| Hardwood flooring provides a sense of homeyness, | | | | unfinished floor will yield a more uniform finish and a |
| warmth and permanence as well as structural | | | | better moisture-proof seal. This valued characteristic |
| strength, old-world reliability and a strong selling point | | | | is why many subcontractors will choose unfinished |
| for your home. If you have selected a solid | | | | hardwood floors. |
| hardwood floor as your flooring solution, you have a | | | | So how do you decide between pre-finished and |
| choice between unfinished and pre-finished wood. | | | | unfinished hardwood? Homeowners who want to do |
| Pre-finished hardwood is a good choice if you want | | | | a quick installation and without having to vacate the |
| to enjoy the benefits of your new floor immediately | | | | house should choose a pre-finished hardwood floor. |
| after installation without having to do any sanding or | | | | You will not have to tolerate the fumes of the finish |
| finishing. Pre-finished wood floors come pre-coated | | | | or clean up the mess created by the sanding process. |
| and pre-sanded and are ready to install. Installation | | | | Subcontractors will probably prefer an unfinished floor |
| takes less time, effort and energy, and no time is | | | | as they can achieve a more uniform finish as well as |
| required for setting. | | | | added moisture protection from the overall sealing |
| With an unfinished floor, the finish is added over the | | | | process on the whole floor. You will, however, need |
| hardwood floor surface as a whole after installation | | | | to determine which finish or stain is most appropriate |
| of the boards. Pre-finished floor boards, however, are | | | | for the type of hardwood you selected. Whatever |
| finished on a board by board basis, and the finish that | | | | your choice, you are certain to enjoy the added |
| seals the board will not seal small spaces between | | | | structural benefits along with the attractive look and |
| the planks in the same way. Applying finish over an | | | | feel of your hardwood floor for a very long time. |