The Art of Custom Flooring
Pros and Cons of Wood-Flooring Varieties and Finish
Engineered
Pros: Because sanding and the finish have already been applied there is less dust upon installation and the time of completion is cut in half. Comes in a variety of colors and styles. Some of the manufacturers offer 25-year warranties. Engineered products may only be resanded one time, because they utilize a thin layer of hardwood (usually 1/8") on top of cross laminated plywood. Engineered products are quiet and solid under the foot. This type of flooring is ideal when a glue-down is required (basements, slab on grade homes, or any concrete substrate situation)
Cons: Engineered Products are usually easily repaired, although one thing to consider is repaired areas may vary slightly in color and there is a possibility of the manufacturer discontinuing the product. Micro-beveled edges are present which help minimize slight variations in surface height because this flooring is not sanded flat after installation. Some consider the bevels "dirt traps."
Laminate (floating)
Pros: Easy to clean. Low maintenance. High resistance to pet claws and other surface scratching. Pre-finished Solid Hardwood Pros: Because the sanding and Finish were factory completed, there is less dust on site and the overall installation time is almost half that of a sanded floor. Finish warranty of up to 25 years.
These products are the most economical in terms of initial cost.
Cons: Particle Board with realistic graphics on the surface. If a repair is needed the whole floor will need to be taken apart to reach the damaged board. Laminate cannot be sanded or re-finished. May become discontinued by the manufacturer. Laminate may not feel as solid under the foot because it is not fastened to the sub-floor.
Cons: Maintenance coats are not possible with Aluminum Oxide Pre-Finished Hardwood. A Complete Resand and finish is considerably more costly due to the micro-bevel and tough Aluminum Oxide Finish. The manufacture may discontinue the product which could create issues if repairs are ever needed. Aluminum Oxide Finishes are not always used on Pre-finished flooring, sometimes a much less durable type is utilized.
Solid Hardwood
Pros: It is solid and quiet, Solid Hardwood offers a wider variety of species, custom stains and finishes including, but not limited to: Oil-Based Polyurethane, Water-Based Polyurethane, Acid-Based Swedish Finish, as well as Commercial Grade Finish. Single boards or damaged areas can easily be repaired. The Stain Color on the floor can be changed when Re-finishing. Solid Hardwood will last for the life of the house. Real wood offers more in terms of added home value than its counterparts, and even aids in insulation.
Cons: The overall time of the process can take a bit longer because of the multiple coat process. If Oil or Acid-Based Finish are desired, unpleasant fumes and odor may linger in the environment for several days; however, if a Water-Based Finish is used these fumes are non-existent and the time required for the coating process is greatly reduced because of its quicker drying time.
Types of Finish. Which is Right For Your Floor?
Wood Flooring Finishes have come a long way over the years. Many advantages have been made since the days of the old Wax-Based/Shellac that gave wood floors a bad reputation for being hard to maintain years ago. These days, that is simply not the case. Here is a basic breakdown of the different types of Finishes available to you today. We are experienced in using all of them.
Oil-Modified Urethane
This type of Finish is very common. It produces a durable, moisture resistant surface that will amber slightly with time, which could be considered a plus or negative depending on your wood type and personal taste. Oil base will really accentuate the woods natural colors and give it a warm, slightly tinted appearance. It is available in different sheen levels from Matte to High Gloss. Dry time is between 5-10 hours depending on but not limited to these factors: Air Flow, temperature, and whichever coat is being applied (1st coat dries fastest, each coat thereafter needing an additional 2-3 hours).
Water-Based Urethane
Like Oil-Based this Finish is both durable and moisture-resistant. Some of its more desirable properties include is low odor and very fast dry time. Water-Based Finishes provide a clear, non-ambering look and will not darken over time. However, some feel it leaves certain species of wood looking “pale” or even a bit lackluster. This Finish is ideal for very light woods, such as: Maple, Birch, and Hickory. Again, personal expectations need to be considered. This Finish is usually more costly. Available in sheens of Satin to High Gloss.
Acid-Based (Swedish, Moisture Cured) Urethane
This Finish is considered the most durable and water-resistant. One of the less desirable qualities is the highly toxic, unpleasant fume/odor that may linger for a week or so. However, they offer either the warmer ambered look of oil or the non-amber type as well. Typical dry time 5-8 hours. Dry time depends on humidity levels in the air (hence “moisture-cured”). Available in Satin to Gloss.
The previous types of Finish are Surface Finishes. The means they do not penetrate the wood but dry on the surface forming a protective layer.
Hybrid Finishes
These Finishes actually carry properties of Tung-Oil, which offer exceptional penetrating qualities but little in the way or sheen or build on the surface. However, Hybrids also contain Oil-Base Urethanes providing the qualities of buildup. Excellent product but does have fumes and requires more coats due to the penetrating qualities , leading to longer turn around time and additional cost. Available in all sheens.
More to Consider: If one desires the look of Oil but the qualities of Water, the wood can be sealed using certain sealer/toner products that provide the deep color tones and allow waterbased products to be applied within three hours time. Oil based products may be coated with waterbased and vice/versa provided adequate time(at least three weeks) is allowed for the base coat to entirely cure. Otherwise compatibility issues can arise. Both Water and Oil-Based Urethanes are available in Commercial Grade/High Traffic Formulas.