Niagara Floor Refinishing takes pride in being the premier hardwood floor refinishing contractor in the Niagara region, setting a benchmark for unparalleled excellence and craftsmanship. At Niagara Floor Refinishing, we understand that achieving exceptional results requires a perfect blend of state-of-the-art floor sanding machinery, premium-quality finishes, and an unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. That’s why we exclusively rely on the finest products available from renowned, industry-leading brands—many of which have been selling their floor finishes since the early 1900’s. With a proven track record of excellence, we take pride in delivering outstanding results and would be delighted to restore your floors to their original brilliance.

We offer premium waterborne as one-component (1K) (our Bronze package), two-component (2K) (our Silver package) and ceramic-fortified (our Gold package) floor finishes as the top-of-the-line protective coatings from Germany. Quality (durability) and prices vary.

Here’s a comparison of waterborne and oil-based wood floor finishes, listing their pros and cons:

Waterborne Wood Floor Finishes

Pros:

1. Fast Drying Time:

   • Typically dry in 2-4 hours, allowing multiple coats in a day.

2. Low Odour:

   • Emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making it more pleasant to work with and better for indoor air quality.

3. Clear Finish:

   • Provide a natural look, maintaining the wood’s original color without yellowing over time.

4. Durability:

   • Offer excellent abrasion resistance and is suitable for high-traffic areas.

5. Eco- and Human-Friendly:

   • Lower VOC emissions make it more environmentally friendly. Most have some sort of a green certification making them safe for use in child care centres and hospitals, unlike oil-based finishes. Recommended for homes with children, pets, people with allergies, etc.

Cons:

1. Higher Cost:

   • Much more expensive than oil-based finishes, 2x the cost for one-component, 3x for two-component waterborne vs. oil-based.

2. Application Sensitivity:

   • Require careful application, as it can show brush or roller marks if not applied properly.

3. Shorter Working Time:

   • Dry quickly, making it less forgiving for adjustments during application.

4. Less Depth in Appearance:

   • Waterborne is clear, not yellow and some home owners prefer the amber, warmer look of oil-based finishes.

Oil-Based Wood Floor Finishes

Pros:

1. Rich, Warm Appearance:

   • Enhance wood grain and gives a traditional amber hue that deepens over time.

2. Lower Cost:

   • Much less expensive than waterborne, as low as a 1/3 of the cost of waterborne per gallon.

3. Longer Working Time:

   • Dry more slowly, giving more time for even application and corrections.

4. Thicker Coating:

   • Usually require fewer coats to achieve a durable finish, 2 coats of oil vs. 3 of waterborne.

Cons:

1. Long Drying Time:

   • Can take 8-24 hours to dry between coats, slowing the project timeline.

2. High Odour:

   • Strong fumes and higher VOC emissions can be unpleasant and require good ventilation for several days.

3. Yellowing Over Time:

   • The amber tone continues to darken, which may not suit all aesthetic preferences.

4. Environmental Impact:

   • Higher VOC emissions make it less eco-friendly. If a lived-in house, not recommended to use oil-based for its lingering smells.