Choosing between prefinished and site-finished flooring depends more on your personal preferences and priorities. Do you want hardwood flooring that can be customized or flooring that offers quicker and easier installation? Here are the main differences between prefinished hardwood flooring and site-finished hardwood flooring.
Site-Finished Hardwood
Choosing site-finished hardwood means you’re buying unfinished wood flooring that will be delivered to your home and then sanded, possibly stained, and finished with a protective coating right on-site. Site-finished hardwood offers many customized options, such as:
- Choice of high gloss, semi-gloss, or matte
- Variety of stain colors to match your décor
- Ability to customize installation patterns, including herringbone, borders, inlays, and medallions
- Selection of finish type – water-based polyurethane, oil-based polyurethane, or natural oil
Whether you choose oil-based polyurethane, a water-based polyurethane, or an oil finish, you will need to allow the coats to dry. Depending on the number of coats applied, site-finished hardwood flooring may require 3-5 days to dry before it can be walked on.
Prefinished Hardwood
Prefinished hardwood flooring comes with the finish already applied during manufacturing, allowing for a quicker and more straightforward installation process. Therefore, furniture can be placed on the floor right after installation.
The durable finish on pre-finished flooring makes it easier to maintain, as it offers strong resistance to stains, scratches, and daily wear and tear. However, when it comes to repairs, you’ll typically need to either replace the damaged section or refinish the entire floor for a uniform look.
Making the Decision
Both prefinished and site-finished hardwood floors are built to last for decades. With over three generations of expertise, E_M Custom Flooring & Installations is ready to guide you in choosing the right option for your home. Contact us today so we can help you get started on your upcoming flooring project.
