prefinished vs unfinished hardwood flooring

When you finally make the decision to install wood flooring in your home, there are many choices for you to consider. In our last post we discussed types of finishes you could use on your new flooring. Before you can make that decision though, you must decide, do you want to go with prefinished floors or unfinished floors for your installation? It may seem like just another detail to overlook but there are key differences one must consider. If you are going to make the worthwhile investment in your new home, making the right selections for you and your home is imperative. In this post we will discuss the differences between unfinished and prefinished wood flooring so you can make the right purchase for your home.

                All wood floors require a finish, which is a protective coat that protects your investment from every day wear and tear including stains and moisture. But what exactly is the different between unfinished and prefinished flooring? When you purchase prefinished flooring it will come from the factory with a finish already applied. This protective coat is applied in a controlled environment and an ideal atmosphere for curing and drying. With this option you also get the choice of what kind of edges you would like such as square edging or a slight bevel that will enhance the diverse patterns on the paneling of the floor. The other option you have is unfinished flooring. When purchasing unfinished flooring it will come from the factory in its natural state. Once put in, your installer will sand the floor, then stain it, and complete with a finish of your choice. The end edges are normally left squared.

                There are advantages and disadvantages in both types of wood flooring. With finished flooring you get the advantage of less wear and tear. When it is finished at the factory you will end up with at least 6 coats of finish while its unfinished counterpart typically only gets 3 on site during installation. This will make your floor last longer and possess a greater scratch resistance. The installation also tends to be less messy. You will not have to worry about dust from sanding or the odor from the freshly applied finishing. A deciding factor for many people though is the time involved from installation to walkable floors. Since prefinished flooring is already dry when it arrives, you can walk on it the same day, and since sanding and staining are not involved, install time is usually cut in half. Finally, most prefinished floors will come with a limited manufacturer’s warranty against panel defects.

                While all the advantages make it seem like prefinished flooring is the perfect choice, you must consider the disadvantages as well. Since the floors are not sealed on site, the cracks in between the panels can become traps for dirt and dust. Also, when it comes time that you want to refinish the floor, you may lose a considerable amount of wood to level the area since prefinished pieces are generally thinner. As prefinished flooring is not sanded on site you may notice little bumps in the wood if the subflooring is not fixed or leveled first. Finally, if a panel gets damaged it usually means having to rip out the entire piece and replace it since a quick sanding and finish is not normally an option.

                Unfinished floors come with distinct advantages and some disadvantages as well. With unfinished wood floors you can expect a smooth finish, no worries of dirt or dust getting trapped in the edges. Some people also prefer the lack of beveled edges, believing it looks more natural without them. A big draw for unfinished floors is the ability to customize the appearance and color. The installer can test stains for you and even mix stains to get the perfect look you desire. This option is great if you already have hardwood floors installed elsewhere and wish to match the color. It is also excellent for wanting to match your furniture, cabinets, or wall color. In most cases, unfinished floors will cost less than their prefinished equivalents. You also get more choices in types of wood you can purchase; many diverse widths and exotic woods are only available in unfinished floors. When choosing an unfinished floor you can even have the installer do a customized design with inlays which are design patterns, borders, or medallions in the flooring.

                There are some disadvantages associated with unfinished floors too. They tend to come with a messier installation since sanding can kick up dust. The installation itself also takes longer. There is no put it together and leave, the installer must sand it, stain it, and finish it. Once all of these are done, you still must wait for the floor to dry and cure before walking on it. This often doubles the installation time and if most of the house is getting done at one time or common areas such as the living room, this usually means your family must go somewhere else until installation and drying is complete. As mentioned before, unfinished floors can be less durable. At the factory prefinished floors are produced with up to 6 coats of finish, while typically unfinished floors are only given 3 coats on site.

                Whichever decision you make, New Touch Woodworking in Kitsap County is here to help! We can answer any questions or concerns you may have about which flooring you should go with. Once you make your choice we will be there with you from start to finish, from answering questions all the way to after installation. We know that installing new hardwood floors can be a big decision but with all of its advantages and remarkable beauty, we know it is the right choice for you. Please contact New Touch Woodworking here in Kitsap County and we can find the flooring that is right for you!