Whether you decide to DIY hardwood flooring installation or not, you still have to choose between solid and engineered hardwood floors.
After that, you must decide whether to go for prefinished hardwood flooring or site finish. With the latter, you or a professional can finish the hardwood planks after installation. Meanwhile, prefinished wood means the planks already have a stain and top coat applied.
For DIYers, prefinished flooring takes less time to install. However, you’re unable to customize the stain and sheen. Read on to learn more about prefinished hardwood floor’s pros and cons.
Prefinished Hardwood Flooring: The Pros
As mentioned, prefinished hardwood flooring is easier to install than unfinished hardwood flooring. Especially with DIY floor installations, where so many things can go wrong, you’d want to reduce the potential for error even more.
Since you have to level the subfloor, lay the underlayment, etc., it makes sense to want to cut down on staining, curing, and sanding. With prefinished wood floors, the last three processes (also very time-consuming) can be taken off your to-do list.
Other advantages include:
- Fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released during refinishing
- Offers finishes that meet industry standards (also comes with a manufacturer warranty)
- Cheaper in the long run since finishing costs can end up costing you more and
- Lasts for centuries with maintenance and possibly, multiple refinishing
Prefinished Wood Floors: Some Cons to Consider
Compared to other types of flooring, hardwood floors (prefinished or not) contracts and expands with temperature and humidity changes. That’s why installation is best left to the pros in many cases.
Still, if you’re dead set on installing hardwood flooring yourself, make sure you only do it in areas not prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Since poorly installed wood can warp faster and show gaps easily, you’re better off with other waterproof flooring options for these areas.
Another disadvantage is noticeable seams. Without proper installation and maintenance, the planks’ seams are exposed. This makes them more prone to spills and damage.
Making the Most of Your Investment
Suppose you spent a lot on refinished hardwood flooring. How do you maintain it?
First, don’t use harsh cleaning products. It’s better to make sweeping or vacuuming a daily habit if your goal is to remove grit and dust.
Also, stay away from oil soaps. Not only is the residue left a dirt magnet, but it will also ruin the finish. Consider hardwood floor refinishing if you accidentally damage your floor’s finish with excessive cleaning.
Considering Flooring Upgrades? We Got You!
Prefinished hardwood flooring is worth the investment as long as you take care to maintain it. That, of course, involves refinishing from time to time.
If you have hardwood floors that have lost their former beauty, we can help. As hardwood floor refinishing experts, Peak Floors is always ready to help with flooring upgrades at a very competitive price.
As a family-owned business, we’re all about prioritizing homeowners’ flooring needs. If you need a refinishing contractor in the western Pennsylvania area, don’t hesitate to contact us.