The original hardwood floors installed when Corlew and Perry was founded in 1927 were likely protected with waxes or natural oils. While beautiful, these finishes required high maintenance and offered minimal protection against spills and abrasion. Today, the world of hardwood floor finishes has been revolutionized by technology, offering incredible durability, clarity, and safety.
At Corlew and Perry, we combine our deep historical knowledge with the best modern products—including specialized systems from Bona, Pallman, and Poloplaz—to ensure our refinishing service is second to none in the industry, dramatically increasing your floor's longevity.
The Evolution of Floor Finishes
1. The Traditional Champion: Oil-Based Polyurethane
Oil-modified polyurethane (OMU) is the traditional "plastic" film finish. It cures to a hard, protective layer and is known for creating a warm, amber tone that deepens with age.
Longevity: Highly durable, offering excellent resistance to wear for 5-10 years.
The Trade-off: Strong VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) odors and long drying times (often 24 hours between coats), which prolong the refinishing process.
2. The Modern Contender: Waterborne Polyurethane
Waterborne (water-based) finishes, such as those made by Bona and Pallman, are the pinnacle of modern innovation. They utilize advanced polymer technology to rival the durability of oil-based products while offering key benefits:
Faster Project Completion: Waterborne finishes dry in 2–4 hours, allowing for multiple coats in a single day, significantly reducing the project timeline.
Low VOC/Low Odor: They have much lower VOC content, leading to minimal odor and a healthier indoor environment—a major benefit for families with allergies or pets.
Clarity: Waterborne polyurethanes cure clear, preventing the yellowing or ambering effect of oil-based finishes. This is ideal for popular light woods (like White Oak) or light stains.
3. The High-Performance Shield: Specialized Systems
For ultimate longevity in high-wear areas, our experts utilize highly specialized systems:
Hardwax Oils: These penetrate the wood (rather than sitting on top), leaving a natural, matte look that is easier to spot-repair, though they require specific long-term maintenance.
Commercial-Grade Polyurethane: Products like Poloplaz are often moisture-cured or specially formulated for extreme durability, making them the best choice for gymnasiums or high-traffic residential spaces (e.g., kitchens, hallways) that see heavy use.
The integrity of Charles Armour's 49 years of experience means we select the right modern finish to perfectly match your desired aesthetic and durability requirements. This dedication to using quality products and providing quality installation is why Corlew and Perry is the trusted name in Nashville flooring.
Are you ready to upgrade your floor's protection and health? Call Corlew and Perry today to request your free estimate. Let our experts recommend the modern, high-performance Bona, Pallman, or Poloplaz finish that will maximize your hardwood floor's longevity.
