What Are Prefinished Hardwood Floors?

Since their appearance in the late 1940s, prefinished solid-wood floors have improved dramatically in look and performance. Thanks to the wide array of prefinished solid-wood flooring now on the market, it's never been easier to replace or find a match for your old floors.

Wood strips and planks, depending on the brand, are typically coated with multiple layers of an aluminum-oxide-infused craft oil finish or polyurethane cured under UV lights. This process creates an exceptionally hard finish that will last a long time once applied in your home.

There's a wide range of designs and species to suit every style, from traditional oak planks and heavily grained oak strips to exotic varieties featuring rich red and chocolate shades. You can even choose from a range of sheens and surface effects, such as a hand-scraped finish that delivers a distressed, old-world look.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the attributes of prefinished hardwood floors:

• Affordable Price

Homeowners on a budget can install prefinished floors, cutting out the cost of hiring a pro and getting gorgeous results in a weekend. The flooring is easy to maintain, requiring only basic cleaning and occasional touch-ups to the clear coat. And if the surface wears out, you can easily restore it back to looking like new.

Prefinished hardwood floors cost from $3 to $20 per square foot, depending on the species and grade. By choosing a prefinished floor versus and unfinished floor you save time on installation.

• Easy Maintenance

Sweep your floor regularly to remove grit that can abrade the finish, or vacuum with a soft brush attachment. Mop with a microfiber cloth and a cleaner specified by the manufacturer. Skip oil soaps, which break down the finish and leave a residue that attracts dirt.

• Longevity

Hardwood can last anywhere from 10 to 100 years. With proper care, prefinished wood flooring can last as long as your house.

DIY vs. Pro Installation

You may be able to install prefinished wood flooring in a medium-size room in a short period. If you want to hire a professional to install it for you, be prepared to pay roughly $3-5 per square foot for the work.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Prefinished Hardwood Floors?

Pros:

• Easy to install. You can complete an entire installation project within a day.
• Retains its finish. The tough, UV-cured, factory-applied top coat can last longer than a typical one applied on-site. With normal wear, you can expect the finish to last 30 percent longer before you need to screen-and-poly.
• Lasts a very long time. Solid prefinished hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times. To refinish an older floor, there must be at least 2 millimeters left between the top of the boards and the tongue.
• Adds value to your home. Solid hardwood is the only option that will add value to a home.

Cons:

• Higher investment. The cost is steep compared with other DIY options, such as vinyl, laminate, carpet, or ceramic tile.
• Not water-resistant. All wood expands and contracts with changes in moisture, so boards may cup in high humidity and gap during dry spells. This is why prefinished hardwood wood can't be installed below grade and isn't a good idea in baths or laundry areas.
• Sensitive to scratches and dents. Your pet’s claws, unprotected furniture feet, or a dropped heavy item can damage prefinished wood. You can conceal scratches with a manufacturer's touch-up kit, but you'll need to refinish the surface if the damage is extensive.

Order Your Prefinished Hardwood Floor Online!

Are you looking for the perfect flooring to complete your home design? E Hardwoods & Flooring offers engineered wood flooring, solid prefinished wood flooring, vinyl plank flooring, and vinyl tile flooring through our eCommerce store.

To find our more about our products or order your flooring, check out our luxury products online.