Prefinished vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring: Pros and Cons

Hardwood flooring is a popular and timeless choice for homeowners looking to upgrade their flooring. However, there are several options to consider when it comes to hardwood flooring, including prefinished and unfinished. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at both options and weigh the pros and cons of each.

Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Prefinished hardwood flooring is also known as factory-finished flooring. This type of flooring is pre-sanded, stained, and coated with a finish at the factory before being delivered to the site for installation. Here are some of the pros and cons of prefinished hardwood flooring:

Pros:

1. Time-saving: Since prefinished hardwood flooring is already finished, it can be installed quickly, saving time on the installation process.
2. Durability: The finish applied at the factory is often more durable than a finish applied on-site, making it less prone to scratches and dents.
3. Consistency: The finish on prefinished hardwood flooring is applied in a controlled environment, ensuring a more consistent finish across the entire floor.

Cons:

1. Limited customization: Prefinished hardwood flooring is available in a limited number of colors and finishes. This means that homeowners may have to settle for a finish that is not their first choice.
2. Visible seams: The boards in prefinished hardwood flooring are joined together with a tongue and groove system. This can create visible seams between the boards that may not be desirable for some homeowners.
3. Difficulty in refinishing: Since prefinished hardwood flooring already has a finish, it can be more difficult to refinish. This can limit the ability to change the color or finish of the flooring in the future.

Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Unfinished hardwood flooring, also known as site-finished flooring, is installed and then sanded, stained, and finished on-site. Here are some of the pros and cons of unfinished hardwood flooring:

Pros:

1. Customization: Unfinished hardwood flooring can be customized to the homeowner's preference in terms of color and finish.
2. Smooth, seamless finish: With unfinished hardwood flooring, the boards are sanded and finished after installation, creating a smooth and seamless finish without visible seams.
3. Refinishing flexibility: Since unfinished hardwood flooring does not have a finish, it can be sanded and refinished multiple times, giving homeowners flexibility to change the color or finish of the flooring in the future.

Cons:

1. Longer installation process: Unfinished hardwood flooring takes longer to install since the sanding, staining, and finishing must be done on-site.
2. Prone to scratches and dents: Unfinished hardwood flooring is more prone to scratches and dents since it is not finished until after installation.
3. Inconsistent finish: The finish on unfinished hardwood flooring can be inconsistent since it is applied on-site and may be affected by the humidity and temperature.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between prefinished and unfinished hardwood flooring, homeowners must consider the trade-offs between customization and convenience. Prefinished hardwood flooring is a good choice for those who value convenience, durability, and consistency, while unfinished hardwood flooring is better suited for those who value customization and refinishing flexibility. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference, budget, and the specific needs of each homeowner.

Last Words

We know how a flooring project is a huge undertaking for you… and can be very expensive. But if you’re not in a rush, I encourage you to shop around. Then check us out. We're a Factory Direct Retailer, so our hardwood prices are guaranteed cheaper than any other retailer. We import the materials ourselves, passing along the savings to you. We have pro installers with 15+ years of experience, at your service. Should you have any further questions, please email us at hello@redeemedflooring.com.