In this issue of "Doug Talks..."
Hardwood Flooring
Without a doubt, hardwood floors are one of the top ways to add value to your home. They can make a home more enjoyable too, with an upscale yet warm and inviting feel. Deciding on hardwood flooring is just the beginning, though. You have countless options regarding the type of hardwood floors, the finish you want, how to install them, and more.
One of the first choices you should consider is whether you want to install unfinished hardwood and finish it on-site or install pre-finished hardwood. Here’s how you can compare your options:
The Benefits of Finishing Your Hardwood On-Site
The “old-fashioned” way to do hardwood flooring is to install unfinished flooring and then sand and stain it on-site. Check out the benefits this option can provide:
More Finishing Options
If you’re someone with a specific vision you’re trying to build, this could be your best bet. With pre-finished hardwood, you’re limited to the woods and stains a manufacturer decides to use. With on-site finishing, it’s more customizable.
No Bevels
With pre-finished hardwood, you don’t sand it, so the bevels keep planks from having sharp edges if the subfloor is not completely flat. While the bevels are subtle, some homeowners dislike the look and opt for on-site finishing to avoid it.
The Benefits of Pre-Finished Hardwood Floors
As compelling as on-site finishing is, pre-finished hardwood floors have their advantages as well:
A Simpler Process
This is the most appealing benefit of pre-finished floors for some homeowners. With unfinished flooring planks, you have to live through installation, sanding, and finishing. With pre-finished planks, it’s a quick installation and you’re ready to go.
The Potential for a Better Finish
Pre-finished hardwood floors are finished at a factory. In most cases, this means you’ll get a more consistent and even finish. Of course, we’re not saying you can’t get a consistent finish by finishing your floors on-site. It will depend on your contractor’s skill level. If you’re planning on installing your own floors or if you’re not splurging on a high-quality contractor for installation, pre-finished floors will be a safer choice.
Wood floors can increase the value of your home by 3-5% and 95% of consumers prefer hardwood for the common living areas (i.e. living room, dining room, and family room.)