Aluminum Oxide Vs. Polyurethane Finish for Wood Floors

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Although finish isn't something that you might think about when installing hardwood flooring, it can have a major impact on aesthetics and even durability. Two common finishes for hardwood floors are aluminum oxide and polyurethane.

Aluminum oxide is an additive to water-based urethane finishes, while polyurethane is a traditionally oil-based finish that doesn't contain aluminum oxide. The application of either product has definite benefits, with some disadvantages. In some instances, the softer polyurethane is more appropriate than the glassy, hard surface offered by aluminum oxide urethane.

Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring element, typically found in a crystal form, that is commonly used as an abrasive for sandpaper. When ground into a white powder, it's used as a filler ingredient for paints, plastics, sunscreen, and cosmetics. When used as a fortifier for urethane, it imparts hardness and abrasion-resistant qualities lacking in polyurethane. 

Polyurethane has additives that resemble the elasticity and physical properties of rubber or plastic. Polyurethane provides greater flexibility but less wear-resistance than aluminum oxide urethane. Polyurethane is available in two basic types, water-based and oil-based. For the sake of comparison, old-school, oil-based polyurethane is typically compared to water-based aluminum oxide urethane, because oil-based polyurethane performs better than water-based polyurethane. 

Aside from the chemical differences between aluminum oxide and polyurethane, there are obvious differences in performance that have a direct effect on your floor. 

ALUMINUM OXIDE

• Dries clear
• Extremely durable
• Used in many commercial settings
• Cures instantly with UV technology
• No VOC

POLYURETHANE

• Has an amber tint
• Easy to refinish
• 3-4 Weeks for full cure
• High VOC levels

Polyurethane ages to a warm, amber tint, bringing out the natural beauty and grain of a particular wood species. Aluminum oxide urethane dries clear, with minimal changes in color, enhancing grain patterns require an added stain. If you prize the old school appearance of golden hues and grain patterns, polyurethane is a better choice. 

Because aluminum oxide urethane is more durable than polyurethane, it's used more often commercially than polyurethane.