Polyurethane vs. Urethane Finish for Hardwood Floors

Both polyurethane and urethane finishes provide a glossy, protective layer to hardwood floors.

Polyurethane and urethane hardwood floor finishes are both clear, protective, surface finishes used to guard against everyday damage. Surface finishes build up on the wood's surface; penetrating finishes are embedded within the wood.

Application

Polyurethane finishes are applied to prefinished hardwood floors, which are sanded, stained and finished at the factory. Installation usually takes only a day or two, depending on the size of the space. Urethane finishes are applied to unfinished hardwood floors by experts at the site of installation and require days of drying time.

Varieties

A polyurethane finish is one particular type of synthetic finish, while the term "urethane finish" describes several types of synthetic finishes. Water-based urethane finishes are polyurethane finishes with water as an added ingredient. Oil-based, or solvent-based, urethane finishes are polyurethane with added oil. Moisture-cured urethane finishes are also solvent-based but require moisture to properly dry and cure.

Uses

A polyurethane finish is the most common type of synthetic finish for hardwood floors, according to the Utah State University Cooperative Extension. They are especially useful for homes that do not require the hardiness of penetrating finishes. Urethane finishes are used for customized residential floors and for high-traffic commercial areas.

References

• Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Fact Sheet #8: Finishing
• The Wood Floor Covering Association: Hardwood Flooring Styles