Price of water based sealer for hardwoods?

8 years ago

What would be the expected additional cost to use a water based sealer for our hardwoods instead of polyurethane? It's about 1300 sq ft and we are using white oak flooring. The quote we received seems really high just to switch sealers. Prior to asking about the water based sealer our quote for hardwoods is at $8700 (this includes everything- floors, labor, stain, sealer). They're adding on $1300 to use the water based (also we expect if we do this we will be keeping the floors natural). Can anyone with knowledge tell us if this is reasonable?

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User

8 years ago

If that $1300 includes three or more coats of the finish, the amount is a little high. Water based finishes are from 1&1/2 to 2 times more expensive than oil based finishes.

The major esthetic difference is the added color. Oil based finishes add an amber color, which is usually pleasing.

Water based finishes add no or very little color, which can sometimes look drab or washed out.

Oil based finishes used to be tougher and longer lasting. Research and development of newer water based formulas bring that variety closer to the performance of oil based.

And, finally, water based floor finishes take much less application/drying time, sometimes 2 days and have much less odor until dry.

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Comments (10)

Amanda
Original Author
8 years ago
HandyMac, thanks for that information. It is mostly because of the color that we want to switch to the water based. Would 3-4 coats of finish be normal?
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User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Without knowing exactly which finish they're pricing it's impossible to tell if the price is fair. To switch from oil poly to Bona Mega I charge $0.30 per square foot. That's probably a bit low from a material standpoint but I save on applicators and solvents plus have less hazardous waste to dispose of. To switch from oil poly to Bona Traffic would be closer to $0.80 per square foot. This is assuming a seal coat and two finish coats. If I didn't get finish delivered every week from my supplier and had to special order a finish, ship it and buy extra, it would add to the cost. $1.00 per square foot might be fair.
Amanda
Original Author
8 years ago
Okay, that's extremely helpful. They provided zero information about the finish except that it'll be water based so I'll reach out and find out more information about the quality. I'd almost just assume low end but maybe that would explain the jump in price. Thanks for that information.
zellycat2
8 years ago
I'd also make sure they are experienced with using the water based poly. It's a different animal.

My guy always uses water based so when I wanted to go from Bona mega to Bona Traffic HD, I think we just did an at cost material upgrade.

I think you got an excellent price on your installation so far, though. I feel like pros on the site are usually quoting much higher. Was it without a GC or showroom and directly with the vendor?
Amanda
Original Author
8 years ago
I think the company is fairly experienced though poly does seem to be their preferred method. We have a GC and the flooring place has a showroom and we used their contractor side. They're also doing the carpet and tile for the house. Normally they do the granite too but we went elsewhere for that part.
zellycat2
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What part of the country? Seems like even more of a steal now that it includes a GC and a showroom. Wow. Great.

With that combo maybe you can go see one of their natural white oak water poly floors.
Amanda
Original Author
8 years ago
We are in the Midwest, Kansas City area specifically. House is being built in a bit of a higher end neighborhood in the suburbs.
User
8 years ago
I am in Kansas City. Might be able to verify the company reputation if that would help.
glennsfc
8 years ago
Yes, know what product will be used and the number of coats. The $1 per square foot upcharge may be reasonable.