Oil Based Vs Water Based Polyurethane For Floors

When cost and coats are calculated this works out to about 35 to 50 cents per square foot for oil based poly and 80 cents to 1 35 per square foot for water based polyurethane.
Oil based vs water based polyurethane for floors. Oil based poly has an amber hue whereas water based poly is clear. High quality water based polyurethanes is considered by many homeowners flooring professionals to be equally durable. As it ages the amber hue deepens. Today though water based polyurethane has evolved with better formulations that are equally durable as oil based polyurethane.
Oil based poly is simply more durable and lasts about twice as long as water based polyurethane. And when you add in an extra 1 2 coats your cost will increase further. Water based poly tends to cost more than oil based poly. Oil based poly s have 45 to 50 of solids while water based polys only contain 30 to 35 of solids.
Some still insist that durability is the main deciding factor between water based oil based polyurethane. An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time while water based poly will remain clear for the lifetime of the hardwood floor. The biggest difference is in appearance. Oil based polyurethane water based and oil based polyurethane each offer good protection.
These solids are what make up the poly s protective finish. Water based polyurethane dries much faster than oil based polyurethane. Polyurethane is actually the most durable hardwood. Oil based poly has an amber tone that immediately darkens the wood.
This color difference is less noticeable over a stained hardwood floor but an oil based poly will still exhibit an amber hue that will continue to darken over time. Oil based poly can last around 10 years. With oil based you typically have. Oil based polyurethane drying time.
Water based polyurethane cost is two to three times higher than oil based products. It s due to the chemical makeup. Oil based used to be unquestionably more durable. An oil based polyurethane will continue to amber and darken over time while water based poly will remain clear for the lifetime of the hardwood floor.
Oil based contain 45 50 solids you will need to add more coats of water based poly.