Eased edges, which have a tiny bevel, or roundover, at the top, allow a wood floor to appear flat, even if adjacent strips or planks are not level with each other for some reason. A slightly uneven subfloor and moisture-related expansion or contraction of individual boards are two common causes of level discrepancies. And the miniature depressions where eased edges meet are definitely dirt traps. To decide if this edge treatment is right for you, compare sample floors at a supplier and discuss your installation details with an experienced dealer. Factory-applied finishes are superdurable and should provide years of wear.
Polyurethane is the most popular finish for flooring installed unfinished.
But because of the fast drying time, it's difficult to go back and correct mistakes without leaving lap marks. Oil-based polyurethane takes up to 24 hours to dry, and it gives off fumes that many people find offensive. But it can be worked when wet, which means you can go back and correct mistakes. Polyurethane provides excellent durability, and it's not difficult to apply. While gloss poly offers slightly more wear resistance than satin versions, it also shows scratches more distinctly.