Unfinished Hardwood Flooring

Wood is beautiful and warm, but if left unprotected, liquids and dirt will ruin the wood. That is why finishes are used. In the freshman years of wood flooring, oils and waxes were used to protect hardwood flooring. The problem with those finishes was that dirt would mix in with the wax/oil and wear down the wood’s surface quickly, leaving the only option of stripping the existing finish and applying new coats of the oil/wax.

POLYURETHANE FINISH

polyurethane finish was developed in Sweden. This product (a thin, no wax “plastic” coating) made wood floors much easier to clean and maintain as well as provided outstanding protection. Since the first “Swedish Finish,” companies have improved the technology to include water-based urethane, safe for installers and homeowners alike (which is what we use, unless otherwise specified).

UNFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORING CONSTRUCTION

Solid unfinished hardwood flooring is milled from a single piece of wood. With unfinished wood flooring, any slight height differences in the boards will be sanded flush during the finishing process, creating a smooth, flat floor. 

Some may prefer an unfinished hardwood flooring option over prefinished material because prefinished flooring has a micro-beveled edge. This means there will be a slight light glare on the material in the grooves between the boards.

Is Unfinished Hardwood Flooring the Right Choice for Your Home Remodel?

It’s important to research flooring materials before you make a final choice. Though unfinished hardwood flooring does offer some great benefits, there are some situations in which it may not be the right fit for your needs.

For example, don’t choose unfinished hardwoods if:

1. You’re installing floors in an area that has moisture fluctuations. Some examples would include a basement, laundry room, or mud room.
2. You’re installing over a concrete sub-floor. Solid woods floors must be nailed down. However, plywood can be installed over the concrete, but this will raise the finished floor at least 1 1/2”above the concrete.
3. Particle board was used a lot as an underlayment. Nails or staples will not hold particle board in place, so it must be removed in order to install a solid hardwood floor. 

Pro tip: Particle board tends to fall apart over time. If you’re installing a new floor, be sure to remove it. However, if the particle board is not removed, a floating floor would be the best alternative.

Want more information on hardwood flooring options? We invite you to learn about the benefits of prefinished hardwood floors and the manufacturers we work with.

Portland’s Choice for Hardwood Flooring

At Floor Factors, we offer a wide range of quality products to fit the needs of any residential or commercial project. As one of the top flooring stores in the region, our product selection includes endless options including hardwood, luxury vinyl, bamboo, cork, laminate, and carpet. 

>Visit our vast showroom for a literal “hands-on” experience. Take a look at our flooring, window covering and countertop samples and find options sure to match your unique style and color palette. Plan a room redesign or a complete renovation using the latest trends in residential and commercial products. 

To learn more about unfinished hardwood offered at Floor Factors, contact us today! We are a trusted architectural flooring resource and can help you select the best flooring choice for your space.