Your choice of finish is going to determine
how the wood looks and what kind of maintenance will be required long
term to keep it looking sharp. In the end its a conversation you
should have with your installer, but we have a strong preference for oil
based finishes, at least as the first coat. Oils bring out the
natural beauty and luster of the wood's color and figure.
PENETRATING OILS
These soak into the wood, with
subsequent coats building up protective layers. More of a natural,
old-style look than polyurethane finishes. Easy to re-apply and
touch up in heavy traffic areas, but you may have to touch up more
often. Look for brands like Waterlox Tung Oil, Daly's Floor Fin or
for a low voc alternative, OS Hardwax Oil.
POLYURETHTANES
Either oil or water based, very
commonly used these days, tough and will hold up well, but when
you want to re-finish you will have to do the whole floor. Water
base poly over a well cured Oil base poly is a good way to combine low
voc while getting the luster of oil.
SWEDISH or ACID CURED FINISHES
Trade name is Glitsa, it's a very
tough, maybe the toughest finish out there. Brings out the color
like oil finishes. Must be professionally applied, very toxic
while it cures. Many installers will no longer use this finish.
Plan to be out of the house for a few days to a week.