Floor finishes play a pivotal role in protecting and enhancing the longevity of your hardwood floors. Understanding the cost discrepancies between different finishes and their suitability for varying environments, such as households with pets, kids, and high traffic, is crucial. Let's unravel the reasons behind the cost differentials and explore recommendations based on wear, consistency, and specific usage requirements.
Why Do Certain Floor Finishes Cost More?
The cost variations in floor finishes are influenced by several factors. The quality of the materials used, the complexity of the application process, and the durability and longevity of the finish contribute to the price differences. Finishes with higher quality materials and increased durability generally cost more due to their ability to withstand wear and tear over a longer period.
Grade and Recommendations Based on Usage:
We work with two of the top finishes in the industry. They are both phenomenal products, they just have different characteristics. Whether you are doing a new install, or refinishing after sanding your existing floors, using trusted and tested products, is important for the longevity of the floor. We look at the bond and adhesion, how it withstands wear, and fading, and we trust these 2 brands.
LOBA
LOBA, a European-based wood floor product company, has gained significant traction and popularity in the market. Renowned for its quality and innovative solutions, LOBA is emerging as a leading competitor to established brands like Bona. Their products encompass a range of solutions for wood floor treatment and maintenance, offering advanced and high-performance options that cater to the needs of both professionals and homeowners.
The brand's rise signifies a growing preference for its European-quality products, emphasizing its commitment to delivering excellence in the care and preservation of wood flooring.
Loba EasyFinish
Light commercial and high-traffic residential areas. Suitable for wood and cork floors. No foaming or lap marks, Non-yellowing, and 90% cured after 24 hours.
Drying time
Earliest possible recoating after 2-3 hours.
Fully cured after 5 days. If there is a delay in drying wait until you can see that the surface is completely dry.
Loba 2K Supra A.T.
Suitable for high-traffic commercial areas. Suitable for wood, cork, PVC, LVT, and VCT flooring. Excellent slip resistance. Exceptional scratch resistance
Excellent build through high solid content
Non-yellowing, and Easy to use, with no lap marks.
Drying time
Earliest possible recoating after 2-3 hours. Fully cured after 5 days. If there is a delay in drying wait until you can see that the surface is completely dry.
Loba 2K Duo extra-matte
Suitable for high-traffic commercial areas. Suitable for wood and cork floors. With improved slip resistance.
Drying time
Earliest possible recoating after 2-3 hours. Fully cured after 5 days. If there is a delay in drying wait until you can see that the surface is completely dry.
BONA
Bona, a well-established household name in wood floor care, is recognized for its trusted history and superior quality products. With a legacy of providing top-tier solutions for wood floor maintenance and treatment, Bona stands out as a respected brand in the industry. Although often positioned at a higher price point, the brand's reputation for excellence and reliability has made it a go-to choice for professionals and homeowners seeking premium and trusted solutions for their wood flooring needs.
Bona AB is a family-owned, sustainably-driven company that supplies products for installing, renovating, maintaining and restoring premium floors. Founded in 1919, Bona offers products for most premium floor surfaces including wood, tile, vinyl, resilient, rubber and laminate.
Bona Mega
Bona Mega® is a water based floor finish with an oxygen-crosslinking polyurethane formula. Use this hardwood floor finish on heavy traffic floors.
Key benefits
Extraordinary performance, ease of application and durability
Natural wood color enhances the beauty of the wood
Fast drying – approximately 2-3 hours
100% cure in 7 days
Available in Gloss, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Extra Matte
Bona Mega ONE
Crystal clear, one-component waterborne finish that provides superior protection.
Bona Mega ONE® is an easy-to-use, fast-drying, crystal clear, water based floor finish that provides high build for superior protection.
Key benefits
Full cure in five days
High build
Fast drying
Excellent abradability
Crystal clear
Bona Traffic HD
Bona Traffic HD® is the best hardwood floor finish providing unsurpassed scuff, scratch, and chemical resistance, and is very low VOCs.
Key benefits
Unsurpassed scuff, scratch and chemical resistance at full cure
Full cure in 3 days
No sealer needed over a stained floor
Wear on Top Coat and Consistency:
The wear on the top coat of a finish is determined by the environment and level of foot traffic. For higher wear resistance, opt for more durable finishes like d protection of the floor. Even application and layer consistency are essential to ensure the floor is uniformly protected.
Final Thoughts:
Understanding the nuances of different floor finishes is crucial in making informed decisions about which type best suits your needs. Consider the usage requirements, level of wear and tear expected, and the initial cost versus long-term durability when choosing a floor finish.
Investing in a more durable and higher-quality finish, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and kids, can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent reapplications or repairs. Ultimately, the right finish not only protects your investment but also adds to the beauty and longevity of your hardwood floors.