Aluminum oxide makes polyurethane finishes more durable.
The main difference between aluminum oxide and regular polyurethane finishes on wood flooring lies in their durability. Aluminum oxide can protect a floor 15 years longer than polyurethane alone. However, that difference in durability also can be a problem if you want to have your wood floor refinished.
Polyurethane Finishes
Polyurethane is a clear, durable floor finish that comes in several forms. Hardwood Floors magazine states that oil-modified polyurethane was developed to create a more wear-resistant finish than linseed oil. The oil-based version of polyurethane dries slowly, but it's easy to use and more durable than an oil finish is alone. An aluminum oxide floor finish is just another version of a polyurethane finish that lasts longer than other wood floor finishes.
Aluminum Oxide
Manufacturers combine aluminum oxide particles with polyurethane to increase a wood floor's resistance to scratches and other signs of wear. Aluminum oxide finishes applied to floors during the manufacturing process can last up to 25 years, according to Inspired House magazine. The magazine advises that a typical polyurethane finish applied during the installation of a wood floor at a home site may only last 10 years.
Refinishing
Homeowners often have wood floors sanded and refinished to extend their use. However, aluminum oxide may interfere with or prevent refinishing in some cases. Some manufacturers use aluminum oxide to make floor finishes unusually hard. Hardwood Floors magazine writer John Dupra says that some manufacturers boast that their finishes are so hard that no sanding machine could remove them. Therefore, you should find out whether a wood floor can be sanded and refinished before you buy it to determine your refinishing options.
Considerations
Do-it-yourselfers need to be aware of potential hazards associated with refinishing wood floors with a factory-applied finish. Dupra states that it's dangerous to breathe in aluminum oxide in its powder form, so you may want to leave such refinishing jobs to the pros. Professional refinishing crews wear respirators when sanding wood floors with aluminum oxide finishes, although Dupra notes that some contractors turn down such jobs. Their refusal to take those jobs may be due to the difficulty in removing the durable finish.
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