What is the difference between water based polyurethane and oil based polyurethane? Both oil and water based polyurethanes are like a coat of armor for the hardwood floor below, protecting the wood from damage. Each type of polyurethane is a sacrificial layer that will show scratches and wear marks over time, and both oil and water based polyurethane have their strengths! DURABILITY: If each product is applied properly using quality products, the difference in durability is indiscernible. A lot of clients think that water based poly is not as durable as an oil based poly, but a newer brand, quality water based poly will last just as long if it is well taken care of! COLOR: Oil-based poly has an amber hue, whereas water based poly is clear. 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. 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. DRYING TIMES: Oil-based poly takes much longer to dry and cure, and only one coat of oil based poly can be applied to a hardwood floor in 24 hours. Water-based poly dries much faster, and several coats (up to 4) can be applied in one day. Water-based poly can be walked on with socks in about 4-6 hours after last coat has been applied, while oil based poly must dry for at least 24 hours before walking on it with socks. SMELL: Oil-based poly has a very pungent smell and emits a strong chemical odor and noxious fumes while drying that should not be inhaled. We normally advise our clients to be out of the house and also to remove their [...]

Top 6 Trim Styles That Make Your Room Pop

Once you have decided on a beautifully hand-finished floor, putting thought into your choice of trim work is the key to giving your room a stylish, polished look. The right trim unites the floor, walls, window and door frames, and fixtures into a coherent whole. And there are countless options for each type of trim, from clean lines for a modern room to more decorative styles perfect for Victorian-style homes and more traditional settings. As you flip through catalogues and website pages of trim, think about the period and style of the architecture, the color and texture of each element of the room, as well as the type of atmosphere and furnishings you want for the space. Here are six common types of trim you may consider: Crown Molding: Traditionally found in a more decorative setting, this popular trim between the wall and ceiling has evolved, with more streamlined designs available for modern rooms, as well as more ornate styles. Crown moldings are great to consider when you have showcase fixtures such as chandeliers, as they draw the eye toward the ceiling. Baseboards: The baseboard is the most common type of trim, and for good reason. They cover the uneven joint between the wall and the floor and protect the wall from wayward feet, furniture, etc. Whatever style you choose, consider a quarter round or a shoe molding added to the bottom to make the baseboard thicker and help cover any expansion or contraction of the floor. Chair Rails: Also known as dado rails (in architecture, the dado is the lower part of a wall), chair rails are a type of molding fixed horizontally to the wall around the perimeter of the room. The purpose originally was both aesthetic and functional, as the paneling below [...]

Hardwood Floors

Oil based vs. water based polyurethane

Top 6 Trim Styles That Make Your Room Pop