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Coatings and Durability: Questions and Answers

Q1: Do floor coatings make timber harder?

A: No. Coatings do not increase the hardness of the timber itself. Their purpose is to sit on the surface and wear over time instead of the timber beneath. In this way, the coating acts as a protective layer.

Q2: Why is coating durability important when choosing a timber floor finish?

A: Coating durability is important because it affects how long the floor will look good and perform well before it needs recoating or maintenance. Since recoating can be disruptive, especially in a furnished home or commercial setting, it is sensible to consider how long the coating is likely to last before making a final choice.

Q3: How long will a timber floor last?

A: A solid timber floor, if properly maintained, can last for many decades. In fact, the timber itself often outlasts the finish applied to it. When people ask this question, they are often really asking how long the surface coating will remain effective rather than how long the timber will survive.

Q4: Do floating floors, laminates and engineered floors have the same lifespan as solid timber?

A: Not necessarily. Manufacturers of floating floors, laminates and engineered timber products usually provide estimated wear ratings or expected performance levels for their products. These ratings are helpful because they give an indication of how well the floor may stand up to everyday use. Some floors are built to last for longer than others. Check the product data sheets. Engineered timber floors with a 3mm or greater wear layer over a plywood core may well last for 50 years when cared for correctly and adhered into place

Q5: When someone asks, “How long will the floor last?”, what do they usually mean?

A: In many cases, they are referring to the durability of the floor coating rather than the timber itself. This is a very practical question, because a coating that wears well reduces the need for early maintenance and avoids the inconvenience of moving furniture for a recoat.

Q6: Which coating is commonly expected to provide average wear on a timber floor?

A: Two-pack solvent-based polyurethane is often regarded as providing the standard level of wear that many people expect from a timber floor. It has been widely used and is known for its hardness and general performance. Though an older technology it is still in use and has good wear and chemical resistance.

Q7: Is two-pack polyurethane always the most durable option?

A: No. Although two-pack polyurethanes are quite hard, they do not always offer the greatest longevity. Some other coatings can outperform them in terms of long-term durability, depending on the conditions and the product specification. Single pack polyurethane coatings often have higher physical solids and last longer accordingly.

Q8: Are there tougher alternatives to two-pack polyurethane?

A: Yes. Single-pack moisture-cured polyurethane is often tougher, particularly where high levels of polyurethane content are used. In addition, some commercial waterborne polyurethane products now deliver excellent wear resistance and may equal or even exceed the performance of two-pack systems.  Some Hardwax oils perform equally well with Osmo Polyx offering outstanding wear.

Q9: Are waterborne coatings a good alternative to solvent-based products?

A: Yes. With increasing attention to safety and environmental considerations, there is a growing move away from solvent-based coatings towards waterborne technology. This shift is supported by the fact that many modern waterborne products now provide very high levels of durability.

Q10: Should waterborne coatings be considered less durable than traditional products?

A: Not at all. This is an outdated assumption in many cases. Modern waterborne coatings can now match or surpass the wear performance of two-pack technologies, making them a highly credible option for both domestic and commercial floors. See Bona HD Traffic and SiegelCoat 2K for examples of extreme wear performance from 2-pack waterborne options.

Q11: Is Osmo Hardwax oil a commercial grade finish?

A: Yes it is. Osmo Hardwax oils are used in commercial locations with heavy traffic. Airports and restaurants where down time is expensive choose Osmo because it is durable and easy to maintain.

Q12: What should be remembered when selecting a timber floor coating?

A: It is essential to remember that coatings do not harden the timber itself; they simply take the wear. Therefore, the coating must be selected not only for appearance, but also for its expected durability and maintenance requirements. Check the durability as well as the need for ongoing maintenance.

Q13: Do coatings affect the appearance of timber as well as its durability?

A: Yes. Coatings contribute their own character to the floor by adding colour, sheen and surface appearance. This means the coating choice should always be considered alongside the species and natural colour of the timber.

Q14: What is the key point to take away about coatings and durability?

A:  The key point is that a timber floor’s finish is crucial to its long-term performance. While the timber may last for decades, the coating is what will initially wear. Choosing a durable coating helps protect the floor, reduce maintenance, and preserve appearance over time. Making a good coating selection will also reduce ongoing costs of maintaining a timber floor.