Surface finishes are rightfully popular because they are durable, water-resistant and require minimal maintenance. Surface finishes are blends of synthetic resins. You probably know them as urethanes or polyurethanes. They form a protective coating on the surface of the wood and are available in high-gloss, semi-gloss, satin and matte.

There are five different types of surface finishes. If you're purchasing prefinished flooring you needn't worry too much about this, but may want to read it to help you make your flooring purchase decision.

1. Oil-modified urethane is the most common. It is a solvent-based polyurethane that is easy to apply and dries in about eight hours. The color tends to amber with age.

2. Water-based urethane is, obviously, water based and dries by evaporation. With a clear and non-yellowing finish, these finishes have a milder odor than oil-modified finishes and also have a much faster drying time, as fast as just two hours depending on temperature and humidity. Water-based urethanes are generally more expensive.

3. Moisture-cure urethane is another solvent-base polyurethane, but is more durable and more moisture resistant. Moisture-cure urethane is available in non-yellowing and in ambering types and are available in satin or gloss. These finishes are difficult to apply with good results - best left to the professional.

4. Acid cure urethane (also called Swedish finish) is a clear and fast drying finish that is durable and non-ambering. These finishes have an extremely strong odor and the application difficulty level renders it as a "must-be-applied by a very skilled wood flooring professional" product.

5. Alumiunum Oxide is the latest technology in wood floor finishes. It offers a long lasting, more durable coating than any previous wood floor finish types. These finishes usually carry a limited 20 year wear warranty and is a prefinished product.

This is the oldest type of wood floor finish, and in some ways is still the best. Wax is the easiest to apply, least expensive, fastest drying, and easiest to repair finish. With proper care it will last indefinitely, but it is more prone to scratches, staining, and damage, especially if it's not properly cared for.

The reason it is more susceptible to damage is because it's basically wax on top of stained wood, there is no hard protective coating so use wears the wood, not the protective finish. Proper care involves maintenance with colored waxes. Water will spot the waxed surface and must be removed (or prevented) immediately. Buffing is required. Periodically the floor must be waxed, so unless you have a waxing machine, some hands-and-knees labor will be required.

Penetrating Stain and Wax is a wax finish that soaks into the pores of the wood and hardens to form a penetrating protective seal. The wax wears as the wood wears. It won't chip or scratch easily, but must be maintained with additional applications of wax.