility that can protect floors from chips and abrasions, but it is not the most water resistant finish available. When used, it leaves the home with beautiful, natural looking floors that are long-lasting. Caring for shellac finished hardwood floors requires using special cleaners and brooms, and this makes it a less popular choice for some homeowners.

Lacquers

This fast drying, exceptionally durable finish leaves floors with a rich look that is appealing to many homeowners. Lacquers rub out well, and this makes them a good choice for professionals and homeowners with some finishing experience. There are several different lacquers available, and choosing the right one involves analyzing the current wood on your floors and considering the finished look you hope to achieve.

Water-Based Finishes

These finishes offer many of the same attributes as varnishes and lacquers, but they are environmentally friendly because water is used instead of flammable and polluting agents. Water-based finishes are fairly durable, but they lack some of the heat resistance that other finishes offer. They also sometimes require a specialized spray on application process that can be expensive and time consuming.

If you are refinishing your floors as part of a major renovation, contact the experts at Alair Homes for assistance. We can make recommendations regarding the best finishes to use, and help you to achieve the look you want for less.