Replies

1. 
   Bill_Duckworth | May 25, 1999 08:12pm | #1

   *
   I cannot answer your request for a recommended floor finish, because I don’t know enough about the current market choices. I can tell you this: The owners you speak of are dead wrong about one thing--polyurethane finish is not a glue. The shrinking in their floor occurred because the moisture content of the wood decreased after it was installed. Polyurethane (like most other floor finishes) is a film finish that helps to retard moisture gain and loss in the wood, as well as to protect the surface from scuffs and stains. No finish can fully prevent variations in the moisture content. You will invariably get seasonal movements in floorboards, especially in an area such as Piedmont, where you have humid summers and dry winters.

1. 
   Andy_Johnson | Jun 26, 2001 04:55am | #2

   *Bill is correct on all points. My recommendation is to use a water based polyuretahane. I provides a great surface with little, if any, discoloration.

1. 
   Danford_C._Jennings | Jun 27, 2001 06:31pm | #3

   *William,I concur with Bill, excellent post. I can only add that if the flooring guy really knows his stuff he will put down an oil based sealer then apply a high quality oil based poly. Unfortuneatly, this is rarely done these days, but there are those who take enough pride in their work that they take this "extra" step. As a side bar, it is generally wise to follow the professional's advice; customers are very seldom, if ever, right.:) FWIW.Dano

1. 
   Ian.D.Gilham. | Jul 04, 2001 01:48am | #4

   *William,The process you are describing is 'edge-bonding' and solvent-based polyurethane will certainly do this. The poly flows into the joint and bonds the edges together to such an extent that shrinkage can result in the top section of the groove splitting. This will be exacerbated by the bevelled edge.I would use a water-base poly which does not have this effect.