A wide range of finishes and stains are available for solid wood flooring, giving you unlimited possibilities for customizing your floors.

Lasting beauty requires minimal care with today's wood floor finishes. The right finish protects wood flooring from wear, dirt and moisture while giving the wood an attractive color sheen. Technology has provided a wide selection of wood flooring finishes, each with its own distinct benefits and appearances.

Finishes

Surface finishes are very popular today because they are durable, water-resistant and require minimal maintenance. Surface finishes are blends of synthetic resins. These finishes most often referred to as urethane or polyurethane remain on the surface of the wood and form a protective coating. They are generally available in high-gloss, semi-gloss and satin. Any one of the finishes is appropriate for the kitchen.

Surfacing finishes shield floors by forming a protective layer that looks like clear plastic on top of the wood. Predominantly polyurethane, surface finishes are found on all pre-finished floors and are today's most popular choice.

There are basically two types of surface finishes; Oil Modified Urethane and Water-based Urethane.

Oil Modified Urethane

Oil modified urethane is generally the most common surface finish and is easy to apply. It is a solvent-based polyurethane that dries in about eight hours. This type of finish ambers with age. Oil modified urethane is available in satin, semi-gloss and gloss. This blend of synthetic resins, plasticizers and other film-forming ingredients produces an extremely durable surface that is moisture-resistant. It is the best choice for a kitchen or wherever there is exposure to water splashing and spills.

Water-based Urethane

Water-based urethane is a waterborne urethane that dries by water evaporation. These finishes are clear and non-yellowing. They have a milder odor than oil-modified finishes have and they dry in about two or three hours. Water-based urethanes are generally more expensive. Water-based urethane is available in satin and gloss.

Stains

There are many stain colors to choose from and custom colors of stain are available. Different types of wood flooring accept stain differently; therefore it's a good idea to ask about your specific type of flooring and how it will accept stain.

Pre-finished Wood Flooring

A pre-finished wood floor is one in which the finish is applied at the factory.