A good finish can do much to reduce wear and tear on your wood floor. There are two main types available: surface and penetrating.

Surface finishes form a protective coating on the surface of wood. These are quite popular because they are durable, easy to maintain, and moisture-resistant. They also come in a variety of sheens and work well with stains.

The primary types are oil-modified urethane (the most common surface finish), water-based urethane (clear, fast-drying, and with a milder odor than oil-modified finishes), moisture-cure urethane (very durable and moisture-resistant), and acid-cure urethane (fast-drying and non-yellowing). Surface finishes containing aluminum oxide, which offers a strong coating, are quite popular now with manufacturers selling prefinished flooring.

Penetrating finishes soak into wood and solidify to create a protective seal. Tung and linseed oil are examples of solvent-based penetrating sealers. With wax, a stain absorbs into the wood, and then a wax coating is applied for sheen. Wax is easy to apply and repair, inexpensive, and quick-drying. Proper care must be taken to maintain this finish, however, as water left on the surface can create spots. The floor must also be periodically buffed, and additional wax applications will be necessary.

There are also specialty finishes available for prefinished wood floors, such as acrylic-impregnated and ceramic varieties. With acrylic-impregnated finishes, acrylic resin is forced into wood to create a seal that reaches beneath the surface. Such a finish is extremely tough and easy to maintain. Ceramic finishes are also hearty. These finishes, similar to those used on ceramic tile, significantly increase wood’s resistance to wear.