Hardwood floors are one of the most popular types of flooring. They are beautiful and low maintenance. They go well with any type of décor and the color doesn't fade as it does with other flooring types.

Additionally, they provide unmatched strength and durability. According to Home Inspection Insider, hardwood flooring can last between 50 and 100 years, as long as it's installed and cared for properly. This includes adding a protective finish – most of which can last up to 10 years.

There are several different types of hardwood floor refinisher to choose from, which include waxes, penetrating oils and sealers. However, most experts agree that polyurethane is the best option for hardwood floor refinisher available.

Polyurethane is well-known for it's durability and resistance to moisture. It's a great choice for high-traffic areas and for homes with pets or young children. It appears as though the floor is covered with plastic film, giving it a beautiful gloss to admire.

It's important to note that polyurethane comes in two different types, including oil-based and water-based. Both have advantages and disadvantages to consider before making a final decision.

Oil-Based VS Water-Based Polyurethane

Oil-based polyurethane remains a top choice of hardwood floor refinisher for several reasons – one of which is that beginners have more success applying it themselves. It doesn't dry quickly. Therefore, you can go back and fix mistakes as you go without leaving any overlapping marks.

This is not the case with the water-based solution, as it begins to dry as you work. This means that if you're not fast enough, you will see lines from where you went back to add more. It cannot be reworked when wet and mistakes cannot be easily corrected.

Water-based polyurethane is often chosen, though, due to the speed at which it dries. It takes at least 24 hours for oil-based polyurethane to dry, while water-based polyurethane can typically be walked on in around seven hours. During application and drying, oil-based polyurethane gives off much higher levels of VOCs, so it's important to wear appropriate protection to protect your lungs.

While it may seem that all of this leads to water-based being the better option, there's one more important fact to consider. A water-based coating will more easily show every scratch and ding the floor goes through. Oil-based finishes do not, so you'll typically not need to refinish your floor as often.

Choosing a finish for your hardwood floor may seem like a challenge, but it doesn't have to be. Of all the hardwood finishes, oil-based polyurethane is typically the best option.