Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Pre-Finished Wood Flooring Vs. Unfinished Flooring

Hello, I have a flooring question. I am getting estimates on having a wood floor installed. Generally speaking, is there any difference in quality between prefinished and unfinished wood flooring?


Thanks very much.

I"m not an expert, but this is what I've found.

Yes. There's a difference. But it's not huge.

The prefinsihed flooring generally will have a very good topcoat. Since they do that in the factory, and usually use 5 -7 coats of poly on it. It will be "better" than the 3 coats that is typically put on top of a floor that is finished onsite. You also won't have any issues with dust, since prefinished will not have to be sanded.

However, unless you are willing to pay top dollar, the flooring will be made with a slight bevel, called a micro, or micron bevel ( Or, in the case of bruce, a MACRO bevel). This is a slight taper on the tops that helps cover any unevenness between the boards, since the floor will not be sanded even, after installation. The effect is that there will be slight recesses along the long seams. The look is different, and depending on your style, may or may not be desireable.

I recently installed a prefinished bruce floor in my den and kitchen with the bevel and it turned out decent. The recesses along the floor don't bother us, and it all looks good. For DIYers prefinished is a good idea, since you don't have to worry about ruining the floor with a sander.

I would do it again, maybe with better wood, but I would also install unfinished and have someone finish it, if I could find a good deal. So flip a coin, and enjoy your new floor.

HTH

Usually the unfinished flooring is made from the same material, though.

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Thank you for the information. It helps quite a bit.