Polyurethane is popular because it offers tough protection for floors at a reasonable cost and is resistant to heat, water and many acids. The two types of polyurethane finishes are oil-based and water-based, and they both offer excellent damage protection.
The most notable difference between the two types is simply the appearance of the wood after the final coat. Water-based polyurethane goes on virtually clear and will not alter the appearance of the wood to which it is applied. Oil-based polyurethane, on the other hand, will impart an amber glow to any hardwood floor. Whether you want to preserve the natural color and look of your wood floor might be the main deciding factor when choosing between the two. Below, we break down the other differences between the two finishes.