How Do Prefinished and Site-Finished Hardwood Floors Differ

Hardwood flooring is a homeowner favorite because no other materials can match its warmth and beauty. It is available in either prefinished or site-finished hardwood floors. Both come with their own pros and cons, which is why you need to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

Reliable Design-Build-Remodel, your trusted exterior and painting services provider, explains further:

Prefinished

With prefinished hardwood floors, you can get a sample and see if it will blend with your home’s design elements like fabrics, cabinetry and wall coverings. They are faster to install because there’s no need to apply stain or sealant. Once they’re installed, you can walk on them and place furniture right away.

However, subfloor flaws may be apparent because there is no sanding process. Repairs are also difficult because when a part of the flooring gets damaged, you may either need to sand the finish off the entire floor or replace the broken portion. Nevertheless, their pros still outweigh the cons, making them ideal for your kitchen remodel.

Site-Finished

On the other hand, site-finished hardwood floors give homeowners more options for customization. For one, they can achieve the sheen and stain they want. The final product will also be smoother and more uniform because they are sanded and stained after they’re nailed down. This eliminates bevels that may attract liquid or food spills, which can cause odors or damage to the wood. If you have existing hardwood floors, you can choose the exact wood species and stain for a seamless look.

The problem is it’s messier to install due to the dust caused by sanding. It can also take a few days before you can put back furniture on the floor.

Work With a Certified Contractor

Regardless of which hardwood flooring you’ll choose, it’s crucial to work with a seasoned home remodeling contractor who has in-depth skills and experience. They can walk you through some of the best options and explain the installation process so you can prepare accordingly. They also have the proper training to complete their work to your satisfaction.

Reliable Design-Build-Remodel is a full service general construction firm and remodeling contractor operating in the Birmingham metro and Jefferson and Shelby County areas and surrounding communities, including Birmingham, Helena, Chelsea, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Homewood, Montevallo, Alabaster, Vestavia Hills, and Pelham, with over 30 years of servicing our valued clients. Offering full service suite of general remodeling, design and build services. Our specialties include bathroom remodeling, kitchen remod eling, exterior renovations, interior renovations, painting, and more!