Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

The Beauty of a Prefinished Hardwood Floor

Prefinished hardwood flooring combines the timeless elegance of natural wood with the convenience of a ready-to-install product. Offering a flawless finish and exceptional durability, prefinished hardwood floors are an ideal choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and practicality in their home. 

With a variety of styles, wood species, and finishes to choose from, prefinished hardwood floors provide an instant upgrade to any space and offer easy maintenance.

Bringing Your Home to Life with Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

Bringing your home to life with prefinished hardwood flooring is all about infusing your space with the natural warmth and timeless beauty of wood. 

Each plank comes with a meticulously applied finish that enhances the wood’s grain and character, allowing the unique patterns and colors to shine. Whether you prefer the rich, deep tones of walnut and hickory or the light, airy feel of white oak, prefinished hardwood floors add a layer of sophistication and elegance to any room. 

The smooth, factory-applied finish not only ensures a uniform look but also offers superior protection against wear and tear, making it ideal for busy households. The rooms that are best suited to solid hardwood flooring that's been prefinished include the living and dining room, bedrooms, and home offices. It can also add a beautiful finishing touch to hallways and entryways. 

Getting Creative with Hardwood Flooring

If you really want to get creative with your solid hardwood flooring, why not create a distinct pattern? Here are some ideas:

• Herringbone: The herringbone pattern is a classic design where installers arrange rectangular planks in a zigzag pattern, creating a dynamic look. This pattern adds sophistication and can make a space feel more refined and elegant.
• Chevron: Similar to herringbone, the chevron pattern also features a zigzag design, but the planks are cut at an angle, creating a continuous “V” shape. This pattern gives a room a modern, streamlined appearance and can make spaces feel larger.
• Basket Weave: In the basket weave pattern, planks are arranged in a way that resembles the weave of a basket. Typically, pairs of planks are laid perpendicular to each other, creating a square-like pattern. This design adds texture and interest to floors without overwhelming your house.
• Random Width: Mixing planks of different widths in a random arrangement creates a rustic and natural look. This design is ideal for spaces aiming for a more casual or organic feel, as it emphasizes the natural variation in the wood.
• Staggered or Brick Pattern: In a staggered pattern, planks are laid out in rows with the ends offset, similar to the way bricks are laid in a wall. This pattern provides a strong, structured look and is a great option for spaces where you want to highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

Prefinished Floors vs. Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Prefinished hardwood flooring comes with a factory-applied finish, meaning the planks are stained, sealed, and ready to install upon delivery. This allows for a quicker installation process with minimal disruption to your home since there’s no need for sanding, staining, or sealing on-site. 

Additionally, the finish applied in the factory is typically more durable and consistent than what can be achieved with on-site finishing, offering better protection against wear, scratches, and moisture.

On the other hand, unfinished wood flooring is installed in its raw form and requires sanding, staining, and sealing after installation. This process allows for more customization, as you can choose the exact stain color and finish to match your specific design preferences. 

Unfinished floors are also ideal for creating a seamless look in larger or more complex spaces, as the flooring can be finished in place, ensuring a uniform appearance without the beveled edges that are often present in prefinished planks.

Caring for Prefinished Hardwood Floors

To help you make the most of your new prefinished hardwood flooring, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Regular Dusting and Sweeping: Dust and debris can scratch the surface of your prefinished hardwood floor. Use a soft-bristle broom or a microfiber dust mop to regularly sweep the floor and prevent dirt from accumulating.
• Avoid Excess Moisture: Prefinished hardwood floors are sensitive to water and humidity. Clean up spills and stains immediately with a dry or slightly damp cloth to prevent water damage. Avoid using wet mops or steam cleaners, as excessive moisture can cause the wood to warp or the finish to deteriorate.
• Use Gentle Cleaners: When cleaning your floors, use a cleaner specifically designed for hardwood. Avoid harsh chemicals such as aluminum oxide that can damage the finish or leave a residue.
• Protect from Scratches: Place felt pads under furniture legs and use area rugs in high-traffic areas to protect your floors from scratches and wear. Avoid dragging heavy objects across the floor, as this can cause deep gouges in the wood.
• Maintain Humidity Levels: Wood floors can expand or contract with changes in humidity. Use a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a consistent humidity level in your home, ideally between 35-55%, to prevent your floors from warping or cracking.
• Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your floors for signs of wear or damage. If you notice any scratches or dull spots, consider buffing the area or applying a wood floor polish designed for prefinished floors to restore the shine.

Get more care and maintenance tips for hardwood flooring in our flooring guide. Ready to start your project? Request a free estimate today.