The Case for a Polyurethane Finish: Why We Use It

Sep 07, 2025

Spilled wine. Sticky fingers. A plant pot that left a ring.
Life isn’t always gentle on your furniture and it shouldn’t have to be.

At YEG Woodcraft, we build furniture to live in, not tiptoe around. That’s why we often recommend a polyurethane finish on our solid wood tables, benches, and surfaces.

So, What Is a Polyurethane Finish?

In simple terms: It’s a clear, hard wearing topcoat that protects wood from moisture, stains, heat, and scratches.

But not all poly finishes are the same. We use a low-sheen, furniture grade polyurethane that:

Doesn’t look plasticky or overly shiny
Lets the natural grain shine through
Creates a protective barrier between your wood and real life

Why We Recommend It

Here’s why polyurethane is often our go-to:

1. It Protects Your Investment

You’re not buying throwaway furniture you’re investing in a piece that’s meant to last.
Polyurethane helps make that happen by resisting:

Water rings
Heat from mugs or dishes
Everyday wear, dents, and scuffs

2. It’s Kid- and Pet Proof (Almost)

Crayons, dirty paws, rogue toys no problem.
This finish gives your piece a little extra armor for busy homes.

3. It’s Low-Maintenance

No monthly oiling or special rituals.
Just wipe it with a soft cloth and mild soap when needed, and you’re good to go.

4. It Doesn’t Hide the Beauty of Wood

We’re not interested in covering wood up.
Our poly finishes are matte or satin, not glossy so the wood still feels and looks like wood.

But Is It “Natural”?

This is one of our most asked questions.
Here’s the truth:

➡️ Polyurethane is not an “all natural” finish.
It’s a modern, man-made product designed for durability.

➡️ It’s also one of the most practical finishes for high use furniture like dining tables and coffee tables.

If you prefer something 100% natural (like an oil finish), we’ll walk you through those options too every finish comes with trade-offs. We just want you to be informed.

For Edmonton Homes, It Just Makes Sense

Alberta’s dry winters and humid summers can be hard on wood.
Polyurethane helps seal out some of that movement, moisture, and wear especially on wide surfaces like tabletops.

We don’t use it on every piece.
But when your table is going to see daily action? We trust poly to hold up.