Hardwood finishes either form a protective surface (polyurethane, conversion varnish, factory-cured) or penetrate the wood (tung oil, hard-wax oil). Surface finishes are most common for durability and easier maintenance; penetrating finishes give a natural, low-sheen look but need more upkeep. Choose based on appearance, durability needs, and maintenance willingness. Costs for refinishing vary by region and job scope .

Hardwood floors need a finish to protect them from everyday wear: foot traffic, spills, and routine cleaning. A well-chosen finish restores and preserves color and luster while making maintenance easier.

How finishes protect hardwood

Finishes form a protective layer over the wood (surface finishes) or soak into the wood structure (penetrating finishes). Both approaches slow damage from scratches, stains, moisture, and normal traffic. They also let you control the look - from matte to high gloss - and can change the perceived warmth of the wood with stain or tint.

Surface finishes (most common)

Surface finishes sit on top of the floor. They are widely used because they're durable and straightforward to maintain. Typical surface systems start with stain (if you want to change color), then several coats of a topcoat such as:

  • Oil-modified polyurethane (traditional, ambering over time)
  • Water-based polyurethane (clearer, lower VOCs, faster dry time)
  • Conversion varnish (factory-style durability)
  • UV-cured and aluminum-oxide factory finishes on prefinished planks
Surface finishes vary in hardness and sheen. Water-based products dry faster and keep the wood's natural tone; oil-modified products deepen color as they age.

Penetrating and oil-type finishes

Penetrating finishes - tung oil, boiled linseed oil, and modern hard-wax oils - soak into the wood and leave a thinner surface layer. They create a natural, low-sheen look and are repairable in small areas without full sanding. They do require specific cleaners and more frequent maintenance than most surface finishes.

Choosing sheen and color

Sheen options range from matte (low reflectivity) through satin and semi-gloss to gloss. Matte and satin sheens hide scratches better; glossier sheens show more texture but read as brighter and more reflective. Stains let you lighten or darken wood before the finish is applied.

Maintenance and practical notes

  • Clean with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner and avoid excess water.
  • Use felt pads under furniture and rugs in high-traffic zones.
  • Penetrating finishes and hard-wax oils often need periodic reapplication; surface finishes usually need sanding and recoating less often.
  • Refinishing (sanding and recoating) restores worn surface finishes. Typical costs vary by region and scope; many job estimates fall in a broad range depending on floor condition, finish type, and local labor rates .
Selecting a finish depends on desired appearance, durability needs, and willingness to maintain the floor. If you want a natural, low-sheen look and easy spot repairs, consider a hard-wax oil. For long-term durability and less frequent maintenance, a modern surface polyurethane or conversion finish is often the better choice.
  1. Verify current average cost per square foot for hardwood floor refinishing and a realistic regional range as of 2025.

FAQs about Hardwood Floor Finishes

What’s the difference between surface and penetrating finishes?
Surface finishes sit on top of the wood and provide a hard protective layer (e.g., polyurethane), while penetrating finishes soak into the wood and leave less surface film (e.g., tung oil, hard-wax oil). Surface finishes generally last longer between full refinishes; penetrating finishes are easier to touch up locally.
Which finish has lower VOCs?
Water-based polyurethanes and many modern hard-wax oils have lower VOC content than traditional oil-modified polyurethane or moisture-cured systems. Always check the product label for VOC information.
How often will I need to refinish my hardwood floor?
Frequency depends on traffic, finish type, and maintenance. Surface finishes can go many years before full sanding and recoating; penetrating finishes usually need more frequent touch-ups or reapplications. High-traffic floors may require attention sooner.
Can I change the color of my floor when refinishing?
Yes. Staining occurs before applying the finish to alter color. Some finish systems (especially water-based ones) are clearer and will not appreciably change tone, while oil-modified finishes can deepen wood color over time.
Are factory-finished (prefinished) floors a good option?
Factory-finished floors often use aluminum-oxide coatings or UV-cured finishes that are extremely durable and consistent. They reduce site finishing time and can be a good choice where durability and fast installation matter.

News about Hardwood Floor Finishes

Try These 10 Stylish Ideas to Bring Out the Natural Beauty of Wood Floors - Better Homes & Gardens [Visit Site | Read More]

We Cleaned 200+ Stains and Scuffs to Find the Best Hardwood Cleaners - Good Housekeeping [Visit Site | Read More]

Tech: Advancements in hardwood finishes enhance durability - Floor Covering News [Visit Site | Read More]

An Honest Review of LED-Cured Hardwax Oil for Wood Finishing - Fine Homebuilding [Visit Site | Read More]

Want Shiny Hardwood Floors? Here’s How to Rejuvenate Them - Family Handyman [Visit Site | Read More]

We Tested Hardwood Floor Cleaners, and These 5 Will Give You the Most Effective Results - The Spruce [Visit Site | Read More]

Thinking About Installing Hardwood Floors? Here's How Much It Will Cost - Better Homes & Gardens [Visit Site | Read More]