What are the pros and cons of pre-finished and site-finished hardwood flooring?

When choosing hardwood flooring, one of the key decisions people face is whether to opt for pre-finished or site-finished wood. Both hardwood types have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your specific needs and preferences. This blog helps you understand the pros and cons of each, aiding you in making an informed decision for your home.
 

Pros of pre-finished hardwood floors
 

• Immediate usability: One of the biggest advantages of pre-finished hardwood floors is that they are ready to walk on immediately after installation. The factory-applied finish is cured and dried under controlled conditions, making the installation process quick and clean.
• Durability: Pre-finished hardwood flooring is often more durable than site-finished floors. The manufacturers apply very tough finishes that are difficult to replicate on-site with manual finishing methods. This makes them more resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture.
• Warranty coverage: Most pre-finished hardwood floors come with an extended manufacturer's warranty on the finish, which can provide peace of mind and reduce maintenance costs over time.

Cons of pre-finished wood flooring
 

• Limited customization: With pre-finished hardwood flooring, what you see is what you get. There are fewer customization options in terms of colors and finishes compared to site-finished wood, which can be a drawback for those looking to match specific design themes.
• Beveled edges: Pre-finished wood flooring planks often come with beveled edges to help hide discrepancies between plank heights. However, these bevels can collect dust and dirt, requiring more meticulous cleaning.

Pros of site-finished hardwood flooring
 

• Customization: Site-finished wood flooring provides unlimited customization options. You can choose the exact stain and finish you want, making it easier to match your floors with the rest of your home’s decor.
• Smooth finish: Because the finishing is done after the floor is installed, you can achieve a smoother, uniform surface without any bevels between the boards. This not only looks more cohesive but also makes cleaning simpler.

Cons of site-finished hardwood floors
 

• Installation time and mess: Site finishing requires sanding, staining, and sealing the floors on-site. This process can be time-consuming and produces a significant amount of dust and fumes, which can be inconvenient and disruptive.
• Longer curing time: The floors may take several days to dry and cure properly before they can be used, which can be a significant inconvenience if you need to move in or resume use of the space quickly.

Visit us for high-end hardwood flooring in Dartmouth, NS, and Moncton, NB

Both pre-finished and site-finished hardwood floors offer unique benefits and drawbacks. Your selection will depend on factors like your need for durability, desire for customization, and your timeline for installation. Understanding these aspects will help you pick the best type of hardwood flooring to meet your needs and enhance your home's aesthetics.
 

Ritchie's Flooring Warehouse proudly offers a wide selection of high-quality flooring options. Our showrooms in Moncton, NB, and Dartmouth, NS, serve Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, Shediac, NB, and Amherst, NS.