The Pros and Cons of Prefinished and Unfinished Solid Hardwood Floors

Solid hardwood floors are an excellent addition to any home. They not only look beautiful, but they also add value to your property. When installing hardwood floors, there are two options: prefinished and unfinished. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to know the difference before deciding. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of each option.

Prefinished Floors:  Prefinished floors come with a factory-finished surface, which means the staining and sealing process happens before the flooring is installed. The main advantage of prefinished floors is that they are quicker to install. You can shuffle your furniture around during installation, making the process less disruptive. There are also fewer odors and less dust to worry about during the installation process. However, prefinished floors come with some drawbacks. For one, the color selection is limited. Prefinished floors usually come in common colors, and if you have a particular stain color in mind, you may not find it readily available. Moreover, prefinished floors come with beveled edges that can catch dirt and dust. This can be a challenge to clean, and over time, the high boards may wear out faster than the lower boards.

Unfinished Floors:  Unfinished floors, on the other hand, are sanded, stained, and finished in your home. They allow you more flexibility with color and finish options. You will have an endless choice of stains, and you can even choose the sheen of the finish. Unfinished floors also come without beveled edges, meaning they are easier to clean and maintain. However, unfinished floors require more time and effort to install. You'll need to put all your furniture out of the room during installation. There will also be more dust during the sanding and finishing process. Although some companies use a dust containment system, there will still be a bit of cleaning required. Finally, unfinished floors tend to have a stronger odor. Oil-based urethanes, which are less expensive but tend to yellow, have a higher odor than water-based ones, which are more expensive but have low odor.

Options for You:  Now that you know what the two options entail let's talk about what to consider when deciding between prefinished and unfinished hardwood floors. Do you want a floor with a beveled edge, or would you prefer one without? Is the color flexibility essential to you? Will you need to move furniture around during installation? How much time are you willing to dedicate to the installation process? These are just some of the questions to ask yourself before deciding.

In conclusion, installing any solid hardwood floor is an investment, and you want to ensure that you make the right choice. Prefinished and unfinished floors both have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to you to decide what best suits your needs. With the benefits of a beveled edge and speed of installation, along with the limited color palette versus the flexibility of color options and the ease of maintenance, whichever way you go, you'll be floored by the possibilities and delighted with your new hardwood floors.

Learn about your options at: www.wizardflooring.com

847-540-9500

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