If you’re considering hardwood flooring, you’ll come across two main options: prefinished and unfinished. Prefinished hardwood flooring is already sanded, stained, and finished before being sold. Unfinished hardwood flooring, on the other hand, is untreated wood that must be sanded, stained, and finished on-site after installation.
Unfinished solid hardwood flooring has become increasingly popular due to its many benefits. One of the most significant benefits of unfinished solid hardwood flooring is that it is customizable. By using unfinished flooring, you can choose the precise color and finish that you desire, ensuring that your flooring complements your home’s design perfectly. Unfinished solid hardwood flooring is also more durable than prefinished hardwood flooring. The reason for this is that unfinished flooring can be sanded and refinished numerous times throughout its life. This means that if your floors become scratched or damaged, you can simply sand them down and refinish them instead of having to replace them entirely.
If you’re thinking about installing unfinished solid hardwood flooring, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, note that installing unfinished solid hardwood flooring takes longer than installing prefinished flooring. This is because the wood needs to be sanded, stained, and finished on-site, which can lengthen the installation process by several days. Another factor to consider is that unfinished solid hardwood flooring necessitates regular upkeep and maintenance. This includes routine cleaning, polishing, and refinishing as necessary to maintain the flooring’s beauty and durability. Although the maintenance requirements may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that properly caring for your unfinished solid hardwood flooring can extend its lifespan and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
Secondly, unfinished solid hardwood flooring is more susceptible to moisture damage than prefinished flooring. This is because unfinished flooring is not sealed until after it is installed, making it more susceptible to water damage. It is critical to keep this in mind and take measures to prevent moisture damage, such as using a moisture barrier and maintaining the proper humidity levels in your home.
Finally, it is essential to have a professional install your unfinished solid hardwood flooring. This is because the sanding and finishing process can be difficult and requires specialized equipment and expertise to achieve the desired results. By hiring a professional, you can ensure that your flooring is installed correctly and that the finish is applied evenly and without any imperfections. You can read more on the subject here!
In summary, unfinished solid hardwood flooring is an outstanding choice for those looking for a customizable, durable, and long-lasting flooring option. Although it may necessitate more time and effort to install and maintain, the advantages of unfinished solid hardwood flooring make it a worthwhile investment.