What water-based polyurethane finish means in Des Moines
It goes on milky and dries clear, so the floor looks much as it did sanded. On red oak that keeps the wood pale rather than pushing it orange, which is why most people choosing a modern look end up here.
It also barely ambers over time. A waterborne floor at ten years looks close to how it looked at one, where an oil-based floor has moved noticeably warmer.
- How it is done
- two to three coats, recoat window of 2–4 hours
- What goes on the floor
- commercial-grade waterborne urethane
- Ready to use
- walk in socks at 6–8 hours, furniture at 5–7 days
- Typical cost
- $2.75 – $5.50 per sq ft
- Service life
- 7–10 years
How water-based polyurethane finish is applied
Two coats over a sealer for a bedroom, three for a kitchen or hall. The third is wear layer rather than appearance and it is the coat that decides how the floor looks in year six.
It goes off fast, which means coats can go on the same day and it also means less time for anything to settle in the wet film. It is unforgiving of a slow or hesitant application, because a wet edge that is allowed to set leaves a visible lap line.
Low odour and low VOC, so a family with anyone sensitive, or with a nursery in the house, can stay put through the job.
What water-based polyurethane finish costs in Des Moines, IA
Waterborne product costs more per gallon than oil-based, and a commercial-grade two-component version costs more again. The offsetting saving is time, because the house is usable in days.
Where water-based polyurethane finish goes wrong in Iowa
Where it goes wrong is a recoat over a floor that has been cleaned with an oil soap or an acrylic polish. Waterborne will not bond through that residue and the new coat lifts in sheets weeks later.
Where we do water-based polyurethane finish
We cover Des Moines, the western suburbs, the Ankeny corridor and the older neighbourhoods inside the city, including and 18 more areas.
Questions we get asked about water-based polyurethane finish
How soon can we walk on it?
Socks the same evening, shoes at about three days, rugs and heavy furniture at two weeks. The last number is the one people ignore.
Will it yellow?
Not meaningfully. That is the main reason to choose it over oil-based.
Is it as tough as oil?
A commercial-grade two-component waterborne is tougher. A budget single-component one is not.
Get a free estimate
Tell us what you need. We answer the same day, the free estimate is on site, and nobody chases you afterwards.
Get a price for your water-based polyurethane finish
Call and we will come out, measure, and leave you a written quote. There is no charge for the visit and no obligation afterwards.