What Is An Aluminum Oxide Finish and How Long Does It Last?

Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring mineral known for its extreme hardness. It plays a vital role in surface protection for modern homes. Georgia Carpet Industries is here to explain what aluminum oxide is and how this compound creates durable, scratch-resistant hardwood floors.

 

What is Aluminum Oxide?

First, let’s begin with a little background. What exactly is aluminum oxide? Aluminum oxide is a naturally occurring mineral, meaning it is unprocessed and found in nature. It's the chemical compound of aluminum and oxygen in crystal form. This is usually either ruby or sapphire gemstones. Besides flooring finishes, this mineral is generally used for making anything aluminum. It also helps manufacture many types of glass. 

Properties of Aluminum Oxide

This mineral is prized in manufacturing because of specific physical traits that translate directly to floor protection:

• Extreme Hardness: It ranks just below diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale, providing high compressive strength.
• Abrasion Resistance: Its ability to withstand friction makes it a primary ingredient in industrial sandpaper.
• Chemical Inertness: It is biologically inert and resistant to oxidation, meaning it does not degrade or react when exposed to household chemicals.
• Thermal Stability: It has high resistance to heat and thermal shock.

Why Use Aluminum Oxide in Flooring?

Aluminum oxide is grounded into a fine powder that is used as an additive with water-based urethane finishes, the finishes that are added to most hard surface floors like hardwood and LVP. This creates a durable, scratch-resistant layer to the flooring. Aluminum oxide’s hardness factor is essential for protection against scuffs, dents, and any other problems life throws at you. Finishes with metal oxides are the strongest produced in final floor coatings. They are the best for hardwood, bamboo, engineered hardwood, and even laminate. Before Aluminum Oxide, there was a regular poly-urethane finish that didn't contain the metal compound. Before that, hardwood flooring was typically oil-finished.

Does Aluminum Oxide Finish Affect Appearance?

Besides creating a quality finished surface for resisting scratches, aluminum oxide also amplifies the grain patterns, enhancing the aesthetics of the look itself. The finish penetrates the upper layers which enhance the grain of each plank. This brings out its character and depth so you are ensured beauty and strength. UV protection is another benefit of this flooring finish. The vibrant color and sheen of a new floor tend to fade over time due to exposure to UV rays coming in through windows, doors, and skylights. Wood protected with aluminum oxide fades slowly, preserving the original look for an extended period of time.

How Long Does Aluminum Oxide Last?

For most flooring products, the coats of aluminum oxide range from 5-10 layers. This really seals and protects the floor and its beauty. Generally speaking, floors finished with aluminum oxide have an average lifespan of 20-25 years. This is double than floors finished with polyurethane, which has about a 10-year lifespan. Now that you know exactly what an aluminum oxide finish is, will you be adding it to your list of must-haves in flooring? I hope so! Here at Georgia Carpet Industries, we have a wide selection of flooring that features an aluminum oxide finish. Call us or visit us in-store/online at georgiacarpet.com and request a quote.

Aluminum Oxide FAQs

Is aluminum oxide safe for my home and pets?

Yes. While it sounds like a harsh chemical, aluminum oxide is biologically inert. This means it does not react with other chemicals and is stable. Once cured on your floor, it provides a safe surface that does not off-gas harmful fumes, making it safe for children and pets.

Can I refinish a floor with an aluminum oxide finish?

This is the one trade-off for such extreme durability. Because the finish is so hard (used industrially as an abrasive), it is difficult to sand off using standard home equipment. However, because the finish lasts 20-25 years, refinishing is rarely needed compared to older wood floors.

Why is aluminum oxide used in sandpaper and flooring?

Both industries value abrasion resistance. The same property that allows sandpaper to cut through wood allows your floor to resist the friction of shoes and furniture. It essentially creates a shield that protects the wood grain underneath from physical wear.