Site-finished vs. Pre-finished
When it comes to a hardwood flooring purchase, one of the common stress points is choosing how to finish the floors – pre-finished, or site-finished. Here, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of each option. Like what you read? Please pass the information along to your customers and co-workers.
Pre-finished hardwood flooring
The Pros
It’s ready to go. No sanding required in the home, so all that’s left to do is install.
The Cons
Beveled. Because the floors are finished before installing, there will always be slight gaps in between the boards.
Scratches and scuffs from installation.
Can be difficult to refinish.
Wood species used can be discontinued, making replacement more difficult.
Site-finished hardwood flooring
The Pros
It’s smoother. With sanding and finishing done on site, the floors appear flawless.
It’s gap free. No microbevel results in a flush, flat floor.
It’s better for kitchens. Since there isn’t any bevel, food and debris won’t get trapped.
It’s full of options. Choose from a wide range of colors, finish types. If you can find it pre-finished, you can get the same look site-finished.
It’s easier to refinish. Because there aren’t any additional hardeners used, it’s easy to sand down the floors, add a new finish, and get a good-as-new look.
It’s easier to get a custom look. Site-finished allows to add borders, herringbone patterns, basket weaves, or inlays for a look that’s uniquely yours.
It’s always in stock. Unlike pre-finished flooring, the wood species used for site-finished floors won’t be discontinued down the road.
The Cons
The finishing process is done after the floor is installed, which means you may have to wait a couple days longer to use your new floors.
Sanding is done on-site, which creates dust. But with the evolution of floor sanders, much of the dust is captured in filters and easily discarded.
When you weigh all the pros and cons, site-finished flooring clearly outperforms its pre-finished counterpart. You’ll get a smoother, better looking floor that will also last longer.
Ready for a perfectly finished hardwood floor? Contact Timberline today.
