There was a time when most solid hardwood floors were sanded, stained, and sealed in the home, but today, most wood floors are finished in the factory. Prefinished hardwood flooring has become a popular choice for homeowners seeking the beauty and warmth of hardwood flooring in Akron, OH without the hassle and mess of on-site finishing. But is it the right fit for your home and lifestyle?
Learn about what prefinished hardwood flooring, prefinished hardwood flooring pros and cons, and more! When you're ready, visit Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design in Akron, OH. We offer many trendy prefinished plank styles.
Table of Contents
- What is prefinished hardwood flooring
-
Prefinished hardwood flooring pros and cons
- Pros of prefinished hardwood floors
- Cons of prefinished hardwood flooring
- Additional prefinished hardwood flooring facts
- Visit Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design for beautiful hardwood floors in Akron, OH
What is prefinished hardwood flooring
The first question you may be asking yourself is: what does prefinished hardwood flooring mean?. Prefinished hardwood flooring is a type of hardwood flooring that comes with the stain and protective finish already applied at the factory. This eliminates the need for on-site sanding, staining, and sealing, making installation faster and less disruptive. Each plank is meticulously finished with multiple coats of durable finish, ensuring a consistent and beautiful appearance throughout the floor. Prefinished hardwood is available in various wood species, colors, styles, and finishes, offering a wide range of options to suit different tastes and preferences.
Prefinished hardwood flooring pros and cons
Pros of prefinished hardwood floors
Durable Finish
Flooring contractors cannot access manufacturer-grade sealants, meaning the finish applied to traditional wood floors is not as durable. Instead, prefinished planks have rugged surfacesthat withstand heavy foot traffic and daily wear and tear.
In addition, the finish on a top hardwood flooring brand maintains its good looks, rather than wearing thin or dulling, for 25 years or more. These advancements in durability, along with increased affordability, make prefinished hardwood an excellent choice for homeowners seeking long-lasting beauty and value.
Finish Warranty
Manufacturers are so confident in the integrity of their sealants that they offer a finish warranty in addition to a product warranty. For example, Shaw guarantees that the finish will not wear through or peel off the wood flooring during the warranty of the product you purchase.
Similarly, Mohawk warrants that the factory-applied finish will not wear through its wood floors. These additional warranties provide consumers with peace of mind, assuring them that their investment in hardwood flooring is protected against potential wear and tear for years to come.
Faster Installation Time
Prefinished hardwood flooring arrives at your home with the stain and protective finish already applied in a controlled factory environment. This means that once the planks are installed, your new floors are immediately ready for use. There's no waiting for stain to dry, no lingering odors from finishes, and no need to vacate your home during the messy sanding and finishing process.
This streamlined installation process not only saves time but also minimizes disruption to your daily life, allowing you to enjoy your beautiful new floors sooner.
Reduced VOC Emissions
Prefinished hardwood typically emits fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than site-finished floors, contributing to better indoor air quality and a healthier living environment. This is because the finishing process, which often involves the use of paints, stains, and sealants containing VOCs, is done in a controlled factory setting where emissions can be better managed and regulated.
This reduced VOC emission is especially beneficial for individuals with sensitivities or respiratory conditions, as it minimizes their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals and allergens.
Cons of prefinished hardwood flooring
Limited Refinishing Options:
While prefinished hardwood floors can be refinished, the number of times is limited due to the thin veneer of real wood. Over-sanding can expose the core layers, compromising the floor's integrity.
Bevels and Gaps:
Prefinished planks often have beveled edges, which can accumulate dirt and debris. Additionally, slight variations in board thickness can lead to unevenness or gaps over time, especially in high-traffic areas or fluctuating humidity.
Difficult Repairs:
If a prefinished plank is damaged, it's challenging to repair without replacing the entire board. Unlike site-finished floors where you can sand and refinish the affected area, prefinished floors require a more involved repair process.
Additional prefinished hardwood flooring facts
Factory Precision: The factory setting for prefinishing allows for precise application of multiple coats of finish, resulting in a more even and consistent coating compared to site-finished floors. This consistency translates to a more uniform appearance across the entire floor.
UV Curing: Many prefinished hardwood floors undergo a UV curing process, where ultraviolet light is used to instantly harden the finish. This creates a highly durable surface that's resistant to scratches, scuffs, and fading, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Micro-Beveled Edges: Most prefinished hardwood planks come with micro-beveled edges, which are slight grooves that run along the length and ends of the boards. These bevels help to mask minor imperfections in the subfloor and prevent the edges from chipping during installation. However, they can also trap dirt and be slightly more difficult to clean than square-edge planks.
Visit Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design for beautiful hardwood floors in Akron, OH
Barrington Carpet & Flooring Design installs wood flooring in Akron, OH, and other locales, including Uniontown, Copley, Hartville, and North Canton. Our many services include design consultation, project management, and free in-home measurement.Return the online request form for a free virtual consultation at home, or stop by our Akron, OH, showroom today to shop for prefinished hardwood flooring.
