Oil versus Water based finish and stain for hardwood floors

nykittyny · September 2010

In the process of having 990 square feet of wood flooring refinished. I have received different quotes and the company that seems most professional and has the best online reviews insists that water based products are the best way to go, which cost a good deal more than oil, like $2.50 per square foot versus $1.90 per square foot.

The rep suggested I do some online research, and I have read articles in favor of both products. The most common complaint about the oil based products are that they yellow over time, but that they are more scratch resistant, which is appealing to me with a toddler and doggie running around. The company offers a 5 year guarantee with the water based, but no guarantee for oil.

Anyone have experience with this?

whynot_31 · September 2010

Several years ago, we went with whatever Verrazano Flooring told us to do

....expensive, but worth it.

Brownstoner.com is an excellent source for up to date experiences.

domino · September 2010

We used Verrazano as well and were thrilled - expensive but worth every dime.
They were totally honest with regards to ability to remove some deep stains on the staircase. At their suggestion, we just put in commercial grade carpeting.

We used a laminate floor (not Pergo but one of those from Lowes) in the high traffic hallways. It has been about three years since we put down the Pergo, and it is still in pristine condition (cats, dogs, carts, furniture, etc.).

booklaw · September 2010

We've used a few different flooring companies over the years to sand and polyurethane our floors. We were happy with only one of the companies: Verrazano.

bcodsnpkslope · September 2010

the early water based finishes were horrid. theyve come a long way the newer ones are as good or better in some cases than the oil based ones and better for the environment

idlewild · September 2010

What type of wood is your floor? You should check out a product called Last N' Last. They make great water based finishes. If you're going with oil, you may want to consider going to straight linseed or danish oils (while although make very beautiful finishes, require special care and maintenance), such as Tried & True. From what I understand, NYS has changed the law concerning oil base formulations to a point where they're not as sturdy and the aesthetics are pretty much shot. If you're looking for a stain, I implore you not buy Minwax. That stuff just plain sucks. Speak to the big orthodox gentleman, behind the counter at Abbott Paints on 50th Street between 2nd & 3rd Ave in Brooklyn. Ask him about gel stains. In fact, I suggest you go to Abbot and the flooring store on 3rd Ave by 31st Street and look around. Flooring companies will usually put on what you ask as long as you buy the product.

nykittyny · September 2010

Thanks so much for the great advice, guys. This house is not actually located in Brooklyn, so I am limited to the local companies in the area. I have done a lot more research online and have come to the conclusion that water based is the way to go, but only when you have a highly reputable professional doing the work, and using products that are not commercially available to the public.

sunpark570 · September 2010

I ended up really regretting doing water-based finish - not stain - but revarnishing. It's totally scratched up just three years later, and has no shine or durability. And now all my furniture is down so I just have to live with it.

Oil versus Water based finish and stain for hardwood floors

Comments

Howdy, Stranger!

Categories