At RH Wood Floors, we are often asked what the best type of finish is for wooden floors. One of the most popular options we recommend is a water based finish. Recently, we completed a project in Dundrum that shows exactly why this choice is so effective.

The Project

Our customer had just collected the keys to her new home. She wanted the wooden floors restored before moving in any furniture. By booking well in advance, she made sure we could start work straight away. This careful planning helped us get in as soon as she got the keys, meaning the sanding and finishing could be done without obstacles in the home.

The job involved 65 square metres of wooden flooring across the kitchen, living areas, and hallway. We also worked on the stairs, sanding them fully so the homeowner could later paint them and add a runner. In total, the entire project took five days.

Why Choose a Water Based Varnish?

For this project, the customer chose a waterbased varnish. In our experience, this is an excellent choice for most modern homes across Dublin. A waterbased finish is durable, eco-friendly, and quick-drying. Here are the main advantages we explained to the customer in Dundrum:

• Low odour: Unlike oil-based finishes, a waterbased finish has little smell. This is ideal when moving into a new house.
• Quick drying time: Several coats can be applied in one day, making the overall job faster.
• Natural look: Waterbased finishes tend to keep the wood looking lighter and more natural instead of giving it a darker, amber tone.
• Environmentally friendly: With lower levels of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), a waterbased finish is better for indoor air quality.

Our Dundrum client was very pleased to learn that her floors would be ready to live on within just a few days.

The Process

Day one was focused on sanding the whole 65sqm floor area. We used dust-free sanding machines to remove the old layer and smooth out any scratches or marks. Once the wood was prepared, we started applying the chosen waterbased finish in thin coats, ensuring even coverage.

Over the following days, our team returned to add additional coats. Between each coat we gently sanded to achieve an even smoother surface. On the final day, the floors had a natural, matte appearance that looked both modern and timeless. The customer especially liked how the waterbased finish brought out the natural grain of the wood without altering its colour.

As for the stairs, we carefully sanded off the old varnish and left them ready for painting. She planned to add a runner afterwards, which will make them both safe and stylish.

The Result

When the customer viewed the finished work, she was delighted. The wooden floors looked brand new, with a clean natural shine that only a waterbased finish can provide. By completing the job before she moved in, she was able to start life in her new home with floors that set the tone for the rest of the interior.

Conclusion

This Dundrum project shows why a water based varnish on wooden floors is such a strong option. It balances beauty, durability, and practicality, all while being kind to the environment. At RH Wood Floors, we are proud to give our customers finishes that not only look fantastic but also improve their daily living.

If you are moving into a new home in Dublin and want your wooden floors brought back to life, consider a water based finish and let us help you achieve a result you will love for many years.