Pros vs. Cons of Prefinished Hardwood Flooring

If you’re considering using prefinished hardwood for your next project, you’re not alone – it’s a popular choice. Prefinished Hardwood is ready to install because it’s only been sanded and sealed, which saves you time and effort. However, before deciding, see this blog by Carpenter Centre for some info juice. It is essential to consider the benefits and drawbacks associated with prefinished hardwood flooring.

What Makes a Floor Made of Wood Hard?

Many homeowners choose the classic look of hardwood flooring in their homes. So what actually sets them apart from everyone else? Several distinct looks may be achieved with hardwood flooring, depending on factors such as the species of wood used and the method of installation.

1. Pine, Oak, fir, maple, cherry, birch, bamboo and beech are the most common types of trees that are used to construct hardwood flooring. These might come in the form of tongue-and-groove strips, tongue-and-groove planks, or wood tiles decorated with geometric designs
2. There are also floors made of fake wood or laminated wood that look like hardwood
3. Laminate floors consist of many layers on top of a base made of fiberboard, and the surface of the top layer is protected to create a durable and realistic-looking floor
4. On the surface of the plywood that makes up engineered wood is a very thin coating of actual wood
5. If you want genuine hardwood flooring, you have the option of purchasing either prefinished or raw boards
6. Sanded and sealed, prefinished flooring cuts out some of the steps needed to put it in

Also Read: How to Paint Furniture

How to Keep and Care for a Wood Floor

Although it might be more difficult to see dirt and dust on hardwood floors at first, all you need to do to clean them is sweep them with a broom. 

1. You can mix vinegar and water to create a cleaning solution or use something like Oil Soap, and dish soap can also be used in small amounts
2. Remember not to use too much water when cleaning hardwood floors; avoid mopping altogether
3. Planks or strips are the most common forms of hardwood flooring, however some people prefer geometric designs
4. The herringbone pattern is popular for hardwood floors, and other patterns can be used

How to Do Fitting Wooden Flooring

Since installing hardwood floors is a significant financial commitment, it is imperative that the job be done properly.

• If you plan on DIY installation, be aware that it takes a lot of work
• You’ll need to remove your old flooring and choose between nail down, glue down, or tongue-and-groove installation
• Glue-down flooring and tongue-and-groove flooring are simpler to put in
• If you want to install nail-down hardwood flooring, hiring a professional is best to save you time and avoid potential stress

Hardwood Floor Durability:

If you’re thinking of getting hardwood floors, you should know a few things about proper care and maintenance. Most hardwood floors need to be refinished every ten years to keep their shine, but with proper care, they can last as long as the house itself. 

Pros of Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring

Here are some pros of hardwood floors that might help you decide:

• Elegant Sense of Style

Hardwood floors that have been finished are a stunning option that can be used in various design styles. The wood comes in different colors, textures, and finishes, so you will surely find the perfect look for your home.

• Commonly used protection

The prefinished flooring option is one that many people are drawn to because of the benefits it offers. 

1. The coating is applied prior to the installation process, the resulting thin sheath is more uniform and consistent. 
2. In addition, since the coating is placed before the installation, it is often far thicker than anything that could be applied by hand
3. This is because the coating is applied before the Flooring installation
4. This extra protection keeps prefinished floors looking good longer
5. One further factor contributing to the widespread adoption of prefinished hardwood flooring is the fact that it is often far less difficult to locate than untreated hardwood flooring

• Zero Sanding

Sanding a hardwood floor is a procedure that may take a significant amount of time and produce a significant amount of dust.

Unfinished flooring can take more time and effort to install than prefinished flooring.

• No Smell

Smelly chemicals often seal and protect traditional hardwood floors, but this isn’t the case with prefinished wood. The seal is applied before installation, so there’s no need to worry about unpleasant odors.

Cons of Pre-Finished Wooden Floors

Here are Disadvantages of Hardwood Flooring:

• Cost

Even though hardwood floors have a higher return on investment than most other Flooring options, some people hesitate to buy them because of how much they initially cost. Depending on the type of wood used, installing a hardwood floor could cost anywhere from AED 22 to AED 44.7 per square foot. The cost of materials ranges from 11 to 26 AED per square foot, while labor costs between 11 and 18 AED per square foot.

• Scratches and Gouges

Even if you take good care of your hardwood floors, they will eventually get scratches and gouges. Scratches and gouges don’t matter much because they can be fixed by refinishing the floor.

• Moisture Damage

If scratches and gouges get very deep, you spill a drink, or water gets in through a window after a storm, you must quickly wipe up any moisture to keep the hardwood floors from expanding or cupping.

• Noise

Wooden floors, especially older ones, often make noise when you walk on them. You can reduce noise by shimming the joists and subfloor or using construction adhesive to fill the spaces between the subfloor and joists. 

• Difficult for Pets

A dog’s claws might damage your floor, but the surface can also make them slip and fall. Older dogs have trouble getting traction on hardwood floors, which makes it harder for them to get up.

Final Thoughts:

We discussed the benefits and drawbacks of prefinished hardwood flooring, and I hope you found it interesting. We’re certain you’ll be able to use this data to your advantage when choosing Hardwood Flooring for your home or business. In any case, I appreciate your reading this.