Hardwood floors add warmth, comfort, and natural ambiance to any room in your home. The type of finish you choose has a direct impact on the overall appearance and functionality of your flooring, as well as the atmosphere it creates. Below are a few suggestions for selecting the perfect finish for your hardwood floors.

Oil Vs. Polyurethane Finish

An oil finish will penetrate hardwood and create a soft, natural look. The topcoat isn't as durable as polyurethane, so scratches and scuffs are more common with oil finishes. Fortunately, they are much easier to remove than they would be on a polyurethane-finished floor, which would require a complete replacement or rebuff. Light damage or scratches on oil-finished hardwood are also less noticeable than they are on a polyurethane-finished floor.

When it comes to polyurethane, durability is key. This finish has a natural topcoat that protects the floor, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and homes with young children. Oil-finished hardwood floors require regular cleaning to stay shiny, but polyurethane is resilient, demanding far less maintenance to look pristine.

Which Is Right for You?

There are advantages and drawbacks to both finishes. To find the type best-suited to your needs, consider the room and how it will be utilized, as well as the size of your family. If you have a larger family or one with children, polyurethane is your best bet. If your hardwood is in a more formal room—such as a dining room—and your floors endure minimal to average traffic, oil finish is a wise choice.

To decide which finish will work best in your home, contact the hardwood flooring professionals at Carolina Wood Floors, Inc. For more than 25 years, they have been serving homeowners throughout the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, area. Call CWF at (336) 765-0680 to schedule a new flooring installation, and visit their website or message them on Facebook or Google+ to learn more.