Should you go with unfinished or prefinished hardwood for your floor? It depends.
It can be hard to make decisions when looking at installing new hardwood flooring because of all of the different options available! From choosing the right species of hardwood to the plank size, the choices may feel overwhelming. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether you want to go with unfinished or prefinished wood flooring. Unfinished flooring has been used for many years and is a classic choice. But you should also consider prefinished hardwood flooring, which has some clear benefits that may make it a more desirable choice for many homeowners!
Easy to Install
Prefinished hardwood flooring is pretty quick and easy. It does not need to be sanded and finished on-site, so you won’t have to deal with the noise, dust, and smells that go along with the installation of unfinished flooring.
Durable
When prefinished hardwood flooring is made in a factory, several coats of finish and strengtheners are applied in order to make the wear layer very durable. The finish itself is usually covered with a manufacturer’s warranty. Factory-applied finishes are extremely durable and do not need to be refinished as often as unfinished flooring.
Non-Toxic
Prefinished hardwood flooring is hypo-allergenic and great for homes with pets, children, or people with allergies. Since the flooring does not need to be finished on-site, there’s no unpleasant odor, so you can breathe easier.
Highlights Natural Wood Texture
Prefinished floors also utilize highly transparent finishes that help to preserve the look of natural wood texture and depth of color. Factory made prefinished floors are available in a wide range of colors, surface finishes, and styles.
Should You Go Prefinished?
It depends. If you’re doing a complete renovation project it makes more sense to go with unfinished hardwood floors because the hardwood can be installed at the beginning of the process. Renovation work can continue, and then at the end of the project the floors are sanded and finished. Prefinished flooring, on the other hand, must be the last part of any project in order to avoid any accidental damage to the surface. But if you’re simply replacing or upgrading your floor, consider prefinished!
Hardwood Flooring with John K Eareckson & Co.
At John K. Eareckson & Co., we pride ourselves on providing the best quality and craftsmanship in the Baltimore-Washington area, from custom hardwood installation and repairs to refinishing. So if you’re in the market for new hardwood flooring, pick up the phone and give us a call today! If you have any questions about new hardwood floors, please contact John K. Eareckson & Co. by calling 410-788-4200 or visit JKEHardwoodFlooring.com today for a free quote regarding any of your hardwood flooring needs. You can also follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter!