Best Finish For Hardwood Floors (2024 Update)
When it comes to choosing the best finish for hardwood floors, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase. The type of hardwood, amount of traffic the floors receive, and desired look are all important in determining which finish is right for you. Investing in high-quality finishes ensures long-lasting beauty and protection for hardwood flooring.
What are your priorities for your hardwood floors? Do you desire a very natural look that highlights the wood grain? Or would you prefer an ultra-matte or high-gloss finish for a contemporary style? Are you looking for a finish that is durable and resistant to scratches with pets or kids in the home? Do you need to match existing floors or want a specific tone? Keep in mind darker stains help hide dings and scratches better than lighter ones. Being clear on your goals will help narrow down the overwhelming options on the market.
Does the difficulty of application and necessary preparation work matter to you? How often are you willing to reapply finishes to maintain shine? Are fumes from oil-based products problematic? These are additional aspects to explore. Doing research ahead of time on types of hardwood floor finishes will allow you to make the optimal choice for your particular needs. With the right finish, you can enhance and protect the beauty of your hardwood floors for years to come.
10 Best Finish For Hardwood Floors
| # | Product Image | Product Name | Product Notes | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
 |
The product is ideal for cleaning and polishing various surfaces such as hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl plank, tile, and stone.
|
|
|
|
2
|
 |
Ideal for finishing and protecting wood floors in residential and commercial settings, offering durability and a non-yellowing satin finish.
|
|
|
|
3
|
 |
This product is ideal for providing a high gloss finish to floors, covering up to 2,500 square feet.
|
|
|
|
4
|
 |
Ideal for cleaning hardwood and laminate floors with a no-wax urethane finish.
|
|
|
|
5
|
 |
Ideal for providing a high-gloss, durable finish on surfaces such as floors, concrete, and other commercial or industrial applications.
|
|
|
|
6
|
 |
It is ideal for applying a protective satin finish to wooden surfaces such as floors, cabinets, and furniture.
|
|
|
|
7
|
 |
This product is ideal for restoring and reviving hardwood floors with a high gloss finish.
|
|
|
|
8
|
 |
The product is ideal for cleaning and maintenance in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.
|
|
|
|
9
|
 |
The product is ideal for refinishing hardwood and laminate floors, restoring shine and protecting against scratches and scuffs.
|
|
|
|
10
|
 |
The product is ideal for adding shine and protection to floors.
|
|
1. Multi-Surface Floor Finish: Quick, Safe, And Shiny!
This floor polish product is designed to provide an easy-to-use and quick solution for renewing and protecting various types of flooring surfaces. The application process is simple and straightforward, requiring only a clean, dry floor to achieve a renewed finish with long-lasting polish.
Specially formulated, this product is suitable for use on a variety of floor surfaces including hardwood, laminate, LVT-Luxury Vinyl Tile, LVP-Luxury Vinyl Plank, tile, and stone. With its unique formula, it adds a protective layer to the floor, filling in micro-scratches and evening out the appearance of the surface.
This premium floor care solution is free from aluminum, ammonia, formaldehyde, fragrance, paraben, phthalate, and gluten, making it a safer choice for use in households with kids, pets, and environmentally conscious consumers. The U.S. EPA Safer Choice Program recognizes this product for its commitment to safety, ensuring that it is safe for both people and the environment.
Proudly made in the USA, this product is designed to meet the highest quality standards. The manufacturer has taken great care to ensure that this product is both effective and safe, making it an excellent choice for those looking to renew and protect their flooring surfaces.
2. Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish Satin Contractor Pack 3 Gallon
The inherent beauty of natural wood is elevated with its natural color. This stunning feature is showcased in the product's design, highlighting the wood's unique characteristics. The natural wood color adds a touch of warmth and elegance to any space, creating a timeless and classic appeal. The product's color is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves as an indication of the wood's authenticity and high-quality. With the natural color, customers can be confident in their purchase, knowing that they are receiving a genuine and premium product. Furthermore, the natural wood color can complement various interior designs, making it a versatile and practical choice for any home or office setting. Overall, the natural wood color is a standout feature that adds value and sophistication to the product.
3. Diversey Floor Science: High Gloss 4-Pack
Introducing a revolutionary solution for commercial and residential flooring needs, a synthetic polymeric floor finish that creates an initial high-gloss without buffing or burnishing – the Built-in Sealer Floor Finish. This product boasts an exceptional set of features that make it stand out in the market.
The Built-in Sealer Floor Finish is designed to minimize the tendency to show scuffs and black heel marks, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas. With outstanding leveling and adhesion properties, this floor finish works on nearly all types of floors, including vinyl, terrazzo, rubber, and asphalt tiles, among others.
This product is highly versatile and responds beautifully to conventional, high-speed, or UHS equipment and maintenance procedures. It works with non-buff, dry buff, and spray buff programs, and responds to 175 through 2000 equipment. The Built-in Sealer Floor Finish meets ASTM D-2047 slip resistance requirements, ensuring safety for everyone.
The Built-in Sealer Floor Finish has a solids content of 20%, which means it creates a durable and long-lasting layer that enhances the appearance of your floors. With one gallon of this product, you can cover up to 2,500 sq. ft. (232 sq. m), making it an economical choice for large areas.
4. Urethane Floor Cleaner Refill Pack – Bruce Hardwood
This hardwood and laminate floor cleaner is a must-have for routine cleaning. It is specially formulated to clean all no-wax hardwood and laminate floors. The unique cleaner lifts soil from the surface of the urethane finish, leaving it spotless without leaving any film. The ready-to-use formula makes it great for both spot and routine cleaning, saving you time and hassle.
Unlike other cleaners, this floor cleaner does not require rinsing, ensuring that your hardwood or laminate floors remain clean without any dulling film. The packaging of this cleaner may vary, but the quality remains consistent.
This cleaner is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality and effective cleaning solution for their hardwood and laminate floors. It is easy to use, and its unique formula ensures that your floors stay clean and shiny. Whether you need to clean a small spot or do a routine cleaning, this cleaner is a great choice.
5. Lundmark Super Gloss Acrylic, Extra Heavy-Duty Hard Finish
This high-quality floor finish is designed to protect and enhance the appearance of various types of resilient flooring. It is suitable for use on linoleum, vinyl composition tile (VCT), vinyl tile, asphalt tile, asbestos tile, laminate flooring, and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). This versatile product meets or exceeds ASTM standards for slipping and dries to a high gloss finish, leaving your floors looking shiny and new.
The ready-to-use formula makes application a breeze, and for best results, it is recommended to apply with a lambswool applicator. Each quart of this product provides an average coverage of 500 square feet when applying 2-3 coats. This makes it an affordable and efficient choice for large flooring areas.
To maintain the optimal condition of your floors, this floor finish can be used in conjunction with our Hard Surface Floor Cleaner 3538F32-6 for routine cleaning. This combination ensures that your floors remain clean and shiny for an extended period.
This product is proudly made in the USA and adheres to the highest quality standards. However, it is essential to read the product labels for complete information and directions for use. Please note that packaging may vary.
6. Bridgepoint Hydro-Force Satin Wood Finish (4/1 Gallons)
Introducing a top-quality Preservation Finish, specially designed to enhance and protect your hardwood floor. This product is ideal for use over an existing urethane finish, delivering exceptional results that will leave your floors looking brand new.
One of the standout features of this Preservation Finish is its low solid content. This means that it has a lower concentration of solids, making it easier to apply and resulting in a smoother finish. This makes it an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts or professionals looking for a quick and efficient way to renew their floors.
With a pH level of 7.8, this Preservation Finish is perfectly balanced and ready to use straight out of the bottle. There's no need for any complicated mixing or preparation, simply apply it directly to your floors for a flawless finish every time.
When it comes to preserving and protecting your hardwood floors, this Preservation Finish is the perfect solution. Its high-quality formula is designed to protect your floors from scratches, scuffs, and other types of damage, leaving them looking beautiful and new for years to come.
7. Minwax 609504444 32 Oz High Gloss Reviver Hardwood Floor Restorer
Introducing a revolutionary and effortless way to restore the beauty and luster of your hardwood floors without any special preparation – the pack of 4 specially formulated polyurethane by [Brand Name].
This water-based formula is designed for easy clean-up and offers a hassle-free, one-coat application to provide the ultimate protection and beauty to your floors. Unlike a Polish, this product is stronger and more durable, ensuring long-lasting results that will leave your floors looking crystal-clear and as good as new.
With a dry time of only 2 hours for light foot traffic and 24 hours to replace furniture, you can enjoy your newly restored floors in no time. Plus, this product provides protection for up to 3-6 months, so you can rest assured that your floors will stay looking great for longer.
One of the standout features of this product is that it leaves a clear finish that won't change the color of your floor, ensuring that the natural beauty of your hardwood is preserved.
8. Diversey
This high-quality floor finish/sealer is designed to be user-friendly and compatible with any maintenance equipment and method. Its synthetic polymeric formula facilitates a high-gloss finish without the need for buffing or burnishing. This versatile floor finish works well with non-buff, dry buff, and spray buff programs, making it an ideal choice for commercial and industrial spaces.
One of the highlights of this floor finish is its built-in sealer feature that eliminates the need for a separate sealer. This feature saves users time, effort, and money by providing a reliable sealant that protects the floor from spills, stains, and scratches. The finish is easy to apply and requires minimal downtime, making it a popular choice for busy workspaces.
This floor finish/sealer offers superior durability and long-lasting protection against wear and tear. It is resistant to scuffs, scratches, and marks, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. The finish is also resistant to water, chemicals, and other substances, making it easy to clean and maintain.
In terms of application, users can expect a hassle-free experience with this floor finish/sealer. Its compatibility with different maintenance methods and equipment means that it can be easily integrated into existing workflows. The finish dries quickly, leaving a high-gloss sheen that lasts for an extended period.
9. Zep, 32 Oz Hardwood And Laminate Floor Refinisher 32 Ounce Zuhfr32
This multi-functional floor cleaner is designed to revitalize dull, scratched, and worn wood or laminate polyurethane finished floors. However, it is important to note that this formula is not suitable for use on wax or oil finished wood.
With its powerful polyurethane formula, this cleaner effectively removes dirt, grime, and other stubborn stains without requiring any rinsing. Its easy-pour container makes it effortless to apply, and the quick and easy cleaning process saves valuable time.
Whether you're looking to enhance the appearance of a high-traffic area or simply maintain the beauty of your floors, this cleaner is an excellent choice. Its efficient formula ensures that your floors appear clean and polished, helping to extend the life of your flooring investment.
Best Finish For Hardwood Floors FAQs
Can I apply a new finish to my hardwood floors myself, or do I need to hire a professional?
Yes, you can apply a new finish to your hardwood floors yourself, but hiring a professional is recommended. Applying a finish to your hardwood floors requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and experience. If you have experience with DIY home projects and are confident in your abilities, you may be able to do the job yourself. However, if you have never done this before, hiring a professional is highly recommended. Professionals have the necessary tools, equipment, and expertise to ensure that the job is done to a high standard. They will also be able to advise you on the best finish for your particular type of hardwood flooring and can help you choose the right product to suit your needs. In addition, professionals are insured, so if anything goes wrong during the process, you are covered. Ultimately, the decision to DIY or hire a professional will depend on your level of experience, the size of the job, and your budget.
Can I change the finish on my hardwood floors without refinishing them?
Unfortunately, changing the finish on your hardwood floors typically requires refinishing them. This process involves sanding down the current finish and applying a new one. However, there are a few options for changing the appearance of your floors without a complete refinishing. For example, you could apply a tinted topcoat to alter the color of the wood without sanding it down. Additionally, there are products on the market designed to rejuvenate and refresh the existing finish, although these are not a permanent solution. It's important to note that attempting to change the finish on your floors without proper knowledge and equipment can lead to damage or an uneven finish. It's best to consult with a professional flooring contractor to determine the best course of action for your specific floors.
How do I choose the right finish for my hardwood floors?
Choosing the right finish for your hardwood floors can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to ensure that your floors remain durable and beautiful for years to come. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right finish for your hardwood floors.
Firstly, consider the level of foot traffic in the area where the floors are located. If it is a high traffic area, then a durable finish like polyurethane or aluminum oxide may be the best option. On the other hand, if it is a low traffic area, then a wax finish may suffice.
Secondly, consider the look you want to achieve. A matte finish will give a more natural and subtle look, whereas a semi-gloss or high-gloss finish will give a more shining and formal look.
Finally, consider the maintenance requirements. Wax finishes require regular buffing and application of additional wax, whereas polyurethane finishes require minimal maintenance.
In conclusion, to choose the right finish for your hardwood floors, consider the level of foot traffic, the desired look, and the maintenance requirements.
How do I maintain the finish on my hardwood floors?
Maintaining the finish on your hardwood floors is important to keep them looking beautiful and preserve their longevity. To start, it is important to keep your floors clean by regularly sweeping and vacuuming up dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your floors as they can damage the finish. Instead, use a gentle cleaner specifically designed for hardwood floors and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Another important step in maintaining the finish on your floors is to protect them from scratches and dents. Place furniture pads under the legs of chairs and tables, and avoid wearing high heels or shoes with sharp soles on your floors. Additionally, consider adding area rugs in high traffic areas to further protect the floors.
Finally, it is important to regularly inspect your floors for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice scratches or areas where the finish has worn away, consider hiring a professional to refinish your floors. By following these steps, you can help maintain the finish on your hardwood floors and enjoy their beauty for years to come.
How long does a hardwood floor finish last?
The durability of a hardwood floor finish depends on various factors, such as the type of finish used, the traffic on the floor and the maintenance routine. Typically, a hardwood floor finish can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years. A water-based finish can last up to 3 years, while an oil-based finish can last up to 10 years. However, factors such as heavy foot traffic, pets, and cleaning agents can wear down the finish faster. It is important to maintain the floor properly by regularly sweeping and mopping with a hardwood floor cleaner. Additionally, placing rugs or mats in high traffic areas can help protect the finish. Refinishing the floor every few years can also help extend the life of the finish. Overall, the lifespan of a hardwood floor finish depends on how well it is maintained and the type of wear and tear it is subjected to.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when finishing hardwood floors?
Finishing hardwood floors can be a tedious process that requires significant attention to detail. Some common mistakes that people make when finishing hardwood floors include:
1. Skipping the sanding process: Sanding is an essential step in finishing hardwood floors. Skipping this step can result in uneven surfaces and a lackluster finish.
2. Failing to clean the floor properly: Before applying any finish, it is important to clean the floor thoroughly to remove any dust, dirt, or debris that can interfere with the finish.
3. Over-applying the finish: Over-applying the finish can result in a sticky, uneven surface that is difficult to repair. It is recommended that you apply multiple thin coats of finish rather than one thick coat.
4. Using the wrong type of finish: Different types of hardwood floors require different types of finishes. Using the wrong type of finish can result in a poor finish and damage to the flooring.
5. Not allowing enough drying time between coats: It is essential to allow enough drying time between coats of finish to ensure a smooth, even finish. Rushing the process can result in a poor finish.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following proper finishing techniques, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish on your hardwood floors.
What are the different types of finishes available for hardwood floors?
There are several types of finishes available for hardwood floors, each offering unique benefits and characteristics. One popular option is a polyurethane finish, which provides durability and protection against scratches and spills. This type of finish is available in both oil-based and water-based formulations, with water-based options being more environmentally friendly.
Another option is a wax finish, which is known for its natural appearance and ability to enhance the color and texture of the wood. While wax finishes require more maintenance than polyurethane finishes, they can be easily reapplied as needed to maintain their appearance.
Oil finishes are another popular choice, as they penetrate the wood to provide a natural-looking finish that enhances the grain and texture of the wood. Oil finishes are also easy to apply and maintain, making them a popular choice for DIYers.
Finally, there are penetrating sealers, which are ideal for high-traffic areas as they provide exceptional protection against wear and tear. These finishes are typically water-based and provide a natural-looking finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood.
What are the pros and cons of different hardwood floor finishes?
There are various types of hardwood floor finishes available in the market, each with its own set of pros and cons. Let's take a look at them:
1. Polyurethane Finish: It is one of the most popular and durable finishes that provide great protection against scratches, dents, and water damage. However, it can be a bit challenging to repair if damaged and may yellow over time.
2. Oil-Based Finish: This type of finish offers a warm and natural look to the floor, and it is relatively easy to repair. However, it takes longer to dry, emits strong fumes, and requires more coats than other finishes.
3. Water-Based Finish: It is an eco-friendly option that dries quickly, has low odor and VOCs, and does not yellow over time. However, it is not as durable as polyurethane and can be challenging to apply evenly.
4. Wax Finish: It gives a traditional, matte look to the floor and is easy to maintain. However, it requires frequent reapplication, and it may not offer as much protection as other finishes.
In summary, each finish has its own pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference, budget, and lifestyle. Consider your needs and priorities before selecting a finish for your hardwood floor.
What is the best finish for hardwood floors?
The best finish for hardwood floors largely depends on personal preference and the specific requirements of the space. However, there are a few popular options that are commonly used in the industry.
One of the most popular finishes for hardwood floors is polyurethane. This finish is highly durable and resistant to scratches and scuffs, which makes it ideal for high traffic areas. It also comes in various sheen levels, from matte to high gloss, to suit different design preferences. Another popular option is oil-based finishes, which penetrate the wood and enhance its natural beauty while providing a protective layer.
Water-based finishes are also gaining popularity due to their low VOC content and quick drying time. They are available in matte, satin, and high gloss sheens and offer excellent durability and protection.
Ultimately, the best finish for your hardwood floors will depend on your personal preferences, the level of foot traffic the floor will receive, and your budget. Consulting with a flooring professional can help you identify the best finish for your specific needs and ensure that the installation is done correctly.
What is the most durable finish for hardwood floors?
There are several durable finishes for hardwood floors, but the most durable finish is the aluminum oxide finish. This type of finish has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its exceptional durability and resistance to scratches, scuffs, and abrasions. It is a synthetic finish that is applied to the hardwood floor as a topcoat, providing excellent protection against wear and tear. The aluminum oxide finish provides a hard, protective layer on the surface of the wood, making it resistant to stains, moisture, and fading. It also has a low VOC content, which means that it won't emit harmful chemicals or fumes into the air. Additionally, the aluminum oxide finish is easy to clean and maintain, making it ideal for high-traffic areas such as hallways, living rooms, and kitchens. In summary, if you want a durable finish that will stand the test of time, then you should consider the aluminum oxide finish for your hardwood floors.
