stain and polyurethane?

Is there any acoustic advantage to adding or not adding coats of polyurethane to wood slats (and floors)? They look pretty good natural, but I have been told that they will not age well without the protection of the polyurethane. Thanks

Rockum wrote:

Is there any acoustic advantage to adding or not adding coats of polyurethane to wood slats (and floors)? They look pretty good natural, but I have been told that they will not age well without the protection of the polyurethane. Thanks

The addition of a stain will not affect the reflectivity of a piece of wood assuming that it is truly just a soaking or wiping stain and it does not contain polyurethane. Adding coats of poly on the other hand will affect the reflectivity of a surface - with it becoming more reflective with every coat you put on. Now - advantage or disadvantage is more difficult to answer - it is all room dependent. If the room needs to be more active than it helps - otherwise it hurts. As far as it needing it - wood floors absolutely need finish for wear purposes - but not walls or ceilings. In Power Station New England the "A" room has no poly on any of the wood wall/ceilings and it's as beautiful as the day we finished it - and I happened to be there yesterday so I know my statement is up to date. Rod

Thanks Rod