Thanks to all. Bonakemi Traffic looks really good, and has low VOC, too. How
should I approach the builder on this? I think that he may consider this a
strange request. It is important enough for me to pay premium if necessary,
although it looks like the Bonakemi is already more expensive on material cost
basis.

How much extra should I expect to pay over regular finish for a 2500 sq-ft? I
am thinking of asking for a 4 coat treatment.

Thanks.



Bay Area Dave wrote in message ...
look into Bonakemi Traffic. it's used on gym floors.

dave

John Smith wrote:

I am building a new house with 2500 sq-ft of hardwood floor. I plan on
maintaining the floor with water based finish for recoating high traffic areas
once a year or so.

Should I ask the builder to use water based finish for the original finish, or
does it matter? If so, what brand should I specify?

If the builder uses an oil based finish, can I put additional coats of water
based finish before moving in (after the builder's finish dries)? This will be
the last opportunity for coating the floor without having to move furniture,
worrying about kids running around, etc. How many additional coats is
reasonable? I am thinking of 5 additional coats on top of however many
standard coats the builder uses. Is this too many?

I don't want to ask the builder for additional coats, as he seems to have add
hefty margins for this kind of requests.