When selecting a finish for hardwood floors, you have the option of a water-based eco-friendly finish or a poly oil-based finish. All finishes provided by ElmWood come with a 10-year warranty.

Water-based finishes dry quickly, requiring prompt application to prevent lap marks and imperfections. These finishes are ideal for exotic woods, as they are more environmentally friendly and allow the natural color of the wood to shine through.

Oil-based finishes, on the other hand, enhance the wood’s depth of color and provide a warm, amber tone. They take 12-24 hours to dry and cure, offering more flexibility during application. Oil-based finishes are highly durable but come with higher VOC levels, a strong odor, and a longer curing time.

Each finish offers distinct characteristics and impacts the floor’s appearance and feel differently. It is essential to research and evaluate your priorities before making a decision. Water-based finishes are clear, low in odor, and healthier for occupants but are more expensive, require additional coats, and may not achieve the same depth of color. Oil-based finishes are cost-effective, long-lasting, and a rich aesthetic but have environmental and health considerations. Your choice should reflect your preferences for aesthetics, health concerns, budget, and drying time.

• Pros:
  • Appearance: Imparts a rich, warm, amber tone that deepens over time.
  • Durability: Forms a hard, strong, and long-lasting finish.
  • Cost: Generally, less expensive than water-based options.
  • Coverage: Thicker, so fewer coats are needed for coverage.
• Cons:
  • Health & Odor: High levels of VOCs and strong, potentially harmful fumes during application.
  • Drying Time: Very slow drying and curing process.
  • Color Change: Continues to amber and darken the wood over time.
  • Maintenance: More difficult to spot-repair.

• Pros:
  • Health & Environment: Low VOCs, low odor, and healthier to be around.
  • Appearance: Dries clear, preserving the natural color of the wood.
  • Drying Time: Dries quickly, allowing for faster recoating.
  • Durability: Forms a hard, scratch-resistant layer, suitable for high-traffic areas.
• Cons:
  • Cost: More expensive upfront than oil-based finishes.
  • Coats: Requires more coats for a smooth film due to lower solids content.
  • Application: Fast drying makes it harder to correct mistakes during application.
  • Appearance (subjective): Some pros find them “cold-looking” compared to oil’s depth