WOOD FLOORING FINISHING OPTIONS

Wood Flooring Finishes Breakdown

If you’re contemplating refinishing your existing floors or installing new hardwood floors but

aren’t sure which finish is best, this guide is for you. In the realm of wood flooring, a range of

finishes is available—each with its own advantages and potential drawbacks. Every wood floor requires a protective finish to withstand daily wear and tear, so it’s essential to consider the level of foot traffic and activity in your home. Below, we explore the different finishing options to help you find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Surface Finishes vs. Penetrating Finishes

Surface Finishes

Surface finishes form a protective layer on top of the wood. Here are some of the most common types:

• Water-Based Finishes - These tend to be clear, highly durable, and dry quickly.

• Oil-Based Finishes - Generally amber-hued and exceptionally durable, these finishes can enhance the wood’s natural warmth.

• Moisture-Cured Finishes - Ranging from clear to amber in color, these finishes are extremely durable and offer greater resistance to moisture compared to many other surface finishes.

• Conversion Varnish Finishes - Usually clear to slightly amber and known for their robust durability.

• Wood Floor Wax - Unlike other surface finishes, wax soaks into the wood fibers and then hardens on top, forming a protective seal that has a lower luster. Although wax is durable, it does require more frequent maintenance.

• UV-Cured Finishes - Typically a water-based product instantly hardened using ultraviolet light. UV curing can happen on-site or at the factory prior to installation.

• Aluminum Oxide Finishes - Commonly applied during manufacturing, these finishes are known for being extremely durable and long-lasting.

Penetrating Finishes

Penetrating finishes, such as natural oils or hard wax oils, soak into the wood’s pores. They

harden within the wood itself, providing a durable and long-lasting protective layer that enhances the natural feel and texture of the floor.

Factory vs. Site Finished

Factory-Finished Floors

With factory-finished flooring, color and topcoats are applied before the wood arrives at your

home. Since the finish is already cured, you can usually walk on these floors immediately after installation.

Site-Finished Floors

A site-finished floor is stained and sealed in the actual space where it’s installed. This approach offers the most customization in terms of color and finish but requires drying time, meaning you’ll need to avoid walking on the floors during that period.

Sheen

Sheen reflects the level of shine on a wood floor finish—ranging from high-gloss to matte. Your preference may depend on both aesthetic and practical considerations:

• Gloss: Offers the highest shine and light reflection.

• Semi-Gloss: Provides some shine with noticeable reflections.

• Satin: Reflects less light for a softer look.

• Matte: Has very little shine, making scratches and everyday wear less apparent.

Generally, the less sheen you have, the less visible minor scuffs and imperfections will be over time.

Color

Hardwood flooring’s natural hues can be highlighted or muted, depending on your preferred style. Through the use of stains and various color treatments, you can achieve anything from a light, airy tone to a deeper, more dramatic shade. At Mansion Hill Custom Floors, we can custom-create virtually any color to match your décor or personal taste.

We're Here to Help

At Mansion Hill Custom Floors, we hold certification from the NWFA (National Wood

Flooring Association) and are well-equipped to guide you through choosing the best finish for your upcoming flooring project. If you’d like more information or want to schedule a

consultation, please contact us. We look forward to helping you transform your space with the perfect wood flooring finish.