Each finish type has advantages and disadvantages. Comparison of Finish Products. The most durable hardwood flooring is bamboo. Water-based urethane has a lot of advantages. Now we have water-based polyurethanes, with low or no VOC content. The prefinished has a harder finish (and was not too expensive) but when it does scratch, it tends to show more. This is important, because it's this finish that gives a hardwood flooring its luster and a large part of its surface durability. You can tell the durability of the flooring by looking at its Janka rating , which is a measurement of the toughness and durability of wood. Award also offers one of the most trusted finishes in the industry. At first these weren’t quite as tough as oil-based polys, but today’s formulations can be even more durable. A prefinished, engineered hardwood floor has a very durable, long-lasting finish. Hardwood species vary in durability, grain patterns, and color. Not every wood flooring material is the same. Softwoods, such as pine, will dent—even if treated with a penetrating finish. Most Durable Hardwood Flooring. A household with just two adults might only have to refinish every 10 years; a home with adults, kids, and a dog might need to refinish every three to four years. Brazilian cherry, a more exotic species, ranks 2,350. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood floor finish. Here are our expert tips for applying polyurethane. For rustic kitchen design ideas, however, a distressed pine floor may be just the look you desire. The most durable products on the markets are applied to bowling alleys and basketball courts. Exotic woods like mahogany, and Brazilian cherry aren't as durable, but are prized for their striking appearance. The best and most durable finish for water based polyurethane is Bona Traffic HD and for oil based poly, Duraseal. Featuring Beasley Wire – Brushed Hickory in Amber SKU: 15205422. The finish on your flooring is what actually takes the abuse from daily traffic, kids, pets, and general wear and tear. Red oak, one of the most common hardwood flooring species, ranks 1,290. Epoxy Floor Vs. Hardwood Vs. Tile Floorings But it has been said that the most durable floors are hardwoods with a urethane finish and the best floor wood is red oak. There are plenty of options but the most common include urethane, shellac, and lacquer. Solid hardwood floors are solid both prefinished and unfinished. Hardwood Flooring. Obviously, an engineered, Hickory wood floor is going to be more durable than a solid California Redwood floor. Consumers always want to know if there is a scratch proof floor. I have site finished on the main level and prefinished upstairs. Hopefully you will find the most durable option that is right for your home! This is a great choice for high-end homes, exotic wood, or floors with intricate inlay designs. Learn more about finishes in our guide to hardwood floor … Finishes applied on site after installing unfinished flooring or refinishing an existing floor aren't as durable, although oil-based ones are more scratch resistant than water-based ones. 1.1 Engineered hardwood is less susceptible to environmental changes; 1.2 But solid hardwood can be refinished almost indefinitely; 1.3 Engineered wood can be cheaper to install; 2 Engineered or Solid, a Wood Floor’s Durability Comes Down to 2 Things; 3 Using the Janka Scale to Find the Most Durable … Nevertheless, there is plenty to consider if we want the most durable hardwood floor available. However, I have used two of the three plus AFM Safecoat Polyureseal BP, AFM Naturals Oil Wax and Bioshield Aqua Resin Floor Finish and can provide some insight based on my experience. BR-111 Hardwood Flooring. 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