Engineered wood flooring is available in three main types: unfinished, finished, and pre-finished. Each type has unique advantages and considerations to suit different buyer needs. In this comparison, we’ll explore the differences between these types of engineered wood flooring.
| Feature | Pre-finished Engineered Wood Flooring | Finished Engineered Wood Flooring | Unfinished Engineered Wood Flooring |
| Finishing Status | Factory-applied finish | Factory-applied finish | No factory finish, requires on-site finishing |
| Customization | Limited, choose from available finishes | Limited, choose from available finishes | Extensive, allows for custom staining, sealing, and finishing |
| Installation Time | Shorter, no need for on-site finishing | Shorter, no need for on-site finishing | Longer, requires on-site finishing |
| Cost | Moderate | Moderate | Can be lower, but additional cost for finishing materials and labor should be considered |
| Durability | Good, undergoes curing process in factory | Good, undergoes curing process in factory | Depends on quality of on-site finishing |
| Mess and Odor | Less, finishing is done off-site | Less, finishing is done off-site | More, sanding, staining, and finishing can create dust, fumes, and odor |
| Matching Existing Flooring | May be challenging, limited to available finishes | May be challenging, limited to available finishes | Easier, can be custom finished to match existing flooring |
| Design Possibilities | Limited to available finishes | Limited to available finishes | Extensive, allows for custom colors, sheens, and finishes |
Unfinished Engineered Wood Flooring
Unfinished engineered wood flooring offers a unique opportunity for homeowners and designers to create truly custom floors that perfectly match their vision.
Unlike pre-finished flooring, which comes with a factory-applied finish, unfinished flooring allows for on-site customization through staining, sealing, and finishing.
Benefits of Unfinished Engineered Wood Flooring:
- Customization: Unfinished flooring allows you to choose the exact color, sheen level, and finish type to match your design preferences and existing decor.
- Seamless Repairs: Unfinished flooring makes it easier to repair scratches, dents, or other damage, as you can sand and refinish the affected area without having to blend in with a pre-existing finish.
- Matching Existing Flooring: If you’re adding new flooring to an existing space with older flooring, unfinished wood can be stained to match, creating a cohesive look.
- Increased Durability: On-site finishing can result in a more durable floor, as multiple coats of finish can be applied to protect the wood.
Considerations for Unfinished Engineered Wood Flooring:
- Installation Time: Unfinished flooring requires additional time for staining, sealing, and finishing on-site, which may prolong the installation process.
- Cost: While the upfront cost of unfinished flooring may be lower than pre-finished flooring, the additional cost of finishing materials and labor should be considered.
- Mess and Odor: On-site finishing can result in dust, fumes, and odors, underscoring the need for proper ventilation and safety measures.
- Skill Level: Applying finishes requires some skill and experience to achieve professional results, so hiring a professional installer may be advisable.
Finished Engineered Wood Flooring
Finished engineered wood flooring provides a convenient and stylish flooring solution for both homeowners and designers. Unlike unfinished flooring, which necessitates on-site finishing, finished flooring arrives pre-sanded, stained, and sealed from the factory, ready for immediate installation.
Benefits of Finished Engineered Wood Flooring:
- Convenience: Finished floorings require no on-site refinishing or re-fabrication, reducing the time and effort required during installation.
- Consistency: Factory-applied finishes ensure a consistent look and quality across all planks.
- Less Mess: Since finishing is done off-site, there is less dust, fumes, and odor during installation.
- Durability: Factory finishes are applied under controlled conditions, resulting in a durable and long-lasting floor.
Considerations for Finished Engineered Wood Flooring:
- Limited Customization: Finished flooring offers limited options for customization, as you are limited to the colors and finishes offered by the manufacturer.
- Less Flexibility: Once installed, the finish cannot be changed easily, so it’s essential to choose a finish that matches your design aesthetic.
- Cost: While the upfront cost of finished flooring may be higher than unfinished flooring, the overall cost may be lower when considering the cost of finishing materials and labor for unfinished flooring.
- Matching Existing Flooring: It may be challenging to match finished flooring to existing flooring or decor, so it’s essential to choose a finish that complements your space.
Pre-finished Engineered Wood Flooring
Pre-finished engineered wood flooring is similar to finished wood flooring, but also a popular choice for those seeking a beautiful and durable flooring option that requires minimal on-site finishing.
This flooring option arrives pre-sanded, stained, and sealed from the factory, providing a ready-to-install solution for homeowners and designers.
Benefits of Pre-finished Engineered Wood Flooring:
- Convenience: Pre-finished flooring removes the requirement for on-site finishing, reducing the time and effort needed during installation.
- Consistency: Factory-applied finishes ensure a consistent look and quality across all planks.
- Durability: Pre-finished flooring undergoes a curing process in the factory, resulting in a durable and long-lasting finish.
- Less Mess: Since finishing is done off-site, there is less dust, fumes, and odor during installation.
Considerations for Pre-finished Engineered Wood Flooring:
- Limited Customization: Pre-finished flooring offers limited options for customization, as you are limited to the colors and finishes offered by the manufacturer.
- Cost: While the upfront cost of pre-finished flooring may be higher than unfinished flooring, the overall cost may be lower when considering the cost of finishing materials and labor for unfinished flooring.
- Matching Existing Flooring: It may be challenging to match pre-finished flooring to existing flooring or decor, so it’s essential to choose a finish that complements your space.
The choice between unfinished, finished, and pre-finished engineered wood flooring depends on your preferences for customization, installation convenience, and durability.
Each type offers its own set of advantages and considerations, so it’s important to carefully evaluate them before making a decision.
