Prefinished Vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring: Which One Should You Choose?

Prefinished Vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring: Which One Should You Choose? 1

Both Options Have Pros and Cons

Are you planning to install hardwood flooring in your home? Congratulations! It’s an excellent choice because hardwood floors are durable, timeless and add value to your property. However, choosing between prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring can be a daunting task. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and you need to weigh them before making a final decision. In this article, we’ll go over the pros and cons of both options, so you can make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come. For a comprehensive grasp of the subject, we suggest this external source providing extra and pertinent details. https://mayflowerfloorings.com, immerse yourself further in the topic and uncover fresh viewpoints!

Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Prefinished hardwood floors were sanded, stained, and sealed at the factory before being shipped to the customer’s location. All you need to do is install them, and you’re good to go. Here are some of the benefits of choosing prefinished hardwood flooring:

Prefinished Vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring: Which One Should You Choose? 2

  • Convenience: Prefinished planks can be installed quickly, and the installers can move on to the next job right away.
  • Uniformity: Prefinished hardwood floors have a consistent look, color, and finish, so there will be no surprises once the floors are installed.
  • Durability: Prefinished floors have a durable finish that can withstand wear and tear, so they’re perfect for high-traffic areas.
  • Minimal Fumes: Since prefinished floors have already been finished at the factory, there will be no unpleasant fumes from the sealant or stain during the installation process.
  • However, there are some downsides to prefinished hardwood flooring that you should keep in mind:

  • Limited customization: Prefinished planks offer limited customization since the finish, and color options are preselected by the factory.
  • Uneven leveling: Since the planks come prefinished, any unevenness in the subfloor won’t be levelled out by the process, potentially resulting in a lumpy floor.
  • More expensive: Prefinished hardwood flooring costs more than unfinished hardwood flooring as the finishing work is done in the factory and additional handling costs are included.
  • Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

    Unfinished hardwood flooring is installed in your home, then sanded and finished by the installer on-site. Here are some of the benefits of choosing unfinished hardwood flooring:

  • More Customization: With unfinished hardwood flooring, you have complete control over the final color and finish of your flooring.
  • Easier to Match: If you’re trying to match specific existing hardwood flooring, unfinished flooring is a great choice as the installer can match the exact color and finish needed.
  • More Affordable: Unfinished hardwood flooring is less expensive than prefinished hardwood flooring since the finishing is done on-site and doesn’t require additional handling.
  • Even leveling: Unfinished hardwoods can even out slight variations in the subfloor, making for a smoother finish.
  • Like prefinished hardwood floors, unfinished hardwood floors also have some disadvantages:

  • Takes longer to install: Installing unfinished hardwood floors takes more time since sanding and finishing must be done on-site.
  • May emit fumes: During sanding and finishing, unfinished hardwood floors can emit unpleasant fumes from the stain or sealant.
  • Requires more maintenance: Unfinished hardwood floors need additional maintenance as they are more prone to scratches, dents, and fading. You may need to sand and refinish them more frequently than prefinished hardwoods.
  • Which One Should You Choose?

    Choosing between prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring depends on your priorities and needs. If you’re looking for convenience and a quick installation, prefinished hardwood flooring might be the best option. However, If you value customization, want to match existing wood flooring in your house, or want to save on costs and don’t mind the extra work involved in finishing the floor, then unfinished hardwood flooring is your best option.

    In conclusion, No matter which option you choose, hardwood flooring will provide you with a timeless, natural look that adds warmth and value to your property. So, take your time, look at your options, choose the one that suits you best, and enjoy your beautiful new hardwood floors for years to come! Learn more about the subject in this external site we’ve selected for you. Mayflower Floorings, continue your learning journey!

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