Hi.I recently put down a walnut floor in #3 common.I like all the imperfections and different colors in this grade.I finished it with a high quality water based satin polyurethane and applied 3 thin coats It is holding up well except for one problem.We had some heavy rains a few weeks ago and water came in through the windows and sat on the floor overnight.The finish itself wasnt effected but the water seeped down between the cracks in the boards and raised some of the grain in a few spots.The water seeped into the cracks even where it appears that the boards are tight together.The water has dried since then and the damage is hardly noticable.It is a pain since I have to be very careful about leaving my windows open now.

My question is this.Did I not apply enough polyurethane to fill the cracks?Would an oil based urethane seal the surface better?I have 2 kids that spill stuff all the time and I want max durability and would like to keep water from seeping into the cracks(very small cracks between boards).Also,I didnt use much filler since the walnut has alot of imperfectins in it.Knot holes and other things that would have been filled if I had used a trowel fill product.I basically just filled large cracks and large knot holes.Is this my problem?Any suggestions are appreciated since I have 1000 sq ft left to do downstairs and dont want the same problem.Thanks.

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Tom,

A surface finish does not make a wood floor impervious to water damage. If water, or any liquid, sits on the surface long enough, it will eventually find it's way into the wood. That is why it is recommended to wipe up spills promptly and to not wet mop wood floors. Trowel filling may fill some very small gaps and cracks but new ones may appear as the floor expands and contracts, so it is not the answer. Applying more finish as the floor wears is a recommended maintenance procedure. But in the end, wood floors are not supposed to get very wet. If they do, they can cup and warp. BTW, your floors look very nice.

Thanks for the reply Gary.Its Todd btw .


It just seems like it happens very quickly.Ive had other water spills and it seems to seep in after 15-30 minutes.Its also a pain to have to constantly worry about having my windows open.If it rains in the middle of the night the floor will be soaked the next day.I take it that you dont think oil based will be any better?Thanks again.

As far as keeping floors from absorbing water, it isn't much different, oil based that is. Typically, people do not like to get rain INSIDE their homes. Consider having window awnings installed over the windows you like to leave open. Many styles are available. They can look ok if you get the right kind.