You already know that water-based finishes vary in quality. Even so, it’s time-consuming to learn how products compare to one another. To make things easier, we’ve grouped 17 of the most popular water-based polyurethanes into four tiers of quality.
In this article, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of water-based polyurethane hardwood floor finishes, so you can more easily select the best finish for your project.
The Four Tiers of Water-Based Polyurethanes
The four tiers of water-based polyurethanes can help you quickly compare products’ overall quality and individual specifications. To create these tiers, we used the products’ technical data sheets, our own experience, conversations with manufacturer reps, and the experience of our customers.
The 1st tier contains the most durable, two-component water-based polyurethanes. These floor finishes are the best of the best for both residential and commercial applications.
The 2nd tier contains the most durable one-component commercial/residential finishes. These are reliable and proven products; however, without a hardening catalyst, they’re a step below tier 1 products. The exception is Vermeister EZY, which you can use as a single or two-component finish.
The 3rd tier contains durable one-component finishes that are a great choice for residential and some commercial spaces. If you’re finishing a commercial area with heavy foot traffic, you will want to use a product from tiers 1 or 2.
The 4th tier contains one-component finishes that work best for residential spaces with expectations of lighter traffic. These finishes are less expensive but less durable.
NOTE: The tiers aren’t based on hard science. We don’t have access to tests that put these finishes up against one another (do they exist?) Products grouped in the same tier are similar in quality but not 100% equal.
Tier 1: The Best Water-Based Finishes Have Two Components
The best water-based polyurethanes are 2-component finishes priced over $100. Although we consider Bona Traffic HD to be the best polyurethane on the market, every tier 1 finish is guaranteed to achieve long-term protection and a smooth, beautiful result.
One finish in tier 1 stands out as completely underrated: Basic Coatings StreetShoe NXT. NXT is a lesser-known high-end finish with a generous pot life, great coverage, low VOC content, and an unbeatable price. If you’re looking to try a new finish, we recommend giving StreetShoe NXT or Vermeister IDRO 2K a look.
Tier 1 Finishes:
Bona Traffic HD | DuraClear Max | IDRO 2K | | Basic Coatings StreetShoe NXT | WOCA Advanced XP | Pall X-Gold
Tier 2: The Top Single-Component Water-Based Polyurethanes
The best single-component water-based polyurethanes offer excellent durability for residential and commercial use. They’re proven and effective but not as tough as the two-component finishes in tier 1.
The most underrated finish here is PoloPlaz Polo 1K. Polo 1k is used to prepare and protect game-ready basketball courts. It’s a popular finish for sports flooring and works just as well in a restaurant or home. It uses rapidcure technology, allowing for full use of the floor within 24 hours.
Tier 2 Finishes:
Bona Mega ONE | Silk| Bona Mega | WOCA Optima | PoloPlaz Polo 1K | Basic Coatings Mainstreet
Tiers 3 & 4: Effective Single-Component Water-Based Polyurethanes
Tier 3 finishes are very effective for residential foot traffic, but in a commercial space, you will want to choose a finish from tiers 1 or 2. The same goes if you have large dogs, kids, and a very active lifestyle.
We especially like Basic Coatings EasyStreet for its great coverage, price point, and the availability of four sheens.
Tier 3 Finishes:
Dom | Basic Coatings Easy Street | | DuraSeal Water-Based
Tier 4 polyurethanes are good finishes for light foot traffic in residential spaces. If you live a more low key lifestyle without dogs bounding through the rooms, Masterline is perfect.
Emulsion Pro can be a great finish for sports and commercial flooring when four coats are applied. Keep in mind that emulsion Pro has an amber color.
Tier 4 Finishes:
Summary
With many different water-based polyurethane hardwood floor finishes available, choosing the best option isn’t always obvious.
A quick way to determine the best finish for your project is to compare the different brands and products and then investigate individual products. This way you can get the optimal result you’re looking for.
Read more about floor finishes and why water-based polyurethane is the finish of the future.
