When choosing a wooden floor, there are so many options. The colour and pattern of the flooring is generally determined by the species of wood, such as Oak or Walnut. The finish of the flooring determines how the surface of the floor looks, for example, matt, glossy or textured. The finish of the floor also protects the surface from daily wear and tear. You will have to choose between an unfinished or pre-finished wood flooring. Here is everything you need to know to help you to make the decision.
Unfinished wood flooring
An unfinished floor is the wood floor without any oils or lacquers added to the surface. So, it is basically the wood in its raw state. The wood has been made into the planks or blocks of flooring but hasn’t gone through the finishing process. If you decide to choose unfinished wood flooring, you will need to add the surface finish once it has been installed. This is to protect it from daily wear and tear. All types of wood flooring must be finished with either a lacquer or oil, otherwise they can easily become damaged. Choosing an unfinished hardwood floor is perfect if you want to match it to your existing décor. You will be able to choose your species and style of flooring, then once it is installed you can start to add a colour stain and surface finish. This means that you can create a totally unique style of flooring.
For further information read: Advantages of unfinished hardwood floors.
Pre-finished wood flooring
A pre-finished floor means that the planks or blocks of flooring have already had the protective layers of oils or lacquers added. This is done during the manufacturing process, along with any necessary colour stains. All types of wooden floor need to be protected or finished before they can be used, so the main benefit of a pre-finished floor is that it is ready to walk on as soon as it has been installed. Choosing a pre-finished floor is ideal if you know what you are looking for and want a straight forward installation process. There are a huge range of choices of pre-finished floors. You will have endless options of species of wood, plank sizes, finishes and colour stains.
For further information read: Advantages of pre-finished hardwood floors.
Should I choose unfinished or pre-finished wood flooring?
• An unfinished floor can often be found cheaper, but you will then need to add on extra costs for oils, lacquers, stains and additional installation costs.
• A pre-finished floor can have cheaper installation costs as it is quicker to install. There is no dust from sanding and no harsh fumes from the oils or lacquers as it has already been finished in the factory.
• With an unfinished floor you can match it more closely to your décor or colour scheme by adding your own choice of stain and finish.
• Pre-finished wooden floors can be used as soon as they have been installed. Un-finished floors need sealing and protecting with an oil or lacquer before they are walked on.
• Some exotic species of wood or unusual plank sizes can only be found unfinished.
• Both unfinished and pre-finished wooden floors can be found in a wide range of species of wood and plank sizes.
