If you are looking to install hardwood flooring in your home, you may be wondering what to know about unfinished wood. Compared to prefinished hardwood flooring, unfinished wood is cheaper and infinitely customizable. However, it is more time-consuming to install. Here are some of the benefits of unfinished hardwood flooring:
Unfinished hardwood flooring is finished in a factory
Unlike prefinished hardwood, unfinished flooring requires some work on site. It must be sanded, stained, and top-coated. Unfinished planks do not have beveled edges and must be installed properly to prevent cracking and warping. They are also more expensive than prefinished hardwood. Here are some benefits of factory-finished wood flooring. Unfinished floors are less likely to scratch or absorb damage.
The advantage of prefinished wood flooring is that it is more uniform in coloring. This is a major advantage for homeowners. However, a more authentic wood look cannot be achieved with prefinished boards. Unfinished hardwood flooring can look stunning when finished by a professional. DIY enthusiasts can save on the labor costs by finishing it themselves. But if you don’t feel confident enough to tackle the job, you can always do it yourself to save money.
Prefinished flooring can be easier to clean and maintain than unfinished flooring. The factory-applied finish will protect your new flooring for many years. It is a solid product, but not as durable as unfinished flooring. If you are planning to use your new floors right away, you should invest in prefinished flooring. But if you’re still not sure, read on to learn more about each type.
It is cheaper than prefinished hardwood flooring
If you’re looking to install new hardwood flooring in your home, you’re probably wondering whether unfinished or prefinished wood is better. While prefinished is generally cheaper, it’s also less flexible when it comes to stain colors and sheen levels. If you want to add an artistic touch to your floors, consider painting them in a fun color. Alternatively, you can opt to leave them unfinished to create an interesting look with paint.
Another advantage of prefinished hardwood is its ease of installation. Unlike unfinished wood, prefinished hardwood can be walked on right away and doesn’t require any sanding or varnishing. You can also walk on prefinished floors immediately, making them easier to install. However, this style comes with a higher price tag, and you’ll need to spend more time on installation. Prefinished flooring is also more expensive than unfinished wood, so you should carefully consider its durability and life expectancy.
It is infinitely customizable
If you’re thinking of redoing your floors but don’t want to spend the time and money to refinish them, consider purchasing unfinished hardwood flooring. The benefits of unfinished flooring are endless. For starters, you can choose the exact species of wood you want, stain and finish, sawn profile, medallions and border work, and much more. This kind of flooring also allows you to add unique and customized touches, such as a custom-designed border work.
Infinite customizing options are available with unfinished hardwood flooring. Unlike prefinished products, you can choose any color or style you want. In fact, the choice is endless. You can choose from the color, design, and style of the wood to suit your tastes. And you can even add custom details, such as inlays, borders, ornate medallions, or just add texture with wire brushing.
It takes longer to install
Compared to laying carpet, installing hardwood flooring takes more time than carpet. It can take up to a full day to install hardwood flooring, and you should allow at least one extra day for trimming. That’s because you’ll have to replace shoe moulding, base molding, and other trim. Moreover, you’ll have to nail new joists and nail down baseboards. Fortunately, there are solutions that can speed up the process.
Unfinished hardwood flooring is usually stained and sealed after installation. The process takes at least a day per coat, and two days if you use a dense wood. The installation process can take anywhere from one to four days, depending on the size of the room and complexity of the layout. This is because the wood needs to acclimate to the humidity of the home, and it will take time to dry. Depending on the size of the room and its complexity, the process can take longer than it would for prefinished flooring.
