Water based or oil based poly finish on a red oak floor?

11 years ago

We are putting in new hardwood floors and we have been told by friends to use the water based Poly based on the fumes. But it seems based on what I have read, that the color doesn't looks as nice and that it doesn't last as long. We want to make a good choice and not have to redo this again in 6 years. The floors are going in a dining room, kitchen and living room. What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of each?

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Comments (4)

printesa
11 years ago
I asked my husband and he said to take a sample of the floor and finish them with both types of poly (one with the water based and the other with the oil based). Treat them just as you would treat the floors so you can see the finish. You will most likely like one more than the other. Durability is not a problem, The color will look different. The oil based do smell for a good two weeks
PRO
Oak & Broad
11 years ago
The water based finish is also usually clear and wont leave a yellow or golden tone to the flooring. Its a much more natural look.
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fredsoldhouse
11 years ago
I went with oil based. Stained, then 2 coats of semi-gloss topped off with one coat of satin. Love the warm color and feel. Yes the fumes last longer with oil and I think the dry time was longer but I like the end result.
User
11 years ago
How many days do you want to spend in a hotel? How many weeks do you want to have a headache from the residual fumes? Current water based technology is superior to oil based. Have the floor stained to whatever color you desire, and then use the water based top coat. From a reputable supplier, with a reptuable professional applying it. If you only got 6 years of wear out of the last, then one or the other variable was poor quality. Either the product or the professional.